The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training for British Columbia and industry representatives today applauded the opening of the Donguri Anne Public Library, the first building funded under the Canada-Tohoku Reconstruction Project.

A new partnership is assisting community forests and small woodlot licence holders in the Kaslo area to identify new business opportunities.

Business leaders from India and British Columbia will meet to discuss trade and investment opportunities at the BC-India Global Business Forum on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

The Northeast and Northwest Regional Workforce Tables have completed their regional skills training plans and are ready to take action to help ensure northern B.C. communities have skilled workers to fill jobs, both today and in the future.

At the close of 2012, British Columbia's job growth remains strong and steady with a gain of 600 new jobs last month and a drop in the unemployment rate to 6.5 per cent.

Back by British Columbian demand, a new series of 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs will come to 22 communities beginning in January to promote current job opportunities, career trends and skills training - with the addition of a new Skills4BC booth.

Communities throughout British Columbia will receive increased support to maximize their economic potential through new partnerships and an innovative suite of tools and resources, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell today.

Despite the slight decline in employment, mainly in part-time positions, British Columbia's economy remains stable. The province continues to attract investment in spite of continued volatility in global markets.