The new Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., supported by $85 million in government funding, will focus its efforts on wildfire risk reduction to complement the ministry’s existing forest stewardship programs and world-class wildfire suppression capabilities.

The current effective allowable annual cut for the Fraser Timber Supply Area (TSA) remains unchanged at 1,235,700 cubic metres, chief forester Diane Nicholls announced.

Over 1,370 British Columbians across the province are receiving the training they need for jobs in their communities thanks to the federal and provincial partnership under the Canada Job Fund.

Four public post-secondary institutions are partnering with seven Aboriginal communities in the Vancouver Island – B.C. Coast region to deliver programs that will help prepare 124 Aboriginal learners for jobs in the skilled trades and forestry.

More than 30 Aboriginal communities in partnership with 14 public post-secondary education institutions are delivering education and skills training programs to help 581 Aboriginal learners secure jobs in sectors facing a demand for skilled workers.

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.