B.C. parents group asks election candidates to commit to three education priorities

The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils is asking every party and candidate in the upcoming provincial election to commit to three priorities for public education.

"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."

The organization, which represents parents of over 600,000 students, outlined its priorities in a statement ahead of the Oct. 24, 2026, vote.

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Its first priority is adequate and stable funding. It notes per-student funding rates are unchanged this year while costs keep rising, forcing many districts into difficult budget decisions.

Parents are asking for funding that keeps pace with rising costs and reflects student needs, so every school has the resources and supports necessary to provide a quality education, the group said.

The second priority is timely support for students with disabilities and diverse abilities. The group said too many families wait too long for assessments and support.

It said every student, including students with disabilities and diverse abilities, deserves timely help and enough education assistants and specialists to make inclusion work in practice.

The third priority is access to mental health support in every school and continued work to make every school a place where all students belong.

"Children learn best when they feel safe, welcome and supported," the group said.

Rempel said the group looks forward to working with whoever forms the next government.

"Parents are ready to be partners," she said. "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.

The organization is an independent, non-partisan, and volunteer-led group that has represented the parent and caregiver voice in the K-12 public education system in BC for more than 100 years.

The group acknowledged recent years have seen some progress, including school food programs and new school spaces.

British Columbians prepare to vote on October 24, 2026.

With files from Education News Canada