$30 Million Federal Investment In Central and Northern BC

August 12, 2009

Prince George, BC – Today, the Honourable Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George – Peace River and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, along with Bruce Sutherland, Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust, announced funding for communities across central and northern British Columbia through the Community Adjustment Fund.

“There was a huge demand for the Community Adjustment Fund from central and northern BC. I am thrilled that our staff and Board were able to make decisions quickly and confirm funding contracts so that many people are now working and completing projects that are long term investments in the diversification of our economy,” said Bruce Sutherland, Chair of Northern Development Initiative Trust. “This government has been innovative and responsive in partnering with Northern Development to make regional decisions with local due diligence. It has been a great partnership opportunity, with immediate results for central and northern BC communities.”

The Government of Canada, through the Community Adjustment Fund program, provided $10 million to the Northern Development Initiative Trust to support the most affected communities in central and northern BC, helping to reduce the short-term impacts of the economic downturn.

With this $10 million investment, Northern Development has supported 23 projects across 25 communities located throughout central and northern British Columbia. Ranging from tourism infrastructure improvements to affordable seniors housing, the approved projects will create 295 jobs over the next 19 months, ensuring that British Columbians are able to return to work and provide economic stability to their community and families.


Minister Jay Hill and Northern Development Chair Bruce Sutherland
announce $498,018 for the Nazko First Nation for their Youth Forestry Training Program.
(pictured front left – right:  Christie Vanderburgh, Brenda Gardiner, Dylan Alec, Samantha Alec,
Miranda Laurent, Minister Jay Hill, Northern Development Chair Bruce Sutherland
(pictured back left – right:  Mark Courtney, Shane Boyd, Luke Bergerman, Councillor Jerry Laurent)

 Following the announcement of the 23 community and non-profit grants funded under the initial $10 million investment, Minister Hill had more good news for the region.

“It’s with great pleasure that I am here again today, to announce an additional $20 million contribution to Northern Development Initiative Trust,” said Minister Hill. “Our Government understands that central and northern BC businesses and organizations have been hit hard by the current global recession.”

It is anticipated that these repayable funds will be allocated and disbursed quickly in a targeted manner to ensure businesses and for-profit organizations across the North are better resourced in these challenging economic times.

The following is a list of the 23 community and non-profit grants funded under the initial $10 million Community Adjustment Fund investment.

Media Contact:

Janine North
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Telephone: 250.561.2525
Email: info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca

About Northern Development Initiative Trust

Northern Development is an independent regional economic development corporation focused on stimulating economic growth and job creation in central and northern British Columbia. Over $60.2 million in funding has been committed to 414 projects with a total project value of over $351.3 million.

For information on Northern Development’s economic development programs and initiatives, visit:

 

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