June 18, 2010
Robson Valley Investment Puts Workers Back on the Job

VALEMOUNT – Workers throughout the Robson Valley will be back on the job thanks to a nearly $600,000 investment in three projects through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Job Opportunities Program.

“The projects announced today will improve our forestry sector, create jobs and help provide for individuals and families. In addition, these partnerships will help our region continue to recover from the economic downturn,” says Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod.

“When the global economy went into steep decline in 2008, we reacted swiftly by introducing the Job Opportunities Program in order to keep people working,” says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “Almost two years later, the program continues to be a success ensuring we can support local families through quality job opportunities that benefit the entire community. I am pleased to see these important projects receiving support.”

The three latest round of projects for the Robson Valley include $582,440.90 as follows:

• L.C.R. Holdings Ltd.: Eight workers will be employed for brushing, weeding, spacing, and pruning in Valemount.
  Federal Funding: $162,487.60
  Provincial Funding: $87,493.33
  Total Funding: $249,980.93
• Village of Valemount: Five workers will be employed to remove pine beetle trees, as well as thinning, pruning, remove brush, deadfall, chip and scatter in Valemount.
  Federal Funding: $54,139
  Provincial Funding: $28,537.24
  Total Funding: $82,676.24
• L.C.R. Holdings Ltd.: Eight workers will be employed for brushing, weeding, spacing, and pruning in McBride.
  Federal Funding: $162,359.42
  Provincial Funding: $87,424.31
  Total Funding: $249,783.73

The three-year $86.25-million Job Opportunities Program, now in its final year, was first announced in May 2008 as a 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 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.

Visit the Community Adjustment Fund in the West, the Job Opportunities Program or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.

Visit Cathy’s website at:  www.cathymcleod.ca

Visit Shirley’s website at www.shirleybondmla.bc.ca

-30-