BURNS LAKE - Eight local people are getting work experience in forestry practices and the Lake Babine Nation is taking another step toward energy self-sufficiency, thanks to a partnership with the Government of B.C. worth more than $110,000 in funding.

Over the course of a 47-week Job Creation partnership, workers are getting experience in building two timber bridges and 66 firewood storage units for band members, so they can heat their homes in Tachet and Fort Babine. Workers are also learning about safety practices and how to operate heavy equipment used in forestry. This is in preparation for the eventual construction of a biomass plant that will allow people to heat their homes with wood chips.

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 450 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 120 projects have been funded throughout the province.

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, including Aboriginal people.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“People getting work experience in their communities is such an important element of these Job Creation Partnerships. Through this partnership, the Lake Babine Nation is not only helping people get some great experience in forestry, it will have a long-term impact on the community itself and its members.”

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad -

“It’s a win for everyone when eight people gain access to work experience in forestry practices that will help an entire First Nations community become energy self-sufficient. The Lake Babine Nation and its residents will benefit from this Job Creation Partnership for years to come.”

Lake Babine Nation biomass project manager Bernard Patrick -

“The Job Creation Partnership project is a first for our First Nation and the benefits coming from this have already impacted the communities in a positive way. It has brought back hope that both the communities of Tachet and Fort Babine can become self-sustaining and unified and the workers are getting fantastic job experience.”

Project participant and crew supervisor Arthur Michell -

“This is awesome for Tachet. Tachet members are very happy for the wood sheds and the firewood. I enjoy working with the Job Creation Partnership (JCP) crew. The Tachet JCP crew is a happy crew and they are gaining a lot of new forestry and construction skills on the job.”

Quick Facts:

• 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.
• 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