The Government of British Columbia is providing more than $4 million for 12 new mass-timber demonstration and research projects, which builds on B.C.’s global leadership in this area.

More than 7,000 British Columbians will be trained by this fall through a wide range of skilled-trades and employment training projects throughout the province, thanks to $45.4 million from the provincial and federal governments in 2016/17.

Skilled trades students in two regional school districts will benefit from a three-year, $15-million investment by the British Columbia government to support youth trades programs with the purchase of new trades training equipment.

Government has selected three B.C. organizations and their partner agencies to deliver the BladeRunners program, beginning April 1, so at-risk youth can continue to access the supports they need to gain full-time employment in a range of industries through this highly successful program.

Dave Willie, owner of Black and White Party Rentals in Parksville has a plan to pass on his small business to a long time employee, but his situation is rare throughout rural B.C.