TD is predicting a significant increase in lumber prices by 2013 - and has praised British Columbia's government for opening up new markets to counteract the slump in the U.S. housing market.

Helping unemployed young people create new businesses and new jobs. That's the focus of an innovative, new government program being administered in the Victoria area by Ethos Career Management Group.

The B.C. government is seeking proposals to provide $4.3 million in additional funding for Job Options BC training programs that will help people find and keep employment in small, rural communities.

Led by strong gains to Asia and Europe, British Columbia's exports for the first half of 2011 are up by nearly 14 per cent compared with first six months of 2010.

Figures released by Statistics Canada show that B.C.'s international merchandise exports from January to June were worth $15.9 billion, compared with $14 billion last year.

From vineyard managers to viticulture technicians, B.C.'s growing wine and grape industry will need more skilled workers.

Trade figures for May show the value of softwood lumber exported to China has surpassed the U.S., sending powerful signals about the importance of the Asia Pacific markets for British Columbia's economy and job prospects.

The B.C. government is responding to the need for trained workers in rural B.C. by seeking proposals for industry-specific programs will provide more skilled workers in the North Coast, Nechako, Cariboo and Kootenay regions.