Funding Boost For More Trained Caregivers

Apr 18, 2018 | 4:18 PM

VICTORIA — The B.C. government says it’s spending $3.3 million to create new health-care assistant training spaces in 11 post-secondary institutions across the province. 

Institutions include the College of New Caledonia campus in Mackenzie with $145,000 to provide 12 additional seats, the College of New Caledonia campus in Quesnel with $150,000 to provide 15 additional seats, the regional campuses for Northwest Community College with $160,000 to provide 16 additional seats, Northwest Community College in Masset with $160,000 to provide 16 additional seats and Thompson River University in Williams Lake with $155,000 to provide 18 additional seats. 

Officials say it’s part of a strategy to increase staffing levels in residential care facilities and community care sectors.

The province says there are currently about 28,000 healthcare assistants providing personal support services for seniors, people with disabilities and those with acute or chronic illnesses.