"Can you See Me Now" tour --- Christy Clark touches down in Kamloops

Christy Clark's, "Can you See Me Now" tour dropped into Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops today.  The purpose???  To announce the government has, "... a goal of increasing the number of international students by 50 per cent over four years.”

She stated that the province will bring this about through: 

• an international education council to help build strong relationships in both existing and emerging economies, like China, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. 
• by leveraging B.C.’s trade offices to help connect international students to B.C.’s educational opportunities. 
• by working with communities to prepare them to welcome students from abroad.
• by strengthening the Province’s Education Quality Assurance.
• and by sending more B.C. students overseas to prepare them to work in a global economy.

She also stated that, “International students who study in B.C. create thousands of jobs and bring millions of dollars into local economies.  Our universities are job creators. We are setting clear targets to dramatically increase the number of international students coming to B.C. These students will also help build strong relationships between B.C., Canada and the rest of the world.”

SHE … her government … plans to increase international student enrollment by 50%  -- I find that interesting.

The Pacific Carbon Trust is a shell game

I, along with many others, think and believe that the Pacific Carbon Trust (PCT) is nothing more than a shell game that shuffles money around … and gives the illusion that a lot is being done to reduce our carbon footprint.  In reality very little is being accomplished by the PCT.

One thing however is certain; LARGE parts of school and hospital budgets are being diverted into the Pacific Carbon Trust to reward large corporations rather than school children, the hurt, the injured, the elderly … and now perhaps even the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) as well.

Last year, the education ministry provided the BCCPAC with $100,000 in operating funds and $150,000 for special projects. "Unfortunately, we are unable to meet your request to provide those same grants this fiscal year and will need to provide support in a non-financial manner," Abbott stated in his letter.

Given that the government forced the local school district in the Kamloops region to cough up $125,000 to pay Pacific Carbon Trust, that more than enough for the BCCPAC operating funds.

That is only the tip of the iceberg however.