Trades students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will benefit from hands-on learning opportunities through a new investment of $187,071 in industry-standard trades-training equipment, as well as $4.85 million in continued support for 1,366 trades seats.

More than 20 local small business leaders met with members of the B.C. Small Business Roundtable and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes to discuss their unique challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

An additional 96 trades seats will give Vancouver Island University (VIU) students access to training in a variety of in-demand occupations in a range of sectors that support the provincial economy.

Construction is set to begin on upgrades that will improve safety and the flow of traffic at two key intersections on the Nanaimo Parkway.

Co-op students at Vancouver Island University and North Island College will benefit from $75,000 in one-time funding, part of a $1.3-million announcement to 16 public post-secondary institutions following the launch of Co-op Week celebrations.

The building blocks of bright futures for young students in many smaller B.C. First Nations communities are taking shape in the carpentry shop at Nanaimo Correctional Centre.

Results of the Gabriola Island Fixed Link Feasibility Study conclude that while a bridge appears to be technically feasible, it would not be a cost-effective alternative to the current ferry link.

Local businesses from around Vancouver Island gathered to hear about British Columbia’s economic success and progress made to-date thanks to the BC Jobs Plan as well as for an announcement on a new Labour Market Partnership Project with Vancouver Island manufacturers.