Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk today has announced the appointment of Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee as Parliamentary Secretary for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"The Parliamentary Secretary will take on an important role as we progress on plans for the new public school of traditional Chinese medicine," said Virk. "The Parliamentary Secretary will be my representative on the program advisory committee, aimed at ensuring the school is what the community expects and has the high-quality programming it deserves."

Submissions to host the public school are currently being reviewed after a request for expressions of interest went to public post-secondary institutions. An announcement on the final selection is expected to be made in early 2014, followed by the creation of a program advisory committee.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining a wider acceptance in the health and well-being of British Columbians," said Minister of International Trade Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat. "It is important that government provides the necessary support for the implementation of a robust traditional Chinese medicine program."

Under the direction of the Advanced Education Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary will be a special advisor to the program advisory committee and will be the liaison between the program advisory committee and the broader community.

"A public school of traditional Chinese medicine enhances the breadth of opportunities offered in our provincial system," said Lee. "It will add to our world-renowned brand, and once open, will deliver on a promise we made to B.C."

The Parliamentary Secretary is to provide a report to the Minister of Advanced Education by May 31, 2014, to identify potential opportunities and challenges with the establishment of the new school of traditional Chinese medicine.

The commitment to create an environment for a school of traditional Chinese medicine at a British Columbian publicly funded, post-secondary institution was included in the February 2013 speech from the throne and is a government platform commitment.

Media Contact:

Catherine Loiacono
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400