Business and industry leaders, members of the public, First Nations and local politicians gathered to celebrate a local milestone in Prince George – the planting of the one-billionth tree in the Prince George Natural Resource District since planting began in the area in 1959.

The electrical and power engineering programs at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) will receive a funding boost of $151,600 from the provincial government to support in-demand occupations that support the provincial economy.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced that a total of $7 million will be available under the Canada-BC Job Grant to help businesses provide their current or new employees with skills training.

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is receiving $103,400 toward the purchase of simulation mannequins that will give health-care students, including nurses, the hands-on experience they need to be prepared for the workplace.

The creation of the Valemount Community Forest, represented by Valemount Community Forest Company, will help promote economic stability and employment opportunities, while enhancing the ability for local forest stewardship.

Co-op students at the University of Northern British Columbia 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.

In response to recent increases in the spruce beetle population, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is committing $1 million and has designated a spruce beetle manager to work with First Nations, local communities and stakeholders to develop a regional spruce beetle management plan.