BC Gov News

First Nations languages, culture and heritage are integral to the health of all members of First Nations communities.

In April 2014, B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint was released. The Blueprint outlines a cross-ministry agenda to re-align and strengthen education and skills training opportunities to improve employment outcomes, drive productivity, and support Government's plans to develop the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) sector, among others.

Looking back at 2014, this has been a year of revitalizing partnerships between First Nations and the Province of British Columbia and focusing on reconciliation to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal people.

There's been a lot of discussion recently about the potential for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in British Columbia

I am writing you today to express my disappointment about a letter to the editor published Wednesday, March 27, in your online edition.

A key part of the BC Jobs Plan is government's commitment to improving opportunities and resources for First Nations to participate in resource activity in their traditional territory.

This past week, B.C. celebrated an agreement with the Kaska Dena Council in northwestern B.C. that will provide greater certainty about how resource development can proceed in more than 10 per cent of the province.

On March 24, I had the honour of joining representatives of the K'ómoks First Nation, federal minister John Duncan and other dignitaries to sign the K'ómoks First Nation's Agreement-in-Principle.

As 2011 draws to a close, Canadians have been confronted by stark examples of poverty in First Nations communities. We've also seen that solutions do not come easily.

There is no more urgent or important goal for our government than ensuring British Columbians have access to the jobs and other economic opportunities needed to support their families.