No coronavirus at Camosun
Camosun College sent out an email on Thursday, January 30 saying that it is monitoring reports of coronavirus and has a team ready to respond if needed. As of January 30, the college has had no presumed or confirmed cases of the virus. See camosun.ca for updates.
Camosun to receive funding for Indigenous training programs
On Thursday, January 23, the provincial government announced funding for six new two-year training programs in BC Indigenous communities. Camosun is one of the post-secondary institutions receiving the funding. The college, in a partnership with Vancouver Island University, will receive $1,384,785 over two years to provide exploratory trades skills foundation courses to 160 students. The program is sponsored by Industry Trainining Authority BC.
Audit to test government oversight on student money
Canada’s auditor general is looking into how the government manages billions of dollars set aside for student loans every year in the Canada Student Loans (CSL) program. The audit will examine whether student loans are aiding students in making better financial decisions. The audit, which is expected by April of this year, will examine the efficiency of two departments involved in the CSL program—the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada—and look at how well they have managed risks to the public when giving money out to students for loans. The departments’ collection activities will also be examined, and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada will be assessed on its work to improve students’ financial literacy.
Victoria participates in UN tree-planting challenge
On Saturday, January 25, the City of Victoria planted four maple trees in Victoria West Park as part of the United Nations’ Trees in Cities Challenge. The challenge is a global campaign put forth by the UN to promote climate action in cities. Victoria is aiming to plant 5,000 trees by the end of 2020. It’s the first Canadian city to participate in the challenge.
Local NPO offering entrepreneurship training to youth
Local non-profit organization Community Micro-Lending recently announced its upcoming program Enterprising Youth Plus, a free entrepreneurship training program available to youth who self-identify as struggling with mental health. The program runs from February 11 to March 24, and the deadline to apply is February 7. Email info@communitymicrolending.ca for information.