The B.C. government, in partnership with the District of Mission, has completed surface improvements to Florence Lake Road in support of growing recreational tourism in the Mission Interpretive Forest.

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, the Fast Track nomination option in the business immigration stream of the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is being suspended pending a review in order to ensure the program is working effectively to support job creation and economic development in B.C.

The B.C. government has posted a Notice of Position to seek applications from prospective candidates for the new Destination BC board of directors.

Since the Babine Forest Products mill accident in January, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Pat Bell and ministry staff have been working with local MLA John Rustad, municipal leaders, First Nations Chiefs, and union and industry representatives to help the community recover.

One hundred and forty-four British Columbians can now access a five-week training program to help them learn practical skills for employment in the growing building services sector, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell.

Tourism is one of the largest industries in B.C., comprising nearly 18,000 mostly small- to medium-sized businesses that directly employ more than 127,000 British Columbians. Impending labour shortages require action to attract and retain a highly skilled and motivated workforce, which is critical to achieving industry growth.

More skilled immigrants will be able to fully utilize their skills in the B.C. economy, as the B.C. government invests in projects and programs to speed up and improve the process for immigrants to get their credentials and qualifications recognized to work in B.C.