Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, Premier Christy Clark and Minister of State for Rural Economic Development Donna Barnett released the Province’s rural economic development strategy, detailing immediate investments and a long-term action plan to support thriving rural communities.

The challenge is clear. While British Columbia’s forest sector has a distinct advantage in market development, there are untapped opportunities related to innovation.

A $2.33-million contract has been awarded to Brocor Construction Ltd. of Dawson Creek for a project to upgrade the intersection at Highway 97 and Montney Highway (Road 254), announced MLA for Peace River South Mike Bernier on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

The Province is helping build the rural economy and grow jobs throughout British Columbia by ensuring that sectors like forestry, mining, LNG, and oil and gas won’t have to pay PST on electricity purchases.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson has issued the following statement regarding federal Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr’s announcement of a Federal-Provincial Task Force on Softwood Lumber:

British Columbia’s fifth consecutive balanced budget delivers the dividends of a strong and diversified economy and prudent fiscal management by cutting costs for middle-class B.C. families, investing in priority programs and services, and promoting a competitive, job-creating economy.

In the 1970s a number of events occurred at the same time which led to B.C. becoming a significant supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is funding partnerships that connect Aboriginal students with education and training programs in their communities. These programs provide Aboriginal learners with work-ready skills such as basic computer literacy, as well as skills needed for jobs in sectors such as construction, tourism and education.