An additional series of economic essentials workshops will be offered to local government and First Nations elected officials.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, these full-day events are designed to provide local government and First Nations elected leaders with training and tips specific to their community needs. An initial series of well-attended workshops, held in communities throughout the province, successfully provided a full range of economic development training, including attracting investment and supporting new and existing ventures.

Based upon positive feedback and requests for additional training, workshops facilitated by the Economic Development Association of B.C. will be held in the following regions and communities in the coming weeks:

Kootenays: Castlegar, March 27
Cariboo: Prince George, April 11
Vancouver Island: Victoria, April 3 (new)
Mainland / Southwest: Gibsons, April 16 (new)
Mainland / Southwest: Squamish, April 18 (new)
Thompson Okanagan: Revelstoke, April 22 (new)
Thompson Okanagan: Penticton, April 25 (new)

Previously announced workshops have been held in Burns Lake, Chilliwack, Port McNeill, Kamloops, Kimberley, Fort St. John, Terrace and 100 Mile House.

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan includes a commitment to work with communities and build their capacity so that all regions of the province can take advantage of investment opportunities. The workshops are part of an Enhanced Community Economic Support Initiative, which also includes an online suite of resources and tools that will be available this spring to assist communities in attracting business and investment.

With five regional economic collaboratives, the Province is also bringing communities together to identify and advance their unique economic assets and competitive advantages.

Quote:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"We are committed to helping communities throughout the province foster economic growth and reach their full potential. By providing local leaders with additional resources, in workshops and online, we can ensure every region can capitalize on their assets to support job creation."

Learn More:

For additional information on this initiative, please visit the ministry's website at: www.gov.bc.ca/jtst/
For more details about the Economic Development Association of British Columbia, visit: www.edabc.com/
Check out OpportunitiesBC to find investment opportunities throughout the province: www.britishcolumbia.ca/Buy/Opportunity%20Profiles/Pages/OpportunitiesBC.aspx

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799