Participants from the first Regional Economic Development Pilot Project in North Fraser met in Pitt Meadows on Friday to discuss potential projects and determine future steps.

At the forum on Dec 8, 2011, hosted by Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, representatives from local government, business, industry, First Nations and education came together to explore opportunities that would attract investment, create jobs and encourage economic diversification. At the end of the forum, an inventory of 67 potential projects in areas consistent with 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' was made.

Bell also appointed Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton as the provincial lead for the regional steering committee, which would work with the North Fraser communities of Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows.

In the past two months, the steering committee has studied each project and whittled down the potential projects to nine. On Friday, the committee presented the selected projects to pilot participants, who were encouraged to comment on each initiative. Members of the committee also explained the process employed to select the nine projects and outline the next steps in the process.

The public can view the projects at: http://www.jti.gov.bc.ca/economic_pilots/

The final handful of projects that will be pursued will be announced in March.

Quotes:

Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton -

"The North Fraser communities have a lot to offer the provincial economy, and these projects will help us attract investment and create local jobs. By uniting the whole region, we help ensure our vision and efforts are successful."

Learn More:

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

Contact:

Sheldon Johnson
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 213-5811