BC NDP would restore Science World program if elected
Posted February 11, 2013 1:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The BC New Democrat Party says they would restore funding to a science program started by the BC Liberals but cancelled last year.
Adrian Dix says he will reinstate Science World tour in our schools if he’s made premier.
Dix says an NDP government would bring back a program that saw Science World tour communities outside the Lower Mainland.
“One million dollars a year, that was the total cost of the whole program and that’s what they got for that cost, that investment by the government. Science World being able to go to 140 communities, and the participation of 190,000 people are year. It’s an extraordinary success story for BC,” he says
He says $1-million is what the Liberals spend on three weeks worth of attack ads.
Dix says BC will need 147,000 more people working in science and technology over the next five years, and this program could inspire students to seek jobs in those industries. “In the long run, the health of our society and our economy will depend on our ability to innovate in science and technology.”
The program was started in 2005.
Teachers in northern BC say the Science World outreach program was vital in directing students toward careers in science and technology.
Christine Slanz is head of the Northwest Science and Innovation Society and says bringing it back would be a big benefit for students in remote areas…
“These students need access to the same experiences as those student located in the Lower Mainland. Currently in northwestern BC, we’re experiencing a surge in development in mining exploration, liquid natural gas, and other alternative energy sources.”
She says they need more students to consider careers in biology, engineering and environmental science.
