In the first month of 2017, international visitor arrival numbers continue to show positive signs of growth for the booming tourism sector in British Columbia.

A number of pedestrian and intersection improvements along Highway 16 in Houston soon will be underway to increase the safety along the highway, announced MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

Skilled trades students in the Rocky Mountain School District will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the B.C. government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades training equipment.

Up to 322 job seekers are receiving training for jobs in the Central Okanagan, thanks to support from the federal and provincial governments.

A $248,525 study funded by the British Columbia government, in partnership with the Kitamaat Valley Education Society, will create a strategy for employers to attract and retain workers in and around Kitimat, Terrace and Smithers.  

MLA for Kelowna-Mission Steve Thomson, on behalf of the Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson, has announced $18.9 million for the construction of a new Health Sciences Centre at Okanagan College in Kelowna.

The B.C. government is investing more than $600,000 in provincial tourism sector associations to support tourism marketing activities in the Kootenay Rockies, announced Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.

In honour of the Canadians and British Columbians involved in the victory at Vimy Ridge in 1917, Finance Minister Michael de Jong announced that the Province will contribute $350,000 to the Vimy Foundation to support the creation of a Centennial Park at the site of the battle.