Additional $26 Million Invested in B.C.’s Nursing Strategy

The B.C. Government is investing an additional $26 million in the B.C. Nursing Strategy, announced Health Minister George Abbott.

• This year's investment provides education and support for front-line unit managers, an expanded undergraduate nursing program to support student nurses on work terms, support to increase the number of Aboriginal nursing students and graduates in B.C. and ongoing integration of nurse practitioners into the health system.
• Since 2001, the Government has invested $120 million to educate, recruit and retain nurses.
• Since 2001, more than 2,500 new nursing spaces have been created in post-secondary schools in B.C., a 62 per cent increase.

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ITA Reports Trainees Up 80 Per Cent After Two Years

The Province’s Industry Training Authority (ITA) has exceeded its performance targets for the second year in a row and has reported a steady increase in the number of trainees, apprentices and businesses willing to sponsor them.

• In 2004, the ITA set two-year targets of 24,000 registered apprentices and 8,500 employers taking them on.  On its second anniversary, the Authority surpassed its goals in every measure.
• Over the past year, the Authority awarded credentials to 2,899 people, 20 per cent more than its target.
• There are 3,259 youth participating in high school apprenticeship programs, almost 280 per cent more than when the ITA was formed and 30 per cent over the target.

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B.C. Arts and Culture Organizations Receive Over $2 Million

Arts and culture organizations have received $2,181,181 from the B.C. Arts Renaissance Fund since March 1, 2006.

• Grants were awarded to 17 organizations, 13 of them for the establishment of permanent endowments.
• The $25-million fund aims to secure the future of arts and culture organizations by matching contributions they raise to build permanent endowment funds.
• Income generated from the capital of the endowments helps secure long-term financial stability and provides new opportunities for the growth of the organization.

Homeowner Grant Amounts, Threshold Increased

Small Business and Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe is reminding British Columbians to check if they are eligible for the homeowner grant as a result of the threshold enhancements announced in this year’s provincial budget.

• For the 2006 tax year, the basic homeowner grant has increased to $570 from $470. 
• For recipients who are 65 or over, disabled or a veteran, the grant has been increased from $745 to $845.
• The threshold of assessed value at which the homeowner grant begins to phase out is now $780,000, an increase from $685,000.  The change ensures 95 per cent of homeowners are eligible for the full grant.

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Legislature Unanimously Supports New Class-Size Legislation

Every member of the Legislative Assembly stood up to support and pass legislation establishing new class-size limits and accountability measures this week.

• No class in grades 4-7 will have more than 30 students, except with the consent of the teacher and the approval of the principal and superintendent.
• No class will have more than three identified special needs students, except with the approval of the principal and superintendent and prior consultation with the classroom teacher.
• No class in grades 8-12 will have more than the current district-wide average maximum of 30 students, except with the approval of the principal and superintendent and prior consultation with the classroom teacher.