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.

152,620 job openings are expected in the Vancouver Island/Coast region to 2020; about 23% of these (34,550) are expected to be newly created jobs.

An estimated 400 million viewers in India and around the globe will be focused on Vancouver as the inaugural Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) takes place this weekend.

Interior renovations at Wells Gray Information Centre are nearing completion and work continues outside to provide a better experience for the anticipated 150,000 visitors this season.

At-risk youth in the Tri-Cities' area will continue to benefit from an award-winning mobile drop-in centre and outreach program thanks to a $100,000 grant to the PoCoMo Youth Services Society.

Government is investing in a $6.8-million partnership with the BC Construction Association (BCCA) to expand the Job Match program so more unemployed British Columbians can get back into the workforce.

Premier Christy Clark announced that students throughout B.C. will have increased access to regional training opportunities as a result of $7 million in one-time funding to 19 post-secondary institutions.

The Province of British Columbia has provided $1 million to support the growth of Aboriginal tourism in B.C.

Small business makes up 98 per cent of all business in the province and employs over one million people.