NDP MLAs say Burnaby families will receive help with costs of school activities and supplies

BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Katrina Chen, Raj Chouhan and Anne Kang say families who are struggling with expenses for school activities will be receiving more support from their school districts.

“We understand the importance of supporting families to provide for their children’s educational needs,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “By investing in essential school activities and supplies, we’re empowering our youth to thrive academically and socially without economic barriers.”

“We need to take tangible actions that make a real difference in the lives of our children,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “This funding helps address some immediate needs while we continue to lay the groundwork to improve the lives of our children and community.”

Burnaby School District (41) is receiving $740,000 from the province to help schools provide support directly to families.

Funding will help pay for student necessities, such as school supplies, school fees and class trips, as well as additional costs associated with joining a school sports team or music program.

“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances,” said Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds. “By directing additional funding towards school activities and supplies, we’re levelling the playing field for all students in Burnaby.”

“Investing in the well-being and education of our youth is a priority for us,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “By bolstering support for school activities and supplies, we’re fostering a sense of belonging and community within our schools.”

The support comes from the Student and Family Affordability Fund, which is being replenished with an additional $20 million this spring. More than $60 million has been provided to school districts provided through this program over the past two years.

This is on top of the largest investment in school food programs in the province’s history. The Feeding Futures Fund has dedicated $214 million over three years to create and expand local school food programs.

Burnaby School District (41) received $2,925,795 from the province for food programs during this school year.

Learn More:

Student and Family Affordability Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024ECC0013-000293

Feeding Futures Fund: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023ECC0020-000424