NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008ALMD0054-001311 Aug. 29, 2008	Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
GOVERNMENT ASSISTS MACKENZIE FOREST WORKERS

MACKENZIE – The B.C. government is investing more than half-a-million dollars in training programs to help displaced forest workers in Mackenzie overcome a lumber and paper manufacturing downturn in their community, announced Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell.

 

            The Province is committing $549,000 in additional funding to the College of New Caledonia to start new programs as soon as possible at the college’s Mackenzie campus, giving forest workers affected by mill closures opportunities to add to their skills.

 

             “Government recognizes that communities and forest workers are facing unique challenges in this difficult time and that’s why we’re providing the kind of assistance that will make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Bell. “These workers are a vital part of their community, and these programs will give them more employment choices closer to home.”

 

            The College of New Caledonia will use their additional funding to provide training in millwright and industrial mechanics, culinary arts, home support resident care, and college and career preparation.  The new programs are expected to start between September and November 2008. Eligibility and enrolment details will be available through the college in the near future.

 

             “The College of New Caledonia strives to provide its students with the skills, leadership and experiences today’s workforce demands,” said College of New Caledonia president John Bowman. “These programs will introduce skills people can use to transition into new employment and help rebuild the community.”

 

            The College of New Caledonia is based in Prince George and has eight campuses in the northern region serving 5,000 students.

 

             “One of the strengths of B.C.’s post-secondary education system is that it reaches all communities, and we can provide programs tailored to the specific needs of workers when they need them,” said Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

 

            Today’s funding builds on other programs available to help support B.C. communities and forest workers coping with the challenges of a changing industry, including $129 million from the Community Development Trust.

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