Each year, thousands of B.C. students enrol in classes at post-secondary institutions all over the province with programs ranging from trades and technology training to bio-medical engineering and research.

The B.C. legislature today passed Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act. The new legislation suspends teachers' strike action, establishes a "cooling off" period and appoints a mediator to work with the parties toward a negotiated agreement.

The Ministry of Education and the Greater Victoria school district (SD 61) have signed a project agreement to replace Oak Bay High school to better serve students and families.

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.