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Today, Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal support for the development and implementation of a regional trades, technology and business development program in the Vanderhoof area.

“Our Government is taking action to assist communities that have been challenged by the Mountain Pine Beetle,” said Mr. Harris. “This investment will assist the Saik’uz First Nations seize opportunities and build a stronger economic foundation for the future.”

The Saik’uz First Nations will develop and administer a regional economic demonstration project—Saik'uz Skill Development and Training Institute (SSDTI). SSDTI will deliver high priority industry training programs initially delivered by existing accredited institutions. Courses offered will include trades, technology and small business start up, human resource and business management. Saik'uz will partner with the local Community Futures to provide the business training. This project will enhance course delivery, increase job placement rates in the participating First Nations' communities, and provide a catalyst to local business attraction and retention.

"The training center will help not only Saik'uz First Nation and Vanderhoof but other First Nations and the surrounding communities in this region. We will use the resources and infrastuture to help bridge the labour gaps that exsist and promote First Nation labour force as viable and valuable resource," said Chief Thomas. "Saik'uz Training Center will be unique as we will be developing an IT infrastructure that will be cost effective for course delivery. The technology will allow the training center to stream in courses via internet video from various locations and allow the students to stay in the community and develop the local work force."

Federal funding of $477,931 is being provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

Please visit the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program for more information.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone:  604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616

Fabian Sparvier
Saik’uz First Nations
Education Coordinator
Telephone:  250-567-9293