Today, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Jim Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation and Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia announced Government of Canada support to the Blue Lake Forest Education Society.
"This project will help educate local youth about our forest habitat, while creating immediate jobs through the construction phase,” said MP Abbott.
The Blue Lake Forest Education Society provides forestry, outdoor, environmental and social education programs to youth in British Columbia and Alberta. With this funding, the Blue Lake Forest Education Society will renovate several existing buildings to increase enrollment, boost year-round operations and generate local employment. The project will add ten log cabins, install solar power systems on six buildings, construct a training facility, develop wheelchair access and undertake extensive landscaping.
"This project will greatly enhance the education programs that Blue Lake provides to children and youth as well as create numerous jobs and training opportunities now and for future generations. Thanks to the funding for this project, we will be able to operate as a premier forest and environmental education centre for many years to come,” said Jody McInnes, General Manager, Blue Lake Forest Education Society.
Federal funding of $1.2 million is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.
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 resource-based industries. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.
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The Government of Canada's investment towards the Blue Lake Forest Education Society will add ten log cabins, install solar power systems on six buildings, construct a training facility, develop wheelchair access and undertake extensive landscaping. This federal investment of $1.2 million will keep people working and lay the foundation for future prosperity.
Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Mr. Jody McInnes
General Manager
Blue Lake Forest Education Society
Telephone: 250-426-3676
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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