Future health professionals in Prince George will benefit from an additional student spaces at the Justice Institute of British Columbia to get the training they need as primary care paramedics to provide the high-quality health care B.C. families deserve.

The B.C. government is providing $138,400 in one-time funding to the institute for 15 full-time student spaces to be offered in Prince George for 2012-13. These seats will support the BC Ambulance Services' paramedic recruitment and staffing needs.

This funding is part of an almost $2.4 million investment to support an additional 261 students in health-care programs at nine colleges, universities and institutions in the province.

One-time funding to improve access to health-education programs helps to meet immediate and projected employment needs in the health-care field throughout the province. B.C.'s post-secondary system is helping to provide faster, safer and better health care for individuals and families throughout British Columbia by ensuring students in the health-care professions have the skills and training they need to succeed in the future.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

"Providing health-care training in the North means students can stay at home, reducing costs and time away from family."

"The Justice Institute does an exceptional job of training and it's important these opportunities and additional student spaces are being provided around the province and in response to the need to recruit more paramedics."

Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

"The importance of health-care professionals is something that cannot be overstated. The ministry is recognizing current and future employment needs in the field and we're going to see this really pay off in the long run."

Jack McGee, president, JIBC -

"JIBC has a mandate to provide training for justice and public safety professionals across the province. The additional funding provided for this program by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology will help to fulfil our mandate and ensure that students have access to the education and training that they need, closer to home."

Learn More:

To learn more about the Justice Institute of British Columbia, visit: http://www.jibc.ca/

For information about the program and how to apply, visit: http://bit.ly/TmYiWc

Contact:

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400