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Province Supports Displaced Workers in Prince George

November 12, 2009
   
VICTORIA – Workers in the Prince George area are benefiting from more than $1.1-million being invested in a series of projects through the Job Opportunities Program, announced Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell on behalf of Community and Rural Development Minister Bill Bennett and Tourism, Culture and the Arts Minister Kevin Krueger.

“It is essential that during these difficult economic times, we find ways to create jobs for displaced workers,” said Bond. “This program helps families and gives communities the chance to complete important projects they may not be able to do without these resources.”

“These projects continue to support forestry families in Prince George while improving recreation options and reducing the chances of interface fire,” said Bell. “In addition, the program supports enhanced silviculture, which is a cornerstone of modern forestry with results that can lead to benefits across the province.”

The projects being funded under the Job Opportunities Program include:
  • LTN Contracting is receiving $593,161 to complete a two-phased project for trail improvement at Beaverly Community Park and fire fuel abatement work at the Dusty Trails riding facilities. In addition, workers are completing fire fuel management, removing danger trees and fixing trails in Chief Memorial Park, as well as fire management and the reduction of ground fuel hazards on McGuire Road. A total of 24 resource workers are expected to be employed through the various stages of these projects.
  • The Prince George Snowmobile Club is receiving $350,000 to improve a number of trails, including Dorothy Lake Trail, Frost Lake Trail, Schlitt Trail, Reid Pass, Nicholson Pass, Cameron Trail, Burgess Trail, Storm Trail and a number of others. The project is providing employment for up to 11 resource workers.
  • Northern Resources Solutions Group is receiving $189,646 to maintain priority silviculture research sites. Five resource workers are clearing trees and shrubs from road surfaces, pruning research trees and brushing legacy research sites to improve access.
“Prince George’s multi-purpose trail system is a vital part of its tourism infrastructure,” said Krueger. “These trails make the region’s vast outdoor recreation opportunities more accessible.”

“We’re delighted the provincial government is supporting Prince George and surrounding communities with this investment of over one million dollars,” says Dan Rogers, mayor of Prince George and a director with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. “By creating employment for 40 unemployed resource workers and helping us maintain our infrastructure, these projects are having an immediate impact on our city and region.”

The Job Opportunities Program was first announced in May 2008 as one component of the federally-funded $129-million Community Development Trust. In July 2009, the provincial government committed an additional $30 million towards the program, which the federal government is matching on a project-by-project basis through the Community Adjustment Fund.

The Province of British Columbia’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program is part of its commitment to provide stability for workers and communities, maintain the workforce during the economic downturn and help British Columbians gain new skills to be successful in the future.

For more information about the Job Opportunities Program, go to www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt.
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