October 2025 - Newsletter

In this issue

Welcome to our October newsletter! It’s been a busy and inspiring few months as we wrapped up our 20th anniversary celebration and continued our travels throughout Northern BC, connecting with communities, partners and local leaders who are helping shape the future of the region.

In this edition, we’re highlighting the first phase of our Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives programs, sharing upcoming intake dates and inviting local and Indigenous host governments to apply for our internship program starting on October 15.

Our October newsletter includes a recap of our 20th anniversary event in Victoria and a marketing workshop that our team attended in Dawson Creek. In the next few weeks, we’ll also be supporting tourism businesses at the upcoming Northern BC Tourism Summit with NBCTA, which we are thrilled about!

As fall settles in, we’re looking ahead to new opportunities, programs and partnerships that will continue to build a stronger North.

Until next time,
Ben
Chief Executive Officer

The Rural and Remote Employment Initiative (RREI), funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, officially opened its intake for applications on October 1. This program supports rural and remote communities in Northern BC by helping address workforce challenges, offset economic pressures such as tariffs and strengthen local businesses and jobs.

The RREI includes two funding programs:
Labour Market Research Plans – Provides funding to local governments to study their job markets and identify workforce needs and opportunities. Applications are open until November 15.
Business Advisory Supports – Helps small businesses access professional expertise to reduce the impacts of tariffs and support job growth. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is fully allocated.

Learn more and apply today.

We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy at our 20th anniversary celebration! This special evening brought together so many of the people who have been a part of the Trust over the past two decades, from local and Indigenous government representatives to past and present NDIT staff.

Names (left to right): MLA Kiel Giddens, NDIT Board Chair Margo Wagner, NDIT CEO Ben Campbell, MLA Rosalyn Bird, and MLA Sharon Hartwell

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to commemorate this milestone and celebrate the impact of community-led economic development across the North.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers who helped make the evening so memorable:
Danica Paul, Songhees and Tsartlip First Nation
Alyson Gourley-Cramer, Monogram Communications CEO
Margo Wagner, NDIT Board Chair / Cariboo RD Chair
Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services
Allen Courtoreille, Mayor of Chetwynd
Ben Campbell, NDIT CEO

Here’s to the next 20 years!

It’s that time of year again! The NDIT Internships Program is officially accepting host applications from local and First Nation governments.

Four of NDIT’s interns together in Smithers

To date, the program has supported 155 interns across 161 local and First Nation government placements, helping to build capacity and strengthen leadership across Northern BC.

These internships not only promote career development and advancement opportunities, they also provide vital support to communities throughout the region.

NDIT’s 2025 intern cohort

Learn more and find out if your government qualifies to host an intern before December 15.

Northern Development is continuing to support business growth across the region. Our team was proud to sponsor and attend the Marketing the North workshop held at the Dawson Creek Events Centre on October 1. This event was intended to help local businesses in Dawson Creek strengthen their marketing strategies.

Samuel Cawkell, Manager, Economic Development (Prince George/Northeast Regions) speaking during the Marketing the North workshop

We’re also partnering with the Northern BC Tourism Association (NBCTA) to support tourism businesses at their upcoming Northern BC Tourism Summit in Prince George from October 15 to 17. We look forward to connecting with tourism professionals, entrepreneurs and community changemakers at this event!

It is through these partnerships that NDIT is supporting businesses across Northern BC with resources, professional development and networking opportunities.