The Government of B.C. is partnering with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to deliver a water conservation strategy and map the water and sewer systems of 12 rural communities, while providing two people with work experience.

As part of a Job Creation Partnership, the workers are receiving 52 weeks of work experience. One person is developing a water conservation plan, writing and producing operation manuals and delivering public education sessions on water conservation and water systems. The other worker is mapping the regional district’s water and sewer systems using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and GPS systems, compiling a data inventory and surveying the systems for damage.

Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

To date, more than 340 job seekers have benefited from work experience and approximately 100 projects have been funded throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Our partnerships are designed to help unemployed British Columbians establish their independence. Our government remains committed to increasing work opportunities to foster relevant work experience, while developing strong community engagement initiatives and assisting local projects that benefit communities.”

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake -

“Water conservation and stewardship is so important. This Job Creation Partnership will benefit these communities for years to come by mapping the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s water and sewer systems.”

Thompson-Nicola Regional District manager of utility services Arden Bolton -

“Having up-to-date GIS information on all of our utility systems will be a tremendous benefit to the workers and our current and future needs. Having someone work on water conservation programs and updating our WorkSafeBC compliance documentation is equally valuable. We could not have done it as quickly without the assistance of the JCP program.”

Job Creation partnership participant Susan P. Reid -

“The work I am doing is challenging, rewarding, and will provide long-term benefits to the region. I would highly recommend this program to any older worker who is changing careers and having issues finding employment.”

Quick Facts:

• Water systems are being mapped in the following communities: Black Pines, Blue River, Del Oro, Evergreen Estates, Loon Lake, Maple Mission, Pritchard, Savona, Spences Bridge, Vavenby, Walhachin.
• Waste water and sewage systems are being mapped in Paul Lake and Pritchard.
• In 2014-15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation 

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635