Government of Canada Investment to Support B.C.’s Forestry Industry

July 23, 2015 – Nanaimo, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced over $1,000,000 in funding for Vancouver Island University to establish a mobile forestry skills training program on British Columbia’s Central Coast and Vancouver Island.

The investment, provided through the Western Diversification Program, will allow Vancouver Island University to purchase mobile training simulators and a truck and trailer unit. The project will help prepare students for a variety of in-demand careers in the forestry industry, including heavy-duty mechanics, heavy equipment operators, logging truck drivers, forestry technicians, logging workers and hand fallers.

With many rural and Aboriginal communities in the region dependent on the forestry industry, this investment will allow program participants to learn and work where they live, reducing education and employment barriers.

Quick Facts

• Between 2013 and 2022, B.C.’s coastal forestry industry anticipates 4,650 job openings.
• Almost 10% of Vancouver Island University’s students are Aboriginal.

Quotes

“Mobile forestry training programs allow Canadians to learn and work where they live. Through investments in skilled trades training, our Government is creating the conditions for future industry growth and success.”

– The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

“This project is further showcasing Vancouver Island University (VIU) as a dynamic, forward-looking institution. By supporting this project, our Government will enable VIU to deliver training that will allow students to transition from training into the forestry industry, a sector that has many jobs to offer.”

– The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

“Vancouver Island University would like to recognize and thank the government for this important funding which will allow the University to work with industry partners to provide relevant, hands-on training to remote communities in our regions, including many First Nations communities. It will also support VIU in meeting one of our core values of creating access to valuable post-secondary educational opportunities that help prepare VIU students for in-demand careers in a variety of industries.”

– Ralph Nilson, President & Vice-Chancellor, Vancouver Island University
Additional Links

• Government of Canada Partners with FPInnovations to Encourage Aboriginal Participation in Forestry Sector
• Natural Resources Canada – Forest Industry
• Vancouver Island University

Contacts

Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-220-6208
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca

Ben Stanford
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-3395
Email: ben.stanford@wd-deo.gc.ca

Janina Stajic
Manager, Communications and Public Engagement
Vancouver Island University
Telephone: 250-740-6288
Email: janina.stajic@viu.ca

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