More than 45 community leaders, representatives and economic development professionals from across the Northwest gathered late in September to identify regionally important economic priorities that can be advanced by working together.

In December 2012, the government announced the Enhanced Community Economic Support Initiative (ECESI), which included several components: economic essentials for local leader's workshops; online economic development resources; support for LNG affected communities; OpportunitiesBC content expansion; and, regional economic collaboratives (REC). Five regions have been identified for the collaboratives, including the Northwest. The purpose of the REC initiative is to engage clusters of communities to identify and advance priority economic initiatives that have a regional impact.

This forum was the culmination of stakeholder engagement throughout the summer that identified common areas of focus among the communities in the North West. These areas related to:

1. Tourism, Recreation and Film Industry

2. Regional Collaboration

3. Regional Infrastructure and Services

4. Regional Planning and Data Development

5. Workforce and Training

Forum participants discussed ideas to support growth in these areas. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training staff are compiling the feedback from the day and will be setting up working groups to implement actions that address the priorities over the next 18 months.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

"Regional forums provide input from those on the ground, who know the state of their local economy and have solid ideas about how to move forward. We want to foster collaboration between communities in the region and provide the necessary tools to ensure each region can leverage investments, and that any initiatives are sustainable, driving long-term economic prosperity."

David Pernarowski, Mayor of Terrace -

"We appreciate the opportunity provided by the Ministry in bringing regional stakeholders together to collaborate and discuss issues of mutual interest and benefit. Working together to identify and move forward regional priorities will ensure that all of our communities are ready to support the strong economic growth in the Northwest."

Quick Facts:

• Participants in the Northwest REC include the City of Terrace, Kitselas First Nation, Haisla First Nation, the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine, the Nisga'a First Nation, City of Prince Rupert the District of Port Edward, and the District of Kitimat.
• REC forums will take place in five regions: the Northwest, Quesnel and area, Nisga'a, Elk Valley and Lytton to Clinton to Lillooet.
• For more information visit: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/RegionalEconomicCollaboratives

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

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