The B.C. government welcomed the news that Hampton Affiliates Ltd. is committed to rebuilding its Babine Forest Products mill in Burns Lake.

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.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced an expansion to the Burns Lake Community Forest that will provide the community-owned forest corporation with access to timber resources near Ling Lake.

A community forest agreement will diversify the local economy and create more business for the Babine Lake area, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson announced today at a signing ceremony with the Village of Granisle and the Lake Babine Nation.