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NEWS RELEASE |
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For Immediate Release |
Ministry of Community and Rural
Development |
KAMLOOPS
– A $60-million commitment will help the Job Opportunities Program create
immediate employment and help workers in all industry sectors and communities
impacted by the economic downturn, announced Lynne Yelich, federal Minister of
State for Western Economic Diversification, and Bill Bennett, British
Columbia’s Minister of Community and Rural Development.
The
Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia will each contribute up
to
$30
million toward the provincial program. Eligible projects will assist smaller
communities that have experienced significant job losses or loss of a major
employer and lack alternative employment opportunities. This funding is part of
an ongoing commitment to invest in British Columbia communities and support the
economy. Project proposals are due by July 24, 2009.
“Our government’s number one
priority is to stimulate our economy and create jobs for Canadians,” said
Yelich. “Federal funding under the Community Adjustment Fund to expand the Job
Opportunities Program is just one example of how our government is helping to
strengthen communities and keep British Columbians working during these
challenging economic times.”
“The
Province is taking action to create as many jobs as quickly as possible in
order to help workers and families through this time of economic upheaval,”
said Bennett. “This funding will create jobs when and where they are most
needed, while at the same time upgrading infrastructure, improving the
environment and in many cases, providing workers with new skills that will
benefit them as the economy recovers.”
One
such project will be implemented through the British Columbia Cattlemen’s
Association. The association will receive more than $5.5 million to deliver
several different range fencing-related components on crown land, including
fence line protection and replacing aging fences. This project will create
jobs, strengthen local economies and provide much-needed fences along
rangelands to protect both cattle and people.
This project is in keeping with the goals of the
federal and provincial governments, as detailed in Canada’s Economic Action
Plan and British Columbia’s Ranching Task Force, which are both working to
create and maintain jobs for a strong, vibrant and sustainable economy.
The
Government of Canada’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program will
support projects that meet all the federal requirements for funding under the
Community Adjustment Fund. The contribution under Canada’s Economic Action Plan
will help stimulate the economy and keep Canadians working during the economic
downturn.
The
Province of British Columbia’s $30 million was first committed in Budget
2009/10 as part of its commitment to provide stability for workers and
communities, maintain the workforce during the economic downturn and help British Columbians gain new
skills to be successful in the future.
The Job
Opportunities Program was first announced in May 2008 as one component of the
$129-million Community Development Trust. So far, more than 6,000 workers and
their families have been helped through the Trust.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces,
industry associations and communities to promote the development and
diversification of the western economy, co-ordinates federal economic
activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in
national decision making.
For more information about the Job Opportunities Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/.
For more information on the Ranching Task Force, go to: www.ranchingtaskforce.gov.bc.ca.
For more information on the Community Adjustment Fund in the West go to:
www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/11269.asp.
For more information Canada’s Economic Action Plan, go to: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Contact: |
Leanne Ritchie Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Community and Rural Development 250 387-4089 Elaine Stovin British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association 250 573-3611 |
Donna Howes |
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.
