George Abbott, former BC education minister, with a panel of school, student, and parent representatives discuss BC's education policy today and what is needed for the future success of students. The conversation will be moderated by Katie Hyslop, Education and Youth Reporter for The Tyee.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

George Abbott has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in politics and public service. Most recently, he was BC’s Minister of Education (2010-12), successfully launching such initiatives as the BC Teachers Council, the BC Education Plan and full-day kindergarten.

George also served as Minister of Health for four years (2005-09). His leadership in prevention, primary care, acute care, pharmaceutical management and health practitioner regulation helped establish BC as a leader in Canadian health care.

Mr. Abbott served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (2009-10), Minister of Sustainable Resource Management (2004-05) and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services (2001-04). From 1996 to 2001, George served as Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition.

On George’s retirement, columnist Gary Mason of The Globe and Mail stated, “Abbott will go down as one of the most effective government ministers of the last three decades – or longer. Top notch in every way.”

Prior to his election to the Legislature, he served for 17 years in local government including as Director and Chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District and as a Councillor at the District of Sicamous.

George was a Sessional Lecturer in Political Science at Okanagan University College from 1980 to 1996. He is currently a Sessional Lecturer and doctoral candidate in Political Science at the University of Victoria.

MODERATOR

Katie Hyslop, Education and Youth Reporter, The Tyee

PANELISTS

Cindy Dalgish, Surrey Students Now

Mike Lombardi, former chair, Vancouver School Board

Andrea Sinclair, Parent Advocacy Network for Public Education

Jennifer Stewart, Families Against Cuts to Education, and Parent Advocacy Network