November 09, 2009
Nelson, British Columbia
Colin Mayes, Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Shuswap, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and John Slater, MLA for Boundary Similkameen, on behalf of the Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, today announced federal and provincial support to help Selkirk College create jobs in the Nelson region.
“Our Government, through the Community Adjustment Fund, is providing a timely, targeted stimulus to western Canadian communities, helping reduce the impacts of the global recession,” said MP Mayes. “These projects will help create jobs and maintain employment in Nelson, helping our community overcome the challenges currently facing our region.”
Selkirk College is receiving funding of $3,450,000 towards refurbishment of its Tenth Street Campus residence hall in Nelson, B.C. The Province of British Columbia is also investing $3,450,000 towards this project, bringing the total federal-provincial contribution to $6,900,000 on total project costs of $7,000,000. Project activities include: upgrading the structure to current building standards, with the ultimate goal of LEEDs certification, and developing solar, geothermal and micro hydro energy sources. Additional benefits include training in green energy fields, business and partnering opportunities, much needed student housing for Selkirk College students and relieving a low cost housing shortage in the region.
“This is a great day for Selkirk College and the City of Nelson. The upgrading of this building will create 45 local jobs and help relieve the affordable housing shortages for students,” said Slater. “This partnership with the federal government and Selkirk College demonstrates what can be achieved when we all work together.”
“It is very inspiring to see such a collaborative partnership from all levels of Government; widespread support from our Region; and such lasting impacts for our students,” said Marilyn Luscombe, President and CEO of Selkirk College. “This project will enable more affordable education for learners, while revitalizing the neighbourhood and the community.”
The Community Adjustment Fund is a two-year, $1 billion national program that will provide economic stimulus by supporting projects that create jobs and maintain employment in rural communities.
The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on the resource-based industries of forestry, mining, agriculture and fisheries, and communities that depend on the manufacturing industry. In the four western provinces, the fund is being delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Craig MacBride
Communications Officer
Ministry of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development
Telephone: 250-356-7882
Cell: 250-213-1649
Barry Auliffe
Director, Communications and Development
Selkirk College
Telephone: 250-505-1384
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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