David Eby and the BC NDP will build a new school in Campbell River

Plan to replace Cedar Elementary with new school includes rebuilding the Laichwiltach Family Life Society (Photo: David Eby/Facebook)

By BC NDP Communications

CAMPBELL RIVER – David Eby has announced that a re-elected BC NDP government will deliver a new school in Campbell River to replace Cedar Elementary School, which will include rebuilding the Laichwiltach Family Life Society.

“A great local school sets our children up for a lifetime of success,” said Eby. “After years of cuts under John Rustad’s old government, we’re building new schools in every corner of the province and hiring thousands of new teachers. There’s much more to do, including building a new elementary school in Campbell River. With Michele Babchuck’s strong advocacy, we’ll get the job done.”

The new Cedar Elementary will be a cornerstone of the community. It will provide space for the Laichwiltach Family Life Society, which was formerly housed at Cedar Elementary until a fire partially destroyed the annex. The organization provides essential daycare and healthcare services to Indigenous people throughout the region, directly supporting over 1,000 people a year.

“We’re making sure that all students in BC, regardless of where they live, have access to spaces to learn and grow. A new elementary school will provide kids in Campbell River with the opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” said Babchuk. “The Laichwiltach Family Life Society will also have a new home in a brand new facility here to help support their critical work with kids, Elders, and families.”

Last week, David Eby and the BC NDP’s election platform, An Action Plan for You, was released and included new supports for K-12 students, including:

Attracting more teachers to high-need areas of the province through incentive programs.

Making sure every public school has a mental health counsellor, freeing up principals and teachers to do the work they need to do to teach kids the basics.

Staffing each kindergarten to grade 3 classroom with an EA to support complex needs and to support before- and after-school care programs.