How many times have you heard a friend say they can’t find a plumber or there’s a six-month wait for a construction worker? Perhaps you’ve heard someone say that fields like cybersecurity and biomedical research lend themselves to long and successful careers, but they don’t know how to pursue those jobs. Career and technical education addresses all of these issues, and so much more.
Maine’s 27 career and technical education centers serve over 8,000 high school students and many more in adult education programs. These programs train Mainers to enter high-growth industries. They are constantly responding and reacting to the needs of our local economy and closing the skills gap. They also provide an important educational opportunity for the many students who find their strengths lie outside the traditional classroom.
Career and technical education is essential to our communities, but we’re not giving it the investment it needs. Career and technical education programs are at their best when they have modern equipment and resources to train students on the most updated aspects of their fields. Yet there hasn’t been a significant investment in career and technical education since 1998.
In some places, private funding helps fill the void where state funding falls short. Kevin Stilphen, principal at Portland Arts and Technology High School, or PATHS, says that a grant from EnviroLogix has brought their health occupation courses to a new level. The generous gift from EnviroLogix allowed PATHS to build a new biomedical science lab and obtain computers with virtual-reality capabilities. These state-of-the-art tools prepare students in the program to become credentialed and enter the industry immediately. Every program in every career and technical education center in Maine wants to provide these kinds of tangible opportunities to their students. But when they don’t have the equipment currently used by the industry, they’re at a loss.
For each career and technical education center that receives upgrades, many communities benefit. PATHS is a great example, with 14 different cities and towns sending students to their programs. This means that an investment in PATHS gives 14 communities worth of Mainers better access, exposure and training to critical fields. The result is a stronger workforce in every one of those municipalities.
But private funding and grants are not reliable or recurring. The state needs to step up to the plate and invest in career and technical education across the board.
In the Legislature, there are several options on the table to increase funding for career and technical education, two sponsored by one of the co-authors of this op-ed, Assistant House Majority Leader Ryan Fecteau. L.D. 859 and L.D. 1947 put forth two different bond proposals that would allow for capital improvements and equipment upgrades at career and technical education centers across the state. Sen. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, has sponsored another bill, which would increase career and technical education investment through a general fund appropriation. No matter what the approach, we need to get more funds to our career and technical education programs.
Throughout Maine, we need a trained workforce. It is so important that we pair workforce needs with skilled employees. One way to do that is by preparing students for the jobs that will always need to be done and that will never be automated – welding, plumbing, carpentry, the list goes on. These are a few of the many fields for which career and technical education provides training, and that support our local communities and economies.
Investing in career and technical education is just smart. We have these incredible programs at our disposal that are doing everything in their power to provide our children with a high-quality educational experience that they deserve. Simply stated, career and technical education gives Maine students the academic and technical skills they need for postsecondary and workplace success. These programs are preparing students to fill jobs that provide essential services to our community members. And these programs are supporting industries and municipalities across Maine that make our entire state stronger.
It’s about time we increased our investment in these programs. The cascading benefits for our students, economy and future are well worth the cost.
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TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
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