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PORT MCNEILL – The Community Development Trust is providing $116,330 to reduce the risk of forest fires around Woss, Community Development Minister Blair Lekstrom and Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.
“The residents of Woss identified
reducing fire hazards as a priority and the Job Opportunities Program is
employing local forest workers to make that happen,” said
“The Community Development Trust is one of our key tools to assist families during this difficult time,” said Lekstrom. “We are pleased to be able to support workers while assisting the community to meet its fire safety goals.”
The project includes the cleanup and removal of natural fire hazards as well as wood, construction and household waste that has been disposed of in one section of forest, southeast of Woss. The project will also develop a fire barrier around the community and create a residents awareness program around waste management and reducing the risk of forest fires.
“This is a great opportunity to employ 10 forestry workers here in Woss,” said Buzz Walker of the Woss Residents’ Association. “The benefits of this project will be long-lasting. We would also like to thank Chris Bowden-Green for taking the initiative and doing such a great job in applying for this funding and following it through to the end.”
The
$26.25-million Job Opportunities Program is helping to reduce the impact of
current layoffs on workers employed in the forest industry, retaining skilled
forest workers for the anticipated future upturn, and preserving the
characteristics of the labour force in forest-dependent communities.
Forest-dependent communities or organizations, licensees and contractors working in cooperation with a forest-dependent community are eligible to submit a project proposal to the Job Opportunities Program. So far, 57 projects totalling more than $9.5 million have been approved in communities across the province.
The
Job Opportunities Program is one component of the Community Development Trust,
which was announced in spring 2008. The trust provides $129 million over three
years, with funds also directed to a Tuition Assistance program and Transition
Assistance for Older Workers Program.
For more information about the Community Development Trust and Job Opportunities Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/
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Contact: |
Vivian Thomas Communications Manager Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-5728 Buzz Woss Residents Association 250 281-4230 |
Leanne Ritchie Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Community Development 250 356-0979 |
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