The Government of Canada is increasing access to training and improving business development by funding the establishment of a video conferencing network that will link communities across British Columbia.
Funding of $484,972 was announced today by James Moore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics.
"Our Government is committed to strengthening the economy of rural communities and helping businesses compete in the global marketplace," said MP Moore, 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. "This investment will improve the B.C. marketplace, making distance communication and learning easier for local entrepreneurs and residents."
Community Futures British Columbia is coordinating the network, which will place video conferencing services in 27 Community Futures across British Columbia, and in the Women's Enterprise Centre (see Backgrounder for a list of locations). As a result, local residents will have new access to valuable e-learning seminars and workshops. The technology will also provide local businesses with a strong resource through which they can expand business networks, increase productivity and save money on travel.
"The B.C. Video Conferencing Initiative will provide communities across B.C. with increased opportunities, whether it be through enhanced training, reduced meeting costs, staff recruitment - the possibilities are limitless," said Bob Wright, Chair of Community Futures British Columbia. "This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the federal government to rural B.C., and has enabled Community Futures to be technological leaders in their communities."
Established in 1992, Community Futures British Columbia represents 33 offices located throughout rural British Columbia. These offices foster local entrepreneurship and promote, coordinate and implement a variety of community development initiatives within their respective communities. Community Futures offices are part of WD's Western Canada Business Service Network, representing more than 100 points of service across the West.
Established in 1995 as an initiative of WD, Women's Enterprise Centre is the leading resource for BC women entrepreneurs seeking business loans, skills training, business advisory services, resources, publications and referrals. With offices and business advisors throughout the province, they provide essential resources and services designed to build business capacity and fuel success. Women's Enterprise Centre is a member of WD's Western Canada Business Service Network.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) 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. It also represents the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie Stewart
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel: (604) 666-7543
Cordelia Williams
Project Manager
Community Futures British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 685-2332
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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New technology links Small Businesses, communities
$485,000 in federal funding launches video conferencing network across British Columbia
The following list represents the locations participating in this initiative.
Community Futures 16/37
204 - 4630 Lazelle Avenue Terrace, BC
Community Futures Alberni Clayoquot
4757 Tebo Avenue, Port Alberni, BC
Community Futures Boundary
245 Copper Street, Greenwood, BC
Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin
266 Oliver Street, Williams Lake, BC
Community Futures Central Island
580 Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, BC
Community Futures Central Kootenay
514 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC
Community Futures Central Interior First Nations
345 Yellowhead Highway, Kamloops, BC
Community Futures of Sto:lo
6014 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC
Community Futures British Columbia
409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Community Futures Strathcona
900 Alder Street, West Wing, Campbell River, BC
Community Futures Cowichan
135 - Third Street, Duncan, BC
Community Futures East Kootenay
110A Slater Road NW, Cranbrook, BC
Community Futures Fraser Fort George
1566-7th Avenue, Prince George, BC
Community Futures Haida Gwaii
1730 Hodges Avenue, Massett, BC
Community Futures Howe Sound
37760 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC
Community Futures Mount Waddington
311 Hemlock Street, Port McNeil, BC
Community Futures Nicola Valley
2099 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC
North Fraser
32386 Fletcher Avenue, Mission, BC
Community Futures Nuu-chah-nulth Ec. Dev. Corp.
7563 Pacific Rim Highway, Port Alberni, BC
Community Futures Powell River
4717 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC
Community Futures Shuswap
2-680 Marine Park Drive, NE, Salmon Arm, BC
Community Futures South Fraser
100-32383 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC
Community Futures Stuart Nechako
2570 Burrard Avenue, Vanderhoof, BC
Community Futures Sun Country
310 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft, BC
Community Futures Sunshine Coast
205-5710 Teredo Street, Sechelt, BC
Community Futures Thompson Country
101-286 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC
Women's Enterprise Centre
1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC
Community Futures Nadina
3232 Highway 16, Houston, BC
Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique)
