February 19, 2008
Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Local entrepreneurs and energy industry service providers in Northern British Columbia will soon have access to greater business opportunities in the oil and gas sector, thanks to a federal investment of $181,000 for Community Futures of Peace Liard, along with their partners the Energy Industry Services Association of British Columbia, to establish the Energy Services BC Business Development Initiative (BDI).
The announcement was made by the Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State, Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The Government of Canada is committed to encouraging business growth and competitiveness in Western Canada," said Secretary of State Hill. "This investment will enable local B.C. service providers to take advantage of business opportunities in the oil and gas sector of Northern B.C."
Currently, many on-site services are provided by businesses and organizations from outside Northern B.C. This initiative will develop a stronger, more cohesive regional service sector, and will position it to provide competitive, quality services to Northern B.C.'s oil and gas industry.
"Through this initiative and our partnerships with Energy Services BC and industry, community futures is proud to help strengthen the local energy services sector and build a stronger northeast region of British Columbia," said Sue Kenny, general manager of community futures peace Liard.
For more than ten years, Community Futures Peace Liard has helped entrepreneurs in northeastern B.C. start and grow their businesses. A community-driven economic renewal initiative, Community Futures also assists local communities develop and implement innovative strategies for dealing with a changing economic environment. Community Futures receive core funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada.
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.
For additional information, contact:
Tom WakefieldCommunications OfficerWestern Economic Diversification CanadaVancouver, B.C. Tel: (604) 666-2445Cell: (604) 218-4395Sue KennyGeneral ManagerCommunity Futures Peace LiardTel: (250) 782-8748
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
