Fostering economic development
“There is over $ 89 billion in proposed investments in key sectors such as forestry, mining, LNG, tourism and transportation in northern B. C.”
As a resident of Prince George, I know that the north is where British Columbia’s economic engine is revving. Northern communities are blessed with stunning physical beauty, abundant natural resources, a young and growing workforce, along with a wealth of opportunities for work, leisure and education.
Job creation So it’s no surprise that right now there is over $ 89 billion in proposed investments in key sectors such as forestry, mining, LNG, tourism and transportation in northern B. C. These investments will lead to an anticipated 70,000 job openings in the north by 2023, with the majority of these jobs needing people with trades and technical skills.
Meeting this demand means tapping into the full potential of our workforce. That’s why the province is partnering with industry, educators, and all levels of government to provide opportunities for groups that are underrepresented in the skilled trades and technical occupations.
Aboriginal people, women, youth and new immigrants will be the vanguard of the north’s growing labour pool. We’re working to ensure that train- ing programs align with regional, demographic and industry needs, and put British Columbians first in line for northern jobs.
To further this goal, the province has supported the development of Regional Workforce Tables in the northeast and northwest. These Tables brought together leaders from industry, labour, First Nations, educators and economic development organizations to apply local knowledge and expertise to regional development opportunities and labour needs.
Education and training Through the BC Jobs Plan, the province is providing investments of over $ 500 million annually for labour market and training programs, including over $ 94 million annually to support skilled trades training through the Industry Training Authority ( ITA). This funding is helping to provide a skilled workforce for projects like the Northwest Transmission Line, the Site C Dam, Red Chris Mine and Altagas run- of- river projects just to name a few.
Delivering this training demands state of the art equipment and facilities, and a commitment to innovation and research. That’s why the province has recently made significant investments
in Centres of Excellence in Mining, and Oil and Gas at Northwest Community College and Northern Lights College respectively, as well as in two Master degree programs in wood engineering and science at The University of Northern British Columbia.
Economic growth Through provincial and regional agencies we’re also helping communities and businesses grow their local economies, connect to markets and investors, share best practices and provide the services essential to northern British Columbians. Improving ports, airports and roads, developing our natural resources and attracting professionals are just some of the ways we work with our industry partners to support the north.
Thanks to these and other efforts, we are seeing single digit unemployment rates in every part of the province — including the interior and northern British Columbia. I’m confident that we will continue to see record growth and prosperity over the next decade — not only in the north, but across British Columbia. Through this growth we will continue to create thriving businesses, well- paying jobs, strong families and vibrant communities.