News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Workers in communities throughout British Columbia are benefiting from short-term employment as a result of more than $6.5 million in funding for 38 Job Opportunities Program (JOP) projects, announced Community Development Minister Bill Bennett. 

“We’re doing everything we can at the provincial level to support resource-dependent communities that have been particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn,” said Bennett. “Creating jobs is our number one priority in the short term, as we help these communities diversify their economies in preparation for longer-term sustainability.” 

Projects being announced range from fuel abatement and danger tree removal to trail development and range boundary fence construction and repair. 

“The Job Opportunities Program creates employment as well as recreation, forest health and fuel management improvements throughout British Columbia,” said Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. “The program maintains skilled workforces in communities across the North, and positions them to benefit from value-added exports to Asia and emerging bio-energy opportunities.” 

Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger said, “B.C.’s trail system is a vital part of this province’s tourism infrastructure. Several of these JOP projects are helping maintain our trails, which will ensure tourists are able to enjoy the province’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.” 

The Job Opportunities Program is one component of the federally-funded, $129-million Community Development Trust established in May 2008. In July 2009, the provincial government committed an additional $30 million towards the program, which the federal government is matching on a project-by-project basis through the Community Adjustment Fund. 

The Province’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program is 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.

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