The British Columbia government is distributing over $528,000 in project development grants to help rural communities develop strong, stable economies and create long-term local employment, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson announced today.

Opportunities for increased local forest stewardship near Likely and Big Lake, east of Williams Lake, could become reality following an invitation from Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson to the Likely-Xatśūll Community Forest and Big Lake Community Association to apply for a community forest agreement.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson Todd Stone and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson Terry Lake announced immediate investments outlined in B.C.’s rural economic development strategy that will create jobs and economic opportunities in the Kamloops region.

Up to eight job seekers in the Barriere and Clearwater area, including members of the Simpc’w First Nation, will gain trail clearing, milling and carpentry skills, thanks to a new Job Creation Partnership project.

Residents of Vanderhoof are positioned to benefit from added economic stability, employment opportunities and increased local forest stewardship through the creation of the Vanderhoof Community Forest.

Legislative amendments introduced will increase fibre supply for forest product manufacturers and enable wildlife-related licensing and permitting activities to be moved online.