Dear Editor,
Premier John Horgan and the NDP government must be commended for eliminating fees on adult basic education and English-as-second-language students.
A well-educated and literate population is the greatest asset of any nation. It is very unfortunate that the previous B.C. Liberal government had imposed fees on these students in 2014. It has been reported that as a result of this move there was a 35-per-cent drop in enrolment in these classes. For some students it was extremely difficult to afford this extra cost, which was as much as $1,600 per semester for full-time students.
This change in funding will give those people who need to upgrade their basic skills, as well as English language skills, an opportunity to do so without any funding constraints. At the same time, it will enable them to become more productive citizens of this country.
Financially, an amount of $7 million set aside for this purpose from the provincial budget of $50 billion is a drop in the bucket. However, the benefits of this move would be immense.
In my opinion, every Canadian, whether he/she has been in Canada for generations or has just arrived, should make every effort in learning at least one of the two of our official languages – English and French. Of course, in this part of Canada, English is more relevant.
A common language is the bond that binds us all together as Canadians. It also opens up so many doors and opportunities in addition to broadening one’s horizons.
However, everyone, especially New Canadians, may not be able to afford the fees to enrol in the basic education and English-as-a-second-language classes. In this context, the latest move by Horgan and his government should go a long way.
This financial support should complement the commendable work already being done by local community organizations such as RMCS, RCCS and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Balwant Sanghera
President, Richmond Multicultural
Community Services
