Minister of Education George Abbott has issued the following statement: "Last week, I introduced Bill 22, which sets a cooling off period and suspends the teachers' union strike action while calling on the assistance of a mediator.

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon has issued the following statement: "The B.C. Teachers Federation has mounted an illegal picket line outside several government buildings in Victoria and is encouraging unionized staff not to enter their workplaces.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living on Salt Spring Island will have access to a free English-language tutoring program, thanks to new funding of $8,000.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living in Quesnel will have access to a free English-language tutoring program, thanks to new funding of $7,500.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living in Nanaimo will have access to a free English-language tutoring program thanks to new funding of $7,162.

More new immigrants, refugees and their families living in Fort Nelson will have access to a free English-language tutoring program, thanks to new funding of $8,000.

Minister of Education George Abbott issued a statement on Bill 22.

New capital funding announced as part of Budget 2012-13 will allow an expanded zone office and new provincial wildfire training centre to be built in Merritt.