More than 1,700 students throughout British Columbia will get skills training thanks to $10 million provided to 16 B.C. public post-secondary institutions in April 2012 to prepare workers for jobs in their regions.

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.

The B.C. government welcomed the news that Hampton Affiliates Ltd. is committed to rebuilding its Babine Forest Products mill in Burns Lake.

As part of the Mid-Term Timber Supply Action Plan, a new silvicultural strategy analysis has been completed that identifies a 600,000 cubic metre increase in mid-term timber supply over previous projections in the Quesnel timber supply area.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a woman who died when she was hit by a falling tree near Lac Le Jeune on Nov. 25.

Comments are being accepted until Feb. 7, 2013, on a public discussion paper released today as part of a comprehensive timber supply review of the Bulkley timber supply area.

Employment opportunities in the mining sector are expected to grow over the next decade, with more than 10,000 job openings expected by 2020. The industry will need skilled workers in several key occupations, including machinery and transportation equipment mechanics, primary production workers and vehicle drivers.