People living in rural communities throughout the province will soon benefit from B.C. government grants that will support new jobs and economic opportunities to help them recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are making investments to create jobs and grow the middle class now while building a foundation for a strong, sustainable economic future. Infrastructure investments are vital to creating opportunities, and building inclusive communities where families can work, learn and play.

Work to resurface of a portion of Highway 1 through the Dogwood Valley near Hope has been completed.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing a total of $358,332 to Shxw'owhamel First Nation, Yale First Nation, Boston Bar, Village of Harrison Hot Springs and the Hope & Area Transition Society, Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness announced.

B.C. agriculture and agri-food projects, supporting everything from innovation to food safety, are receiving more than $2.9 million in funding from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

The region accounts for almost two-thirds of the total projected job openings in the province. Of the 666,250 job openings in the region, 61% are due to the need to replace retiring workers.