The provincial government has confirmed that Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell will host a regional economic investment pilot project forum in Campbell River on Monday, Jan. 30.
The project is part of the provincial government’s “Canada Starts Here: BC Jobs Plan” announced last fall. Bell says: “Government doesn’t have all the answers, so these pilot projects are an opportunity for communities to engage with the future success of their local economies.”
The forum will include representatives from local government, business, industry, First Nations and education. Government officials anticipate that “through sharing ideas on investment opportunities and overcoming barriers, an inventory of potential projects will be created, as well as an action plan detailing how the provincial government will assist Campbell River in capitalizing on opportunities.”
Campbell River Mayor Walter Jakeway says: “Campbell River and coastal BC welcome this important economic development pilot and we are looking forward to working with the participants from across our region and other areas that become involved in this creative process.
“Together, we’ll find the ways to reinvigorate the local economy, to boost investment and to promote our region as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
A similar pilot project forum in the North Fraser communities of Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Mission attracted more than 100 participants.
Bell says: “We saw tremendous participation in our first forum in Maple Ridge. Leaders from all three communities and a variety of sectors came together to discuss what truly makes the North Fraser Region unique and how we can capitalize on that to create jobs for families.”