Thursday, March 25, 2021

Additional Forest Employment Program Projects

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- projects referenced include a current trail project at the Quesnel Regional Airport as well as restoration of trails at Ulkatcho FN in Cariboo RD Electoral Area "J"

Opportunities to work on more than 180 land-based projects are helping people begin their economic recovery from COVID-19, as part of the provincial response plan.

“We’re working hard to support workers and contractors who have been impacted by the pandemic, while also creating more good job opportunities and building stronger communities,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “These new and immediate jobs are another sign that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Together, we can build an economic recovery that works for everyone.”

B.C. expanded its existing Forest Employment Program (FEP) with an additional $12 million.  This will support more workers and contractors in more communities, enabling them to complete priority land-based projects.  

“Forest-dependent communities were especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Hon. Katrine Conroy, BC's Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “This program has created opportunities for workers and contractors to support their families and employees and begin to rebuild, while completing priority land-based projects near rural communities.”

Projects include improving recreation sites and trails, forest service roads, wildlife areas and wildfire safety.

“Our economic recovery plan is creating jobs and providing community support in every region of the province,” said the Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This expansion of the Forest Employment Program is going to help more workers in forest-dependent communities, while improving and strengthening B.C.’s forest lands so more people can enjoy them safely.”

This announcement is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response, which includes StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan, which protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities. 

Backgrounder here

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