Young people of Burns Lake will have an opportunity to learn the skills they will need for tomorrow’s in-demand occupations.

There will be an economic development and investment readiness workshop for local government and First Nations officials in Burns Lake.

Since the Babine Forest Products mill accident in January, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Pat Bell and ministry staff have been working with local MLA John Rustad, municipal leaders, First Nations Chiefs, and union and industry representatives to help the community recover.

As part of ongoing community rebuilding effort, the Province is providing $2.4 million to expand a recreation centre in Burns Lake that will create jobs and support healthy family activities.

Through effective collaboration and the strong commitment of all parties involved, the recovery of Burns Lake is well underway.

Over the next few weeks, staff from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation will begin to consult and work directly with a team of community leaders and tourism stakeholders from Burns Lake on tourism planning to strengthen economic opportunities for the area.

Today marked the first major step in Burns Lake's road to recovery after the destruction of the Babine Forest Products mill, thanks to a jobs fair with 24 participant booths and maximum capacity attendance from the community.

Forest industry veteran Bob Clark, vice-president of forestry consultants J B Clark and Co., has been recruited to lead the provincial government's on-the-ground Burns Lake economic response efforts, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.