Jennifer Rice reacts to restoration of Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning funding

Prince Rupert -North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice is pleased with Premier John Horgan’s announcement that tuition fees for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) have been eliminated.

“No British Columbian should have to pay to upgrade their skills or for a high school diploma,” Rice said in regards to the restored ABE funding, “I recognize that people leave school for different reasons, but cost should never be a barrier to return. I am proud to be part of a government that makes good on campaign promises”

Rice added that the elimination of fees for English Language Learning will help new residents to B.C. and Canada integrate into the wider society.

“New residents of our province should have fewer barriers to integration, not more,” she said. “I hope all residents requiring either ELL or ABE will utilize these great opportunities being restored by the New Democrat government.”

The decision announced by BC Premier John Horgan reverses cuts made by the previous B.C. Liberal government in 2015, which allowed universities and colleges to charge up to $1,600 per semester for full-time adult learners.

The announcement was made in anticipation of the 2017 fall semester to bolster enrollment.