Forestry sector representatives met with the federal and provincial governments to discuss skilled-labour initiatives and human-resource planning, as part of a series of roundtables being held over coming months with sectors highlighted in the BC Jobs Plan.

December’s Job Makers showcase Vancouver Island employers and businesses who are helping to grow the area’s economy.

Local businesses from around Vancouver Island gathered to hear about British Columbia’s economic success and progress made to-date thanks to the BC Jobs Plan as well as for an announcement on a new Labour Market Partnership Project with Vancouver Island manufacturers. 

British Columbia’s tourism sector continues to show growth in international overnight visitors. There were an additional 52,872 more visitors in June of 2015 compared to 2014 – representing a 9.5% increase over June 2014. This brings the total number of visitors to B.C. in the January to June period up by 156,856 visitors – or 8.3% – over the same period last year.

PORT ALICE - Looking for ways to diversify the economy is a top priority for Port Alice and the North Island Region.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, together with the Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, met with the Honourable Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, to discuss continued joint efforts to ensure British Columbia and Canada have the skilled and productive workforce needed in the natural resource sector.