Media Advisory: Today - Students & faculty in Victoria with a message to government: Support ESL skills training

VICTORIA, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ -

WHO:	English as a Second Language (ESL) faculty and students from across the province, representing more than 10,000 faculty and staff.
WHAT:	Following the BC government's massive cuts to ESL skills training at post-secondary institutions, faculty and students will again travel to Victoria today to send a strong message to Christy Clark and Minister of Advanced Education Amrik Virk.
	Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC president Cindy Oliver will be in attendance, together with presidents of affected faculty associations from across British Columbia.
WHEN	MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2014
& WHERE:
	10:50 AM: Students and faculty will assemble at the legislature before watching the proceedings from the Gallery.
QUOTE:	"Representatives of over 10,000 faculty and staff who work in colleges and universities across the province are in the Legislature this morning to hear what the government is prepared to do for ESL students. We are joined by students in the visitors' gallery because they share our concern about the cuts to ESL programs. If the Premier and her Minister of Advanced Education are serious about their Jobs Plan, ESL programs need to be a part of that Plan and we're hoping to hear that point supported in this morning's debate." – Cindy Oliver, president of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC

FAST FACTS:

• This spring, the BC Ministry of Advanced Education announced an end to ESL funding at post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. As a result, ESL classes have been cancelled and job losses have begun among ESL faculty.
• Thousands of students across the province will have no options to complete their English-language skills training.
• The majority of immigrants arrive in BC as university-educated skilled workers, but more than half of skilled immigrants can't find work in their chosen field, often due to language barriers. 45% of immigrants aged 15 to 24 reported that language barriers were the most serious obstacle facing them.
• English language courses are the most sought-after type of career-oriented educational training taken by new immigrants. They are taking much more than conversational English. They are acquiring the sophisticated reading, writing and verbal interaction skills that allow them to function effectively in the modern workplace.
• ESL students are BC's future job creators. Professionally delivered ESL training provides skilled immigrants with the English-language skills they need to succeed on the job.
• Adult education is a provincial responsibility; students and faculty are urging Premier Clark and Minister Virk to restore ESL training funding immediately. Students graduate from ESL training programs, start businesses, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities.

SOURCE: Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC

For further information: For the media: Paul Nixey | Nixey Communications | 778.918.7285 | [e-mail]