The decision to institute an ERP model for probation officers/family justice counsellors led to concern by Branch managers and the government employees union. The ERP model could create a barrier for institutional employees wishing to move into community corrections. The concern arose from the practice of trainees paying tuition and expenses while in training, and undertaking training on their own time. The Corrections Academy and Corrections Branch addressed this concern by providing selected in-service applicants’? with full tuition subsidy and educational leave with full pay. In some locations, the course was offered on a part-time basis to assist individuals who had not received educational leave. A bursary fund was available to assist students requiting financial assistance for courses and living expenses. British Columbia exports corrections training In the 1990s, the Corrections Branch and Justice Institute of B.C. began to share its expertise through international training. By 2000, Abu Dhabi considered the Justice Institute its primary training institute and staff from B.C. delivered training in adult and youth corrections. International training would continue to spread to other areas of the United Arab Emirates, Asia, Africa and Europe. Paul Pershick, Director of Corrections and Community Justice Division (IBC), recounts these initial experiences: “My experiences in South Africa and Abu Dhabi make me feel extremely proud about our provincial corrections system and the staff who work in it. We are considered world leaders in corrections training. While continuing to refine our system, we have a responsibility to assist countries that seek our help. Emerging partnerships are enabling the Justice Institute to make this important contribution. I foresee that such international co-operation will eventually lead to rewarding opportunities for Corrections Branch instructors. 4 Correctional Officer, Dave Michaud, delivers a SAM session at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (2000), Corrections Branch Archives 13 Six in-service employees could receive this subsidy on each course. 14 CorrTech Quarterly, Corrections Branch, Fall 2000, p. 8. 244 Corrections in British Columbia