BC CONFEDERATION OF PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS
BC Parents Call on All Parties to Commit to Three Priorities for Public Education

As British Columbians prepare to vote on October 24, 2026, the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) is asking every party and candidate to commit to three priorities that matter to families in every community in the province.

"Public education impacts every family in BC, no matter where they live or how they vote," said Alicia Rempel, President of BCCPAC. "Parents aren't asking for anything new. Public education is foundational to the success of our province, so we're asking for real investment in a strong public education system that every child needs to learn and thrive, and we want to hear how each party plans to deliver this. "

1.Stable, adequate funding

Recent years have seen some progress, including school food programs and new school spaces. But per-student funding rates are unchanged this year while costs keep rising, and many districts are facing difficult budget decisions. Parents are asking for funding that keeps pace with rising costs and reflects the needs of students, so every school has the resources and supports necessary to provide a quality education.

2.Inclusive education for every learner

Too many families wait too long for assessments and support. Every student, including students with disabilities and diverse abilities, deserves timely help and enough education assistants and specialists to make inclusion work in practice.

3.Safe, healthy schools

Children learn best when they feel safe, welcome and supported. Parents are asking for access to mental health support in every school, and for continued work to make every school a place where all students belong.

"We look forward to working with whoever forms the next government," said President Rempel. "Parents are ready to be partners. We encourage families to ask their local candidates where they stand on these three priorities before they vote."

After the election, BCCPAC will write to the Premier with recommendations for the new Minister of Education and Child Care's mandate letter.

About BCCPAC

The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils is an independent, non-partisan, and volunteer-led organization that has represented the parent and caregiver voice of over 600,000 students in the K-12 public education system in BC for more than 100 years.