| Office of the Premier Sept. 20, 2011 KAMLOOPS - As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan', to be released Thursday, Premier Christy Clark announced key steps to increase the number of post-secondary students from other countries studying in B.C. She also announced how the Province will work with partners to ensure education and training are offered to British Columbians so they can work in the regions where they live and study. "International students who study in B.C. create thousands of jobs and bring millions of dollars into local economies," said Clark. "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." Under the Jobs Plan, the Province is setting a goal of increasing the number of international students by 50 per cent over four years. International students in B.C. currently generate 22,000 jobs and bring an estimated $1.25 billion into the provincial economy. Each 10 per cent increase translates into an estimated 1,800 new jobs and a $100-million boost to the provincial GDP. To achieve this goal the Province will:
"Our educational institutions are renowned for their quality, which is what drives nearly 94,000 students a year to B.C. to further their education," said Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto. "We are currently engaging with institutions and communities on a more targeted, co-ordinated and strategic approach that takes advantage of the growth opportunities and maximizes the economic, social and cultural benefits for B.C. communities to remain successful in what is a hugely competitive environment." "As a university with nearly two decades' experience, and a student population that reaches every corner of the globe, we know how important having solid international relationships are to building a culturally diverse and stimulating educational experience for all our students," said Alan Shaver, president of Thompson Rivers University. "It's encouraging the Province is taking a leadership role on international education - a strong partnership going forward that works towards top-quality education and good international relationships will position B.C.'s universities and colleges well in an increasingly competitive world." "TRU and the community of Kamloops have worked together to build a Canadian success story in International Education," said Environment Minister and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA, Terry Lake. "As mayor, I travelled to China on a number of occasions on behalf of TRU and they have been extremely successful, developing relationships with many institutions in close to 100 countries." "The lessons learned from TRU's success will be valuable as the Province seeks to grow our international education programs," said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger. "We've all seen the benefits of international education here in Kamloops and this co-ordinated strategy will help us meet the labour demands ahead and help grow our economy." A full International Education Strategy will be released later this year. Under the B.C. Jobs Plan, the Province is also taking a multi-pronged approach to ensure funds are spent so that British Columbians get the education and skills training they need to allow them to work and prosper in their home communities. Currently, post-secondary education funding amounts to nearly $2 billion annually and skills development/ job training receives over $500 million annually. "Under the B.C. Jobs Plan, the Province will ensure funds being spent annually on labour market and training programs are better targeted to meeting regional and industry needs and that Aboriginal people, the fastest-growing demographic in B.C., will be an important part of our future economic planning," said Clark. "This is part of our commitment to ensure British Columbians are able to train and work in the communities where they live." The Province will:
To accelerate growth, the B.C. Jobs Plan also leverages the strengths of our most competitive sectors - resource, knowledge and infrastructure - to bring new dollars into our economy from our most important trading partners. Clark will announce the full B.C. Jobs Plan on Thursday. Two backgrounders follow. Media Contacts: Chris Olsen -30- For Other Ministries: Karen Murry Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect BACKGROUNDER 1 Office of the Premier International education brings benefits to B.C. Strategic focus to international education: The Province's International Education Strategy will provide social and * Build on existing long-term relationships with key countries, like China, * Develop strategies to more effectively target international students to * Work with institutions, and their home communities, to ensure they are * Take a leadership role amongst provinces, and work collaboratively with * Expand and strengthen our focus on Education Quality Assurance, a * Develop an international education council and, through use of B.C.'s * More effectively encourage students who attend and receive Dogwood * Encourage study abroad opportunities, including exchanges, for B.C. Government is currently engaging with institutions and local governments on B.C. as an international education destination: British Columbia has become one of the world's most popular destinations for * The top five countries sending students to B.C. to take post-secondary * The top five countries sending students to study at private language * The top five countries whose students are enrolled in B.C.'s elementary * The top five countries with students attending all school types, from K-12 International education as an economic driver: International education is helping to drive B.C.'s economy, creating an * Mainland/Southwest - more than $950 million in GDP and over 17,000 jobs. On a local level: By the numbers: Projected benefits by the numbers: * 1,800 - the number of new jobs estimated to be created in B.C., if Media Contacts: Chris Olsen For Other Ministries: Karen Murry Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect BACKGROUNDER 2 Office of the Premier Skills training programs have strong regional jobs focus Over the coming decade, British Columbia is projected to have over one The goal is to ensure British Columbians can fill job opportunities in Aligning skills training to where the jobs are and to the needs of the local * Regional Workforce Tables will be created in partnership with employers, Ensuring training and skills development will match the needs of sectors * The Province will provide up to $6 million annually to industry sector * A trades training conference to be held this year will bring all partners Attract British Columbians to job opportunities: * The B.C. Jobs plan will invest in new online tools to better inform * New Employment Service Centres located in 98 communities across the Match new British Columbians to regional job opportunities: * Skilled newcomers to B.C. are important to ensure the province is able to * International students support local economies and invest in training that Media Contacts: Chris Olsen For Other Ministries: Karen Murry Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect -30- | |
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