Opening supportive housing project with Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray
Clark with West Kelowna Food Bank executive director Lenetta Parry.
She says she wants to be sure that UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College are providing the grads required by tech industries, but she also sees the need for curriculum changes at the high school level.
“We need to make sure we are delivering a curriculum for kids in high school, an animation curriculum for example, that would be specifically applicable to the jobs that you can get at Disney here,” she says. “Those kids can go from high school with very little post-secondary education and go straight into a job, if that’s what they want to do. Buy a home, start their life, get married, have kids—all those things right out of high school, we should be making that possible.”
It’s the marriage of post-secondary institutions with the private sector that will bring true economic bliss, Clark says. “No one wants to go and get a four year degree and find out that it is not useful, and have to go back and do another degree.”
For Clark it is about getting the mix right for educational funding, making sure it matches the real needs of the economy and matching up education with jobs for people.
“Because of the liquefied natural gas industry alone, we’ll be creating more jobs in British Columbia than we have people for, so we better make sure every British Columbian has access to the training they need to take advantage of those jobs. I want British Columbians to be working in those jobs first.”
Clark also sees the LNG strategy providing a payoff for the Okanagan. She says her government will act as a “matchmaker,” connecting BC businesses with the multi-national corporations behind the proposed projects.
“These huge multi-national companies are coming in, locating in BC and they do hundreds of billions of dollars of business around the world. We want them to put down roots in our communities and we want them to buy as many products from British Columbia as possible.”
Clark is already praising the work of local companies like Penticton’s Britco, which has the ability to supply all the temporary housing needs for LNG; Vernon’s Kal Tire, the world’s leading earthmover and mining tire specialist; and West Kelowna’s Alpine Helicopters.
Looking ahead
Less than a year into her mandate, the Valley’s newest MLA has already made her mark in the annals of British Columbia politics. The second woman to serve as premier, Clark has held this position the longest and was the first to lead her party to victory in a general election. While Clark has not yet established a residence in the Valley, her local constituents are eager to see how the premier will make her mark as an Okanagan MLA.
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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row]Read more of the original stories celebrated in our 30th-anniversary issue.
Wine reviews: Valley expressions of bold red wines
As seen in [downloads ids="156027" columns="1"] Summerland Pyramid Winery 2014 OM Organic MeritageKelowna, Okanagan Valley1/2 $65 This Bordeaux blend is very new-world in style. Full-bodied and robust, it is a wonderful presentation of ripe dark fruits...
Beautiful blends
Even a blend of one or two percent can make a significant difference in wine, says sommelier Mike Lee.
Kitchen Confidential with Todd Laidlaw of True Grain Bakery
Baking up a storm with heritage wheat
Retail Real Estate Revolution
Okanagan developers are reviving urban centres with a mix of workplaces, greenspaces and lofty living.
Whites: Best of BC Wine Awards 2018
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In the kitchen with Kristina Klein at EATology
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Wine reviews: Sperling Sparkling Brut
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Back in the swinging sixties, I was six and still enjoying playground swings. It was not until I was out of my brown school uniform and had started working that I realized what I’d been missing out on, fashion-wise. My hard-earned money...
Gordon Lightfoot Tribute by John Paul Byrne
Enjoy live music and wine in our Jacko's Underground Lounge. Doors open at 5pm! Pizza always available and Charcuterie for pre-purchase. John Paul Byrne's Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concerts are selling out in the Okanagan as most all performances have people raving...
Local singer-songwriter brings Gordon Lightfoot’s timeless music to life at Creekside Theatre
John Paul Byrne delivers a rich and authentic experience that honours the legendary Canadian icon KELOWNA, BC – Fans of folk music are invited to a special evening at Creekside Theatre in Lake Country on October 9, 2024, as local singer-songwriter John Paul...
READ MY MIND – the Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Show – October 9, Creekside Theatre
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Quintland: Five strong story sells
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Tuition credits for story writers
Could you write a short story in only three hours? What if you had to include a random phrase such as, “frozen fish sticks,” “dead hamster,” or “jumper cables?” That’s what students in Grade 11 and 12, and those attending Okanagan College can expect when competing in...
Spot hiring for Y lifeguards
The YMCA of Okanagan will host an Aquatics Day of Hiring on October 3 at the WorkBC, Capri Centre offices to recruit lifeguards and swim instructors - and offer spot hiring. For or those who are interested in becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor please attend the...
