Dear George A. Davison, here is a post-secondary history lesson of my own.
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I'm sick and tired of anyone associated with the education system blaming the lack of funding for the root cause of programs falling off the grid. I'd like to call BS on that and here's why. If you can't fill a classroom, why in God's name offer a program!
But no, some say, the hell with that, we need, we need! Well, I need a new truck. Why will the government not fund my new truck? That's what I need, George, but apparently a new truck for me is not in the cards, I must settle for my current truck and sometimes it's difficult to settle for what we have.
When my son was in school, every once in a while the funding word came up and I worked with it. He had a diagnosis and the school received extra funding on his behalf. Now I know it's never enough, however I advocated for my son and the school worked with me. He succeeded due to this fact: I advocated for him, as did his school, and it worked out, even with or without funding.
Now, George, let's move to post-secondary education. During the complete collapse of the Alberta economy in 1982, I went back to school for the first time.
After four years, I finished and moved to B.C. to start a new career. There was no funding for me and the program still exists.
Why? Employment opportunities after completion.
Then, in 2003, off I went again for another degree and, after completion, new career. Wow, amazing how the education system works and it does work.
Here's the catch: one must take responsibility for one's post secondary education, choose wisely, investigate prior to completion.
"Will I be able to attain suitable employment once completed?" shall be your mantra. As for funding, George, I funded myself by working my way through school, no student loans, employment was my means.
Milton Friedman stated "There's no such thing as a free lunch." However to some in this great province, some things should be free and the government should pay. Well, those of us who've studied economics understand that theory and what it brings.
I love British Columbia. It truly is the greatest place on Earth.
Hard working British Columbians move this province's economy. I know we need labour, just not the rhetoric.
My apologies to Mr. Davison. It's just not economically feasible to have your cake and eat it too.
T. Kevin Beatty
Prince George
