One thought, perhaps Vancouver (City) is too bloody expensive to live in and raise a family. And perhaps those WITH money prefer private schools. Or perhaps its because there is already classroom overcrowding.

Mind you, there are people that are like me and would rather have a dog then a child.

I think Vancouver is seeing the effects of last year's job action and strike. As a secondary school teacher I know of 5 students that have left for the independent school system from my grade 10 and 11 classes. If it were people moving to Alberta it would have a greater affect on the younger grades (generally younger families). This is a case of shooting one's self in the foot. All you have to do is check independent school registration to confirm this.

This is news!?! Lesskids less familes and the job action. Very tough for families who actually can pay to live in Vancouver then have teachers who won't do report cards. Especially when students are getting in senior grades and need marks for college or university.

It is always interesting to see evidence of people who say they are so intelligent and well informed display such ignorance. But she is a member of Moonbeam Vancouver (aka Vision Vancouver) so anything is possible.

First, the birth rate throughout the western world has collapsed and most countries, Canada included. This has huge implications down the road and any school system run by people who do not understand this is run by the uninformed.

Second, it costs too much to live in Vancouver. But this is the way the Moonbeams want it. But that generally means that people with kids will choose to live elsewhere. And, those who can afford to stay in Vancouver often have the money to send their kids to private school (aka places where they will get a real education not influenced by the moonbeams).

Third, as someone who was born and raised in Vancouver, as was my spouse, we saw a long time ago that it was not the best environment to raise children. So, we left. Evidently, we are not alone.

Whenever I read about what Mayor Moonbeam and his gang are up to, I am so thankful that we left.

Why waste money on tracking. All of the comments made in this news blog are correct and the reasons sound.

But it is the left way to study everything when we already know the answers.

Calgary's Mayor is deciding whether or not to run next year. he is very sensible and has represented Calgary well....Cant say the same about Mr Moonbeam (love the name) in Vancouver

As has already been pointed out:
1) due to the cost of Vancouver living, many of us moved to the 'burbs...just look at how much Surrey's student population has exploded;
2) many take one look at the school ratings, listen to the BCTF spout it's doom & gloom about the system, and switch their kids to the private system;
3) the family "dynamic" in Vancouver has changed, the pressure from society to have kids is almost non-existent, as is the pressure to not be single (and own a dog instead)