The B.C. government is providing $216,720 to an industry group headed by the GLOBE Foundation for a research project that will examine the labour market needs and job potential of British Columbia's emerging clean economy sector.

The newest member of the Province's Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), Sun Peaks, received $470,000 to boost tourism, increase investment and create jobs.

Forest industry veteran Bob Clark, vice-president of forestry consultants J B Clark and Co., has been recruited to lead the provincial government's on-the-ground Burns Lake economic response efforts, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.

As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) and its sector partners have been awarded $632,500 for the development and pilot delivery of an industry-standard Parks and Public Works Technician training program.

Labour market research released today shows BC Hydro's Northwest Transmission Line will be an economic catalyst for the region - electrifying an area of the province currently not part of the grid and enabling the development of mines, power projects and other resource projects that will help fuel B.C.'s economy.

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, will be leading the Province's efforts to help the community of Burns Lake recover economically from the devastating fire that destroyed the Babine Forest Products mill.

A $700,000 investment to help forest companies create jobs by turning their waste wood into high-value bio-products will address many of the recommendations from government's Bio-Economy Committee, Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, said today.