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.
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
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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