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“The Omineca Beetle Action Coalition has made good
progress identifying new ways to diversify and help stabilize beetle-impacted
communities,” said Coleman. “The mining and alternative energy strategies
recently completed by OBAC are prime examples of the excellent work the
coalition is doing for the Omineca region.”
OBAC is addressing 12 priority topics with its
strategy development. The coalition will use the $870,000 to help complete its
remaining strategies – which include agriculture, tourism, forest products and
fibre use, regional infrastructure, and community services – to stimulate
economic growth and job creation.
“This funding adds to our momentum and moves us one
step closer to the brighter future that we’re building with the help of
government,” said Omineca Beetle Action Coalition chair Len Fox, also the mayor
of Vanderhoof. “In the short term, this money is helping us to build capacity
and prepare for the future. Over the longer term, these strategies provide us
with a road map that we can use to work across our region and with senior
levels of government to diversify the economy and build more resilient
communities in the future.”
OBAC will
integrate the strategies as they are finished into a comprehensive economic
development and diversification plan to be submitted to government in 2009 for
review and decision on implementing recommended actions.
“The Province is investing in communities in a way
that reflects local aspirations and economic prospects that will grow over
time,” said Prince George North MLA Pat Bell. “The work being led by OBAC will
help accelerate the development of other resource sectors such as agriculture,
oil, gas, mining, tourism and recreation.”
“The
accomplishments and work done by the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition are
commendable,” said Prince George-Omineca MLA John Rustad. “They’re mapping new
ways to exploit opportunities that will enable the region to mitigate the
social and economic challenges created by the pine beetle.”
“Co-ordinating and working with those most directly
impacted is part of our strategic approach in responding to the beetle and
mitigating impacts of the infestation,” said Prince George-Mount Robson MLA
Shirley Bond. “OBAC is a dedicated group with the necessary know-how to help diversify
and revitalize local economies for strong, prosperous futures.”
“This government is showing support for our northern
economies by addressing the impact of the mountain pine beetle epidemic,” said Bulkley
Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKAY. “Supporting OBAC is an investment in the
economic success of our communities and will help determine a plan for our
future.”
OBAC has now received $2.57 million from the
Province since September 2005 to plan for the future stability and
diversification of affected communities such as
OBAC is one of three groups receiving funding and
support from the Province for developing response and recovery strategies
specific to their region. The Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition has
received $2.75 million to date while the Southern Interior Beetle Action
Coalition has received $850,000.
Encouraging
immediate and long-term economic sustainability for communities is part of the
provincial Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan. For more information on the action
plan, or to download a copy, visit www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle online.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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