Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad will be in the Northwest meeting with local community and First Nations leaders to discuss the tremendous economic opportunity in the region during a four-day tour starting Aug. 6 in Terrace.

While in the area, Rustad also will address the Terrace District Chamber of Commerce and Terrace City Council and hold meetings with several First Nations in the region.

Rustad will continue the positive dialogue between the B.C. government and the region's business community to ensure industry understands its obligations and responsibilities to First Nations, while at the same time working to provide jobs, revenue and other economic opportunities that will make this region prosperous.

The BC Jobs Plan committed the provincial government to improving opportunities and resources for First Nations to participate in resource activity in their traditional territories.

As of this week, B.C. has reached a total of 19 non-treaty agreements since the BC Jobs Plan was launched in 2011, including the first agreement of the 10 new non-treaty agreements B.C. committed to reaching over the next two years.

Contact:

Nina Chiarelli
Communications Director
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211