B.C.'s first ever public school of traditional Chinese medicine is being launched at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) Richmond campus.
The province's Advanced Education Minister, Amrik Virk, made the announcement at KPU on Jan. 24 and got needles stuck in his arm for his troubles.
Thankfully, it wasn't a case for the Mounties, as Virk was partaking of a demonstration on acupuncture, one of the many disciplines that would be taught at the new school.
"At the end of the day, our focus is on giving British Columbians more choice and greater options in health care," said Virk.
The government appointed a Parliamentary Secretary for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Dec. 2013 and now, with the selection of the host post-secondary institution, the next step will be the creation, later this year, of a program advisory committee. "Establishing the public school at Kwantlen Polytechnic University is an opportunity to strengthen and consolidate British Columbia as the country's leader in traditional Chinese medicine," said TCM Parliamentary Secretary and Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee.
"Currently, B.C. has no traditional Chinese medicine schools in its public post-secondary system. Having the school in the public sector will complement the six private schools already operating within the province that are accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency and recognized by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of British Columbia," Lee said.
"This is a unique opportunity," said KPU president Alan Davis.
"We are excited to start working with the province to make the school a reality."
