New Democrat leader Carole James today highlighted the need for stability and long-term planning to begin addressing the challenges facing the K-12 education system.

James spoke at an event with parents in Kamloops today to highlight the crisis in rural education.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve travelled the province speaking with our partners in education about what steps we can take to strengthen education and learning. And I heard from parents, teachers, support staff, administrators and boards of education from across B.C. that stability, certainty and long-term planning are critical first steps,” said James.

“Here in Kamloops, it’s no different. Rural families here are bearing the brunt of the B.C. Liberal government’s mismanagement and short-sighted cuts. Parents are being forced to choose between bussing their children more than an hour each way, or keep their rural school but without key resources like a principal, librarian and support staff. It’s a no-win situation."

James added that the provincial government's downloading of unfunded costs is having a direct impact on kids and their education. Whether it's the cancellation of annual facilities grants or downloading of new costs like higher hydro rates and MSP premiums, B.C.'s kids are paying the price.

“What B.C. needs is a government that’s prepared to make education a priority and work with boards of education to ensure they have the ability to meet the needs of B.C. students, no matter where they live.”