Summary

• City of Prince Rupert is receiving $240,000 to help attract, retain the skilled workforce needed to support growth
• The program will help local employers fill jobs, support anticipated economic development tied to major investments in region
• The initiative is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program

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Prince Rupert will be better positioned to attract the skilled workers needed to support major economic development projects and community growth, thanks to provincial funding for a workforce attraction and retention initiative.

“As Prince Rupert grows, we’re making sure people have the opportunity to build rewarding careers and put down roots in the community,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By investing in workforce attraction and retention, we’re helping people find good jobs, supporting local businesses and ensuring communities have the skilled workforce they need to thrive. Through our Look West strategy, we’re creating opportunities that benefit people, families and communities across British Columbia.”

Through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Province is providing $240,000 for the City of Prince Rupert to launch a targeted marketing campaign to attract and retain the skilled workforce needed to sustain anticipated growth in the community.

Building the workforce needed for future growth

Prince Rupert is preparing for significant economic growth, including an expected $1.35-billion investment in a bulk terminal on Ridley Island. The project is expected to create as many as 1,900 jobs, providing opportunities for residents, businesses and the broader community.

“Prince Rupert is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth, and we’re seeing increasing demands for workers across trades, health care, education and service industries,” said Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert. “This campaign is an opportunity to share the story of a community growing, investing and creating opportunities. The support of the Rural Economic Diversification Fund will help position Prince Rupert as one of B.C.’s most exciting and opportunity-rich communities.”

 This initiative will help:

• attract skilled workers to Prince Rupert
• support employers facing labour shortages
• strengthen local services, including health care
• prepare the community for growth associated with major investment projects

This initiative is another step in the Province's Look West strategy for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent economy.

“Prince Rupert has an exciting future ahead, and to make the most of the upcoming opportunities, they will need a reliable, skilled workforce,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “This campaign will help local employers fill jobs, support community growth and make sure Prince Rupert remains a great place to live and work.”

Supporting economic diversification through REDIP

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities throughout B.C.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects throughout B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.

Learn More:

• To learn more about the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program and see the lists of approved projects, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/redip
• Read the full Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada strategy: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest