'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' will continue moving forward with regional economic investment pilots. A forum is scheduled in Campbell River on Monday, Jan. 30 to be hosted by Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

The Regional Economic Investment Pilot is part of the Province's initiative to engage the public to generate ideas aimed at attracting investment and job creation in areas consistent with the BC Jobs Plan.

The forum will include representatives from local government, business, industry, First Nations and education. Through sharing ideas on investment opportunities and overcoming barriers, an inventory of potential projects will be created, as well as an action plan detailing how the provincial government will assist Campbell River in capitalizing on opportunities.

The North Fraser communities of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission were the first to participate in a forum and attracted over 100 participants.

The Barriere - McBride corridor forum has been scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16. A decision on a fourth community, a First Nation, will be announced in a short time.

Quotes:

Campbell River Mayor Walter Jakeway -

"Campbell River and coastal B.C. welcome this important economic development pilot and we are looking forward to working with the participants from across our region and other areas that become involved in this creative process."

"Together, we'll find the ways to reinvigorate the local economy, to boost investment and to promote our region as a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Learn More:

To find out more about BC Jobs Plan, visit: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

To view video and photos from the first forum in Maple Ridge, visit: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/economic_pilots/index.htm

Contact:

Carolyn Heiman
Communications Manager
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 387-2799