July 29, 2010
$1.3 Million Helps Link Workers With Island Jobs

CAMPBELL RIVER - The Job Opportunities Program and the Island Coastal Economic Trust is providing approximately $1.3 million in funding to assist Vancouver Island communities by providing jobs and improvements to area trails and recreation sites, said Ministry of Community and Rural Development Minister Ben Stewart.

"The North Island region has been hard hit by the economic malaise, so it is important for us be involved with an initiative which helps us retain our resource industry workforce," said Island Coastal Economic Trust chair, Barry Janyk. "Our investments will not only yield short- term employment and economic benefits for displaced forestry workers and their communities, but will also improve and help revitalize the region's tourism infrastructure."

"Cost-sharing among organizations is a practical way to achieve the maximum benefit for Island families," said Stewart. "Through this joint funding, trails are improved and recreation sites are maintained giving unemployed resource workers some additional work experience leading to future job opportunities."

Thirty-three workers will tackle five projects underway in a variety of communities. The work involves trail and recreation site improvements as well as fuel management.

"These projects will mean improvements including wheelchair accessibility at Lighthouse Country regional trail, a safety upgrade at Upana caves near Gold River, and building a new trail as part of the Port Hardy Loop," said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae.

"This is all about workers gaining access to employment opportunities," said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron Cantelon. "We need to be ready as the economy improves, and this way, workers are enhancing their skills as well as getting a paycheque."

The three-year, $86.25-million Job Opportunities Program, now in its final year, was first announced in May 2008 as a component of the Community Development Trust through funding provided by the Government of Canada. In July 2009, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia each committed up to an additional $30 million toward the program.

The Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) was established by legislation in 2006 and makes strategic investments in economic development priorities including forestry, transportation, tourism, mining, energy, Olympic opportunities, economic development, agriculture and aquaculture, and small business.

The ICET region encompasses all Regional Districts and municipalities on Vancouver Island north of the Malahat as well as the Powell River and Sunshine Coast regional districts. The trust has committed more than $41 million to over 70 projects to date.

For more information about the Community Development Trust and Job Opportunities Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/.

A full overview of ICET can be found at: www.islandcoastaltrust.ca.

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