April 8, 2009 - A $555,500 provincial partnership with the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia will provide employment training for more than 650 unemployed workers in British Columbia thanks to the Community Development Trust's Tuition Assistance Program.

"This project will result in training for workers in a field that has a clearly demonstrated skills shortage. Integrated invasive plant management is an important part of keeping our environment healthy and this training should provide a good opportunity for these workers to find immediate employment," said Kevin Krueger, Minister of Community Development. "This partnership is an innovative example of how we can help people become job ready outside of their general skills at a time when skill diversification is a personal asset."

The Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia will use the funding to develop a four-stage program that will provide practical training on integrated invasive plant management principles and practices. The program is designed to diversify the skills of unemployed workers in rural communities and have them employment-ready as jobs are created across the province. An estimated 50 sessions are being planned in communities like Smithers, Prince George, Fort St. John, Williams Lake, Kamloops Revelstoke, Cranbrook, Nelson, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Abbotsford and Northern Vancouver Island.

The program will also include a ‘train the trainer' component, certifying instructors across the province to deliver future training. The program will be implemented in coordination with regional invasive plant committees; multi-stakeholder organizations that help identify regional priorities.

"Invasive species removal and management is an important part of maximizing the use, value and health of our forest resources," said Bell. "The Community Development Trust is providing workers with the skills and opportunities to pursue employment and careers in eco-system restoration, silviculture and forest management."

"Diversifying the skills of unemployed workers is critical in British Columbia's interior and rural communities," said Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Plant Council of British Columbia. "We are pleased to receive this funding from the Community Development Trust's Tuition Assistance Program."

The $129-million Community Development Trust was established in May 2008, to help forest families, communities and companies with the downturn in the industry. More than 5,000 forest workers in communities across the province will benefit from programs and services made available by the trust over three years.

The Community Development Trust includes: a $17.25-million Tuition Assistance Fund, offering forest workers facing layoff opportunities to upgrade their skills, knowledge and education; an $85.5-million Transitional Assistance for Older Workers program to help older forest workers transition to retirement; and a $26.25 million Job Opportunities Program to provide short-term employment opportunities.

The Tuition Assistance Program assists laid-off forest workers to upgrade their skills and education and prepare for success in British Columbia's 21st century economy.

In the 2009/2010 budget, the Province committed an additional $30 million for further programs similar to those offered under the Community Development Trust.

For more information about the Community Development Trust Tuition Assistance Program, go to: www.cd.gov.bc.ca/cdt/

-30-

Media Contacts:
Jennifer McLarty
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-4592

Leanne Ritchie
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Community Development
250 387-4089