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TERRACE – Terrace will be one of the first communities to receive funding to support forestry workers affected by the trends and conditions of the forest sector through the Community Development Trust, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.
“Forest workers have much-sought-after
skills, and the Job Opportunities Program puts those skills to use on community
improvements,” said
The city estimates it will be able to provide short-term employment for 15 to 20 workers through projects involving stream restoration, fuel management, and recreation site and trail maintenance.
“We are
pleased to receive these funds, and they will provide both an excellent
employment opportunity and the community will benefit from the improvements
provided by these projects,” said Jack Talstra, mayor of Terrace.
The $26.25-million Job Opportunities Program is targeted at providing short-term employment opportunities in forest-dependent communities facing economic and social challenges due to the downturn in the forest industry. The program’s goals are to reduce the impact of current layoffs and retain skilled forestry workers for the anticipated future upturn.
A forestry-dependent community or organization and forest licensees or forest contractors working in co-operation with a forest-dependent community are eligible to submit an expression of interest to the Job Opportunities Program. Since the program was announced, 58 submissions have been received.
The Job Opportunities Program is one component of the Community Development Trust, which was announced in May of this year. B.C.’s share of the federal trust is $129 million over three years with funds also directed to a Tuition Assistance program and Transition Assistance for Older Workers program.
“The Community Development Trust is a new opportunity for towns and
cities affected by the downturn in the forest industry,” said Blair Lekstrom,
Minister of Community Development. “I encourage other communities facing the
same challenges to check out the Trust and identify projects that would qualify
for funding.”
For more information about the Community Development Trust and the Job Opportunities Program, please visit www.labour.gov.bc.ca/cdt/.
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Contact: |
Sophia Proctor Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592 |
Mayor Jack Talstra City of 250 635-6311 |
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