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.

Building on the economic benefits and jobs created by getting to yes on major projects and provincial investments in infrastructure, Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier announced immediate investments and a long-term action plan outlined in B.C.’s rural economic development strategy that will create jobs and economic opportunities in the Peace River region.

The B.C. government is following through on its commitment to support economic diversification in rural British Columbia by distributing over $750,000 in new project-development grants to help small communities strengthen local economies.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the Province is providing $60,000 in new grants to the Fraser Nicola region.

The Province, in partnership with the BC Community Bat Program and other concerned groups, are asking the public to be on the lookout for dead or sick bats that may have contracted an invasive fungal disease called White Nose Syndrome.

British Columbia’s agritech sector will benefit from the $240,000 that the winners of the Agritech Innovation Challenge will receive to develop and adopt new technology.

Through the Province’s expanded Invasive Mussel Defence Program, crews have inspected a record 24,500 watercraft for invasive quagga and zebra mussels this boating season, helping B.C. to remain free of invasive mussels.

British Columbia innovators have a date booked with some of the province’s best tech-heads, food producers and venture capitalists in a challenge to develop new agri-technology and enhance the competitiveness and resiliency of B.C.’s agri-food sector.