Residents in rural communities whose jobs have been affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation will have access to new skills training through the College of New Caledonia.

Canada’s New Government is providing $366,906 in funding to the college to purchase new mobile training equipment.

Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George made the announcement today on behalf of Minister Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“By diversifying their local economies, communities can survive the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and thrive,” said MP Dick Harris. “Our investment of nearly $367,000 for this initiative will provide training for residents of affected communities, giving them a chance to develop the skills necessary to work and contribute to their local community.”

"The College of New Caledonia has long worked to ensure the people of this region can access training in their home communities, this funding will allow the college to continue and expand on those opportunities,” said John Bowman, president of the College of New Caledonia.

Provided through the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), funding will ensure the delivery of a full range of training programs, including welding. Residents in Mackenzie, Burns Lake, Quesnel and Fort St. James will be the first to have access to the program, with other communities identified through consultations by the College of New Caledonia.

The two-year Community Economic Diversification Initiative will provide more than $33 million in federal project funding to assist communities most affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation diversify their local economies. Administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), CEDI is part of the $200 million federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

Stakeholders and First Nations looking to take advantage of funds available under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative are encouraged to submit 2-page Expressions of Interest by 5:00 p.m. (PST) on October 19, 2007. Further information and applications are available at http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/, or by contacting your local Community Futures office.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

With campuses throughout north-central BC, the College of New Caledonia is the region's only comprehensive post-secondary education provider and the first choice for university transfer arts & sciences, business, social & health sciences, technologies, trades and adult upgrading.

For additional information, contact:

Tom Wakefield
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-2445
Cellular: (604) 218-4395

Steve Raper
Marketing Manager
College of New Caledonia
(250) 561-5869
Web site: http://www.cnc.bc.ca/