MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION
Rob Fleming Spring is always an exciting time, bringing a sense of eagerness and renewal, and it can be an especially busy time for people in the construction and facilities industry. It is in the education sector too. Adding to our optimism this spring is the news that our government’s budget for 2020 includes more than $20 billion for B.C.’s schools over the next three years. Our three-year fiscal plan also includes a record-high $2.8 billion to improve and replace aging schools, add more spaces in growing communities, and accelerate seismic upgrades for B.C. students. With this increased investment, we’re moving forward on our priorities to make sure students have safe, healthy, and comfortable schools, giving the go-ahead to capital and maintenance projects throughout the province. Not only are we funding at record highs – we are streamlining processes to help us get from greenlight to ground breaking faster, with project offices in Surrey, Vancouver, and Richmond to accelerate school construction where it’s needed most. With the support and expertise of the Educational Facility Managers Association of B.C. (EFMA BC) members, we’re improving schools for students throughout the province, investing over $1.8 billion in school capital projects since September 2017. As of the end of February 2020, we have approved seismic upgrade projects at nearly triple the rate of the previous government, investing $935 million to date for 41 projects that will create almost 25,000 safer student seats. That’s in addition to the $625 million we’ve invested so far to add nearly 11,000 new seats throughout B.C., so fewer students are spending their days in portables. We are also supporting upgrades to school infrastructure with $218 million for energy upgrades, maintenance projects, and new buses in 2020, a $32.6-million increase from what was provided in 2016-17. This includes a $12.2 million increase to the Carbon Neutral Capital Program, from $5 million per year to $17.2 million per year for projects that reduce emissions and operating costs. More than 25,000 children are enjoying new playgrounds at 101 schools throughout B.C. with an investment of $10 million over the past two years through the Playground Equipment Program, and we will continue to invest in this program this school year. All B.C. public schools are now providing free menstrual products for students in school washrooms, and we should all be proud that other jurisdictions are now following our lead on this to make sure students have access to the products they need. I know that EFMA members play an integral role in the success of these programs and in carrying out the work that needs to be done to ensure our students are safe and comfortable, and our critical school infrastructure is kept in shape. We will continue to build on this track record of investing in schools and students. We know there is more to be done. Still, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and are committed to giving students the education and opportunities they deserve. Together we are investing in schools, classrooms, and in a better future for our children. Sharing your expertise is a great way to better support B.C. students, and I invite you to reach out to my ministry if you have any feedback on how we can better support your work. n 12
Ops Talk • Spring 2020
