British Columbia and Ontario want to create a better and more responsible international education system that is needed.
In the world of education, British Columbia and Ontario are working together to tackle problems caused by some private colleges that take advantage of international students. This effort comes after the Canadian government decided to limit foreign study visas for two years.
In British Columbia, the Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Selina Robinson, said they’re planning to announce new measures to improve the quality of international education. This is because there have been concerns about unfair practices affecting students. At the same time, Ontario is developing a plan to stop unfair recruitment, especially by private colleges, and is closely looking at how they recruit students. Both provinces want to create a better and more responsible international education system.
The federal government, through Immigration Minister Marc Miller, has decided to limit international study visas for two years to control the system and reduce pressure on housing and healthcare. However, there are worries about the impact on schools, like layoffs and closing programs, especially in provinces with many international students, such as Ontario.
Miller, talking on CBC’s Power & Politics, pointed out that British Columbia and Ontario have private schools giving out what he calls “fake” degrees. He stressed that provinces need to play a big role in making sure the education system is honest. The changes by the federal government include stopping work permits for international students in private schools that work with the government, which is a big reason students choose private colleges. British Columbia sees these changes as a chance to have more control over who comes into the province, matching it with what the job market needs.
Despite worries about how these changes might affect schools, especially in places like Ontario, the goal is to make education more responsible and fix the problems in the system. The focus is on bringing in international students who have skills that are needed in the job market, helping the economy. The changes want to make a fair and lasting international education system while holding those accountable who use it for their own gain.
On a different topic, the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, announced a plan to limit distractions from phones in schools. The plan includes strict rules to reduce mobile phone use and fight against addictive content from social media in public schools. Some people think this action is long overdue, while others praise it for reducing online bullying and making a better learning environment. Eby, knowing the challenges kids face today, says it’s important to deal with the risks of technology. This plan is part of a bigger strategy to create a safer and more focused school atmosphere. School boards will have the power to make rules about phones, considering the needs of students who use them as learning tools.