Minister's Statement on Education Week

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has released the following statement in celebration of Education Week 2025:

"As we mark Education Week from April 21-25, we take this opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of students throughout British Columbia. This week also recognizes the dedication of the teachers, support staff, school administrators and trustees who make our education system one of the best in the world.

"Our government is committed to ensuring our students succeed and thrive in their education, and continues to invest in initiatives that support students, families and educators. 

"We are making historic investments in school food programs to ensure no student needs to learn on an empty stomach. This year, we signed onto the National School Food Program, adding $39 million over three years in federal funding for food programs. This is in addition to $71.5 million in annual funding already provided through B.C.'s Feeding Futures program. Since we introduced Feeding Futures in 2023, almost 90% of schools in B.C. now have school food programs. We know access to nutritious food is essential for learning and we are committed to working toward all students being able to access the food they need to thrive in the classroom.

"Through the new Ministry of Infrastructure, we are working to meet the demands of growing communities and increasing student enrolment by continuing to invest in modern, safe and inclusive learning spaces. During the next three years, our government will invest a record $4.6 billion for new school construction, seismic upgrades and expansions.

"In addition to supporting student well-being, we are strengthening policies to create safer and more focused learning environments. At the start of this school year, all school districts implemented policies to limit cellphone use in classrooms, and we are expanding digital literacy training to help students and families navigate online spaces safely and responsibly. We are committed to ensuring students are safe inside and outside the classroom, which is why we are also working to ensure all students receive CPR learning before they graduate.

"Since we formed government, we've more than doubled funding to school districts for inclusive supports and services - it's almost $1 billion this school year. Two provincial school outreach teams are doing excellent work with schools throughout B.C. to support students with disabilities or diverse learning needs. These teams, which include specialists, such as speech-language pathologists, learning support teachers, behaviour analysts, school counselors and other professionals, have provided support at 52 schools in 27 districts so far, particularly focusing on rural and remote communities. We've provided more than $9 million over three years in provincial funding to launch and expand these teams.

"Additionally, we are rolling out supports from our $30-million investment over three years to enhance early literacy supports, particularly for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. By expanding early screening and intervention, we are supporting school districts to meet the literacy needs of all their students.

"To address teacher shortages and ensure students continue to have access to qualified educators, the Province has allocated $12.5 million over three years for teacher training, recruitment and retention, with a particular focus on rural, northern and Indigenous communities. We've also heard through sector engagement that a key area for retention is mentorship, which is why we are working with sector partners to re-establish a provincial teacher mentorship program to further support teachers in their roles.

"I extend my sincere gratitude to all educators, school leaders and support staff who dedicate their time and energy to making British Columbia's education system strong and inclusive. Your efforts empower students and help build a brighter future for our province.

"As we celebrate this year's Education Week, I am pleased to reiterate our government's ongoing commitment to making schools safe and inclusive, a place where every child has a right to show up as their authentic self, while having the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive."