To ensure British Columbians are first in line for the skilled jobs of the future, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond announced that Jessica McDonald is appointed as independent review lead for the review of the Industry Training Authority.

Three new webinars will help British Columbians to learn about strategies, tools and resources available to help them to spur economic development in their communities.

The Province has announced the 15 finalists for the 2013 Open for Business Awards.

The Province has taken another step to cut red tape with the appointment of a senior official to work with small businesses to break down barriers and increase small business procurement by at least 20 per cent.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, received a mandate letter from Premier Christy Clark on June 10, 2013, that included direction to "review the role and function of the Industry Training Authority (ITA)".

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond has issued the following statement in response to the July 2013 Labour Force Survey:

Along with the majority of Canada, British Columbia experienced a decline in employment in July.

Over the next decade, there will be an estimated one million job openings in B.C. in many sectors, including liquefied natural gas, mining and mineral exploration, and shipbuilding. Of those job openings, 43 per cent will require trades and technical training.