The British Columbia Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) and the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) have issued the following joint statement on the outcome of their recent exploratory discussions:

Engaging B.C. businesses on the benefits of becoming "disability confident", sharing best practices and encouraging inclusive employment were on the agenda during a visit this week from an internationally recognized expert.

The new Provincial Office for the Early Years will focus on the needs of families with children up to age six and help ensure they have easy access to a range of early-years services no matter where they live in B.C.

A community-based approach to education and training will enable Aboriginal learners in the Lower Mainland to access training that will help prepare them for further education, and develop skills for careers in the trades.

With the technology hub in B.C. growing rapidly, students and industry leaders conveyed their skills training needs at a roundtable discussion with the Minister of Advanced Education and the Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services.