Education Week Celebrates Student, Educator Success

Eight outstanding British Columbians were recognized for their educational contributions and achievements this week by Education Minister Shirley Bond as part of Education Week in B.C.

• The B.C. Government proclaimed March 27-31 Education Week to emphasize the importance of education to our economy and to British Columbians as a whole.
• Minister Bond presented each recipient with a certificate of appreciation and a book during a ceremony at the B.C. Legislature.
• One of the Five Great Goals of the BC Liberal Government is to make B.C. the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.

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Mileage Rates Increased to Support B.C.’s Foster Parents

The B.C. Government has increased the mileage rate for foster parents to help offset added expenses caused by rising fuel costs, Children and Family Development Minister Stan Hagen announced.

• The Government is raising the rate foster parents are reimbursed for extra driving by 50 per cent to $0.30 per km.
• The mileage limit to receive the reimbursement has been reduced from 370 km per month to 325 km per month.
• More funding is also going to boost training and support for foster parents.

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Apology Act Promotes Dispute Resolution

Legislation introduced this week will allow corporations, governments and individuals to offer an apology as part of their dispute resolution process without fear of legal liability.

• The introduction of the Apology Act supports the Government's goal of reforming the civil justice system and making laws fair for all British Columbians.
• The Act is based on a Private Member's Bill originally introduced by Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt.
• Wanting an apology during dispute resolution is human nature, say many experts.  This legislation will permit that without potential legal ramifications.

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Spirit of BC Arts Funds Grants Announced

More than $400,000 of Spirit of BC Arts funding was awarded to 59 arts, cultural and heritage projects, announced Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Olga Ilich.

• Funding for the grants is provided through the Spirit of BC Arts Fund, a special $20 million account created to support arts and cultural activity leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Interest earned from the fund supports the Spirit of BC Opportunities Program and the Spirit of BC Commissioning Program.
• The next application deadline for the Spirit of BC program is July 15, 2006 for commissioning projects.

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Province Funds “Highway of Tears” Follow-Up

$50,000 from the provincial government will help support recommendations from a community symposium on the disappearances and murders of women on Highway 16.

• $25,000 of funding is being provided by both the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• The RCMP is attending the symposium to outline the status and progress of their ongoing investigation into the deaths or disappearances of women along the highway dating back to 1990.
• The $50,000 is in addition to the $24,500 contributed by the Government toward the cost of organizing the symposium.

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