"Diversification means better protection for B.C.'s economy - that's why your government has worked hard to diversify our export markets over the past decade," said Premier Christy Clark. "This approach has paid dividends. During that time, our wood exports to China alone have increased by 3,500 per cent to $1.4 billion in 2012, and become a significant driver of economic activity and job creation here."

"Our Government is pleased to be working in partnership with the Province of British Columbia to grow markets for Canadian wood products and secure jobs in forest dependent communities," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister for Natural Resources. "Through the Expanding Market Opportunities Program, we are helping Canada's forest industry expand export opportunities in traditional as well as emerging offshore markets, such as Europe, China, India and the Middle East."

Nine associations, which operate market development programs in China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and other major markets, will receive $6.0 million from the Province for international market development. Those associations include:

• APA - The Engineered Wood Association

• B.C. Shake and Shingle Association

• BC Wood Specialties Group

• Canada Wood Group

• Coast Forest Products Association

• Council of Forest Industries

• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

• Wood Pellet Association of Canada

• Wood Products Council

"We have to continue building and maintaining our international markets," said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Steve Thomson. "This is because sales overseas help keep our sawmills open and protect the thousands of jobs that depend on B.C.'s forest economy."

The remaining $2.4 million is for B.C.'s Wood First program, which promotes the use of wood as a preferred building material in mid-rise and non-residential construction, and advances B.C.'s reputation as a global leader in wood innovation.

Funds are being distributed through Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), the Crown agency responsible for developing and diversifying markets for B.C. forest products. Since 2003, FII has been partnering with industry and the federal government to grow the markets for B.C. wood products internationally.

"The partnership between the Province, industry and federal government has been very effective at building a market for B.C. wood in China and other growing economies. It's also a good deal for taxpayers because for every dollar the Province invests, it generates $2.80 of activity through matching dollars," said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.

Since 2003, FII has established a major presence in China, with an office in Shanghai. In 2012, FII opened an office in India to pursue emerging opportunities to export B.C. wood products there.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. is the world's largest exporter of softwood lumber products, with 80 per cent of industry output sold outside the province.

• More than 40 per cent of regional economies across B.C. are dependent on forestry.

• In 2012, B.C. exported $6.2 billion in wood products, representing about half (54.5 per cent) of total Canadian exports of wood products.

• Currently there are about 200 wood-frame, mid-rise buildings being designed or built throughout B.C.

Learn More:

Forestry Innovation Investment: www.bcfii.ca

Naturally Wood: www.naturallywood.com

Two backgrounders follow.

Contacts:

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-3113

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

BACKGROUNDER

2013-14 Funded Market Development Programs

Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) manages an annual, competitive Call for Proposals process to fund market development programs and Wood First activities. For 2013-14, the following organizations will receive funding to undertake the activities listed below.

APA - The Engineered Wood Association

• Obtain regulatory approval to expand use of Oriented Strand Board in building construction in Japan, and promote new uses to builders and developers.

B.C. Shake and Shingle Association

• Promote B.C.'s Western Red Cedar Shakes & Shingles in the U.K., France and the U.S.

BC Wood Specialties Group

• Develop market opportunities for value-added wood products in Europe, Asia, the U.S. and domestically.

• Host the 10th annual Global Buyers Mission in Whistler to connect international wood products buyers with B.C. value-added wood product manufacturers.

Canada Wood Group

• Continue market access and market development programs in China, Japan, Korea and Europe.

• Develop innovative building solutions to expand the use of SPF and coastal species in non-residential applications.

• Monitor and address market barriers in key international markets for B.C. wood products.

Coast Forest Products Association

• Expand sales of coastal species in Japan and China.

Council of Forest Industries

• Promote the benefits of wood frame construction in China and South Korea.

• Expand opportunities for SPF lumber in the Japanese non-residential and post & beam sectors.

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

• Promote Western Red Cedar as a superior green building material in the U.S. and Canada.

Wood Pellet Association of Canada

• Build the profile of the industry in Europe and address supply chain issues.

• Investigate market opportunities in South Korea.

Wood Products Council

• Promote the use of wood in a variety of non-residential and multi-unit construction projects in the United States.

• Provide technical advice, education, and support to the design community to enable greater understanding and use of wood in non-residential and industrial settings.

• Support the expansion of markets in the US for innovative wood products and building systems (e.g., cross-laminated timber).

BACKGROUNDER

B.C.'s Forest Renaissance; a Growth Industry

• From 2011 to 2012, forestry jobs increased from 53,400 to 56,400 - a six per cent increase and more than triple the increase for all other sectors.

• Lumber prices for the past two months are at their highest levels since fall 2005, and analysts predict B.C. is heading into a supercycle.

• In 2012, the total volume of B.C.'s lumber exports worldwide was 5.9 per cent higher than in 2011, and the total value of those exports was up 9.7 per cent.

• In 2012, the volume of B.C.'s lumber exports to the U.S. was up 11.3 per cent from 2011 and the value up by 25.2 per cent.

• In 2003, softwood lumber exports to China totalled $69 million, grew 1,500 per cent to almost $1.1 billion in 2011, and held steady in 2012.

• In 2012 B.C.'s production of wood pellets increased to about 1.95 million tonnes, almost double the volume produced in 2010.

• B.C. has more than 52 million hectares certified to one of three internationally recognized sustainable forest management certification standards, more than any other region in the world.

• B.C. plants an average of 200 million trees each year, and is anticipated to plant more than 225 million in 2013

• Since 2005, the provincial government's Forests for Tomorrow program has invested $269 million, surveyed 1.3 million hectares and planted more than 80 million seedlings over 61,000 hectares.

• The Province recently released a 10-year Strategic Forest Inventory Plan, supported with $8 million annual funding for the life of the plan. Through this plan, 35 million hectares will be inventoried in mountain pine beetle affected and other priority areas.

• Since 2002, the Province has signed forestry agreements with 175 First Nations, providing more than $324 million in revenue-sharing and access to over 63.2 million cubic metres of timber.

Contact:

Brennan Clarke, Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475

"There are lots of ways to make a difference in someone's life - but one of the best is ensuring they have the support and skills they need to be successful in the job market," said Premier Christy Clark. "Despite challenging economic times, we are committed to further building its partnerships with industry leaders to deliver training and provide supports that give people the best possible outcomes. That's an investment worth making."

Job Match, which first launched as a $2.6-million pilot in the northern B.C. in July 2012, focuses on matching unemployed British Columbians to jobs in the construction industry. Since its launch, more than 325 workers - mostly northern residents - have successfully transitioned to jobs in the construction sector, exceeding the initial target of placing 250 people by March 31, 2012.

"Government is committed to building a skilled workforce in B.C. and Job Match is just one of many programs we're offering to help unemployed people find good jobs," said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell. "With more than one million job openings expected across the province by 2020, we're focused on ensuring that people are prepared for the many opportunities coming our way."

In 2013-14, Job Match will place approximately 1,250 people into construction jobs throughout B.C. Under this new agreement with government, BCCA will be expanding Job Match services over the upcoming months to communities across the province where demand for jobs in construction are highest, in addition to continuing in the original pilot communities of Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson and Fort St. John.

"The BCCA has unique expertise and a long track record of helping construction employers connect with skilled and motivated job applicants," said BCCA president Manley McLachlan. "The Job Match pilot proved conclusively that there is a demand for this service from both the employer and employee perspective, and as new construction projects ramp up across the province we expect to play a pivotal role in recruitment efforts."

While many of the individuals participating in Job Match are former income assistance or employment insurance clients, any unemployed British Columbian is eligible to participate in the program. The program provides unemployed people with individualized supports, including skills training, post-employment coaching and other supports that empower participants to access sustainable job opportunities in the construction sector in their regions. In addition to helping people find and keep jobs, the program also helps improve economic productivity in the province, address skills shortages in certain geographic areas, and reduce the dependence on income and public assistance.

Job Match is being funded equally through the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement (LMA) and the Canada - B.C. Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA).

Job Match supports government's February 2012 budget commitment to match unemployed British Columbians to jobs. In addition to programs and supports offered through the LMA and LMDA, government is actively creating awareness and encouraging people to consider careers in the trades and technical occupations through a further investment of $75 million for new capital and equipment under the Skills and Training Plan. This funding complements $500 million in annual investments in employment and skills training programs under the BC Jobs Plan.

Today's announcement is part of BC's agenda for families. By growing our economy through the BC Jobs Plan, and by controlling spending to achieve a balanced budget, B.C. can continue to invest in core services that support families and strengthen communities.

During the month of November, the B.C. government asked for ideas from citizens on the topic of building a skilled workforce. See what government is doing to put ideas into action: www.bcjobsplan.ca/ideas-to-actions/

Contacts:

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-3113

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

"Our skills and training plan is about training British Columbians for jobs that exist and this investment will help ensure training opportunities match industry," said Premier Clark. "This funding will help our regions grow and ensures that students and current and future employers have the opportunities they need to fill the jobs that are available today."

The regionally targeted skills training funding, which comes through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, will allow the individual institutions to target specific short-term training that is needed to meet the labour market needs of industry in their region. Possible examples of training could include introduction to trades, forestry boot camp, mining fundamentals and automotive technician foundation training. Institutions will determine specific seat and program allocations over the coming months.

As part of the overall funding, $1 million is being provided to support short-term training that aligns with the outcomes from the Regional Workforce Tables. Additionally, $900,000 is being allocated to support short-term training related to the activities of B.C.'s Centres of Training Excellence.

"A key part of planning for future labour market needs is to make the right connections between government, industry and institutions so they can work together to identify and deliver training that matches labour market needs," said Ralph Sultan, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology. "This funding will help provide targeted training and give students access to specialist expertise that will provide them with strong, marketable skills that are in demand in their part of the province."

The establishment of Regional Workforce Tables is a key commitment under the BC Jobs Plan and has successfully brought together regional knowledge and expertise to determine how to effectively align regional training to meet local employment opportunities and ensure British Columbians have access to training and job opportunities in their home communities.

There are currently two B.C. Centres of Training Excellence that were set up under the BC Skills and Training plan. These involve multiple partners and focus on mining and oil and gas. The centres aim to provide a central point of contact within the post-secondary system to draw on expertise across the system to support training in the resource sectors.

"This funding will help ensure that regions throughout the province have skilled workers, both today and in the future," said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour. "The Regional Skills Training Plans developed by the Regional Workforce Tables will help align existing training programs to local jobs in the regions and help people take advantage of the significant economic development opportunities that exist in B.C."

The B.C. government has been engaging with the public in a skills and training discussion. One of the key themes that emerged is the need to find labour market solutions through regional co-ordination between institutions and industry, and the need to increase awareness about jobs in trades and their benefits.

Under the BC Jobs Plan and BC Skills and Training Plan, government is actively working to ensure that British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for jobs in the province through an investment of $75 million for new capital and equipment to complement $500 million in annual investments in employment and skills training programs.

Quick Facts:

• The first Regional Workforce Table open forum took place in Terrace in January 2012. Subsequent forums were held in Dawson Creek and Cranbrook.

• The Northeast and Northwest Regional Workforce Tables completed their Regional Skills Training Plans in January 2013 and identified actions to help ensure northern B.C. communities have skilled workers to fill current and future jobs in their communities. Subsequently, a third Regional Workforce Table has been established in the Kootenay region.

• B.C. has two Centres of Training Excellence: one in mining and another in oil and gas.

Learn More:

For more information on BC Jobs Plan and Skills Training Plan:http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills-and-training-plan/

Regional Workforce Tables: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/regionalworkforcetables/

Northwest Regional Skills Training Plan: http://www.nwcc.bc.ca/About/pdfs/NW%20Regional%20Skills%20Training%20Plan%202013-2018_2.pdf

Northeast Regional Skills Training Plan: http://www.nlc.bc.ca/Portals/0/documents/News/NE_RWT_Skills%20Training_Plan.pdf

Media Contacts:

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-3113

Dan Gilmore
Communications Manager
Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology
250 952-6400