November 13, 2009
Canada, B.C. Support Workers with $430,814 for Employment

BURNS LAKE – A $430,814 investment will help the northern communities impacted by the economic downturn, announced Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris, on behalf of Lynne Yelich, federal Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad on behalf of Bill Bennett, British Columbia’s Minister of Community and Rural Development.

“The Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories to ensure that important projects get underway quickly," says Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris. "We are improving the quality of life for local residents and families while delivering jobs that will stimulate the economy now."

“These projects demonstrate the value of our partnership with the Federal government,” says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. “As part of their rich history, these trails represent great value for the local First Nations, as well as providing an exceptional outdoor showcase for visitors and residents to enjoy the beauty of the North.”

The Cheslatta Community Forest is receiving $233,814 for clearing and brushing on approximately 145km of historic heritage trails on the "Southside" of Francois Lake where access was extremely impaired by heavy snowfall during the winter of 2007. Activities will enhance year-round local and regional tourism opportunities, and will provide a vital link to other established trails in Burns Lake, Tweedsmuir Park, Kemano-Kiziope and to Fort Fraser/Fort St. James.

Wit’at (Lake Babine) First Nations is receiving $197,000 for a project that will restore numerous Wit'at Hereditary trails which have fallen into disuse. These trails include the 2009 French Creek project, a portion of the 92-mile Suskwa Pass — a First Nations walking trail from Moricetown to Fort Babine. The trails, all on crown land, will be located, inspected and GPS- coordinated. Then brushing, clearing, widening, board walks, footbridges, kiosk and 'from-to' signs at trail heads and junctions will be completed to Recreation Sites & Trails Branch standards.

The $26.25-million Job Opportunities Program was first announced in May 2008, as one component of the Community Development Trust through funding provided by the Government of Canada. In July 2009, the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia each committed up to an additional $30 million towards the program.

The Government of Canada’s contribution to the Job Opportunities Program supports project costs that meet all the federal requirements for funding under the Community Adjustment Fund. The federal contribution under Canada’s Economic Action Plan will help stimulate the economy and keep Canadians working during the economic downturn.

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.

A part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is a two-year, $1-billion national program that will provide an economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.

The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries; for instance forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.

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