"The Philippines is an economy on the move and we want to ensure that we are able to partner with them for a strong prosperous future," said Premier Clark. "Filipinos have long been a key contributor to B.C.'s growth and prosperity. We hope with this new labour Communiqué we can build and strengthen our labour and economic partnership with the Philippines. We will have a million new job openings by 2020 and will need a strong and stable labour partner, and I am proud to join with the Philippines to help meet that need."

Premier Clark applauded the announcement by Aquilini Renewable Energy that they received approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to build, operate and manage a $15-million waste-to-energy gasification plant in the City of Mactan in Cebu Province.

"Premier Clark, through the BC Jobs Plan, has created an environment to help foster job growth and innovation here in B.C., and it's working," said John Negrin, president, Aquilini Renewable Energy. "We're pleased to announce our first project in The Philippines: a $15-million waste-to-energy recycling facility in the City of Mactan, with excellent potential for further expansion. In addition to creating numerous jobs in B.C. and the Philippines, this project is an excellent opportunity to showcase B.C.'s clean-energy technology and expertise to potential clients in the growing Asia-Pacific market."

The Aquilini facility will run a recycling centre and waste-to-energy plant processing 45,000 metric tonnes of industrial, medical, and municipal waste per year. Equipment for the initial phase of the facility will be designed, engineered and manufactured in Vancouver, creating 40 B.C.-based jobs and more to come as the project expands.

In a meeting with Secretary of Labor and Employment, Rosalinda Baldoz, Premier Clark signed a Joint Communiqué on areas of mutual benefits with respect to labour mobility. Later at a Jobs Fair the Premier connected B.C. employers with recruitment agencies and educational institutions to help fill skilled-worker vacancies in the province. Premier Clark also met with Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Albert Del Rosario, to promote British Columbia's labour market and emphasize strong cultural ties with the Philippines.

"Our first priority is always to find employment for British Columbians, but with so many jobs to fill in the next decade, we know that new immigrants will be key to maintaining the growth of our economy," said Premier Clark.

Having sufficient numbers of workers to fill jobs in B.C. is a major concern for employers, and immigration is one of the most important avenues to attract workers. Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan commits to promoting economic development in key sectors and attracting more workers. Filling existing job vacancies faster will enable employers to operate more efficiently, and allow them to create more jobs for B.C. families.

Quick Facts:

• The Philippines is set to become the 16th-largest economy in the world by 2050. (HSBC)

• The Philippines has been one of the top four source countries of temporary foreign workers in B.C. since 2000.

• Since 2010, the Philippines has been B.C.'s second-largest source country for permanent residents.

• The Philippines is our number-one source of Provincial Nominees - 432 in 2011.

• Since 2001 the Provincial Nominee Program has assisted 1,960 skilled and semi-skilled workers obtain permanent resident visas.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

John D. Negrin
President
Aquilini Renewable Energy Ltd.
604 909-0002
john@aquilini.com

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Saturday, May 19

• The Province of British Columbia and the Republic of the Philippines signed a Joint Communiqué on areas of mutual benefits with respect to labour mobility.

• Aquilini Renewable Energy announced it received approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to build, operate and manage a $15-million waste-to-energy gasification plant in the City of Mactan in Cebu Province.

• The Applied Science and Technologists and Technicians of BC and the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table announced the launch of their Training Assessment for Technologists and Technicians Project. The project will pilot a collaborative assessment process for comparing Philippine and Canadian education, as well as training and professional standards in the civil, mechanical and electronics technology occupations.

• Montreux Capital Corp., a BC-based TSX-V company, is acquiring several proprietary banking software assets, including Kowops eCommunity Solutions Phils Inc., a Philippines-based banking software company, in a $1.75-million transaction that will bring modern banking solutions to the underserviced poor in emerging markets.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

John D. Negrin
President
Aquilini Renewable Energy Ltd.
604 909-0002
john@aquilini.com

"Our government is committed to growing our economy to create jobs for British Columbians," said Premier Clark. "We want Korean investors to know that B.C. is open for business.

"We are unlocking our natural resources by making key investments in transportation infrastructure. We have already committed to having one LNG pipeline and terminal online by 2015 and three in operation by 2020, and we are supporting our mining sector with a commitment to open at least eight new mines and upgrade at least nine mines by 2015."

Premier Clark also highlighted the growing biomass trading relationship with Korea. "I am particularly pleased to see that our biomass industry is helping Korea meet their clean-energy targets," said Premier Clark. "Today we have two great B.C. companies, Nelson Bio-energy and Princeton Co-Generation Company, announcing that they will be supplying and shipping some 6,000 tonnes of B.C. wood pellets to Korea Welds Company in 2012. This is the start of a great commercial relationship that means jobs for British Columbians with growth already planned for 2013."

For her final day in Korea, Premier Clark began by hosting, along with B.C. mining delegates, a B.C. Mining Roundtable at which she spoke to Korean corporations with investment interests in B.C.'s mining and natural gas sectors. Premier Clark applauded their growing role in developing new projects, including POSCO's recent $181-million investment in the Mount Klappan metallurgical coal project in northwest B.C.

"This is why we are here - to tell investors that British Columbia's economy is on the move and now is the time to get in on the action," said Premier Clark. "We've got all the right conditions for growth and one of the key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan is mining, which is an extremely important sector because it creates high-paying jobs that support families."

In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, and most of those jobs are located in rural B.C. By 2020 there will be an expected 10,000 additional job openings in those sectors, which is more great news for B.C. families.

More than 850 mining companies are already located in British Columbia. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, mining in B.C. generated $9.9 billion in gross revenues in 2011, up $2 billion from $7.9 billion in 2010.

In the past year, B.C. has permitted five mines for expansion, as well as five new mines, including Copper Mountain Mine, which began production in June 2011, and four others announced under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - Mount Milligan by Prince George, New Afton by Kamloops, Barkerville by Quesnel and Red Chris by Dease Lake in northwest B.C.

The BC Jobs Plan aims to increase annual revenue from mining operations by $1.6 billion, create and sustain more than 15,000 direct and indirect well-paying jobs in B.C. and contribute more than $150 million a year towards government revenue.

The Premier then met with Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) to recognize their recent investments in B.C.'s natural gas industry. In February 2010, KOGAS signed an agreement to invest up to $565 million in developing gas plays at Kiwigana (Horn River basin) and West Cutbank (Montney) in northeastern B.C. Then, on Tuesday, KOGAS, in partnership with Shell Canada Limited, Mitsubishi Corporation, and PetroChina Company Limited announced that they will jointly develop an LNG export facility near Kitimat, called LNG Canada.

In a bilateral meeting with Korea's Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Premier Clark promoted B.C's green-energy sources and discussed areas for co-operation in bioenergy, hydrogen and fuel cell technology and green buildings.

Finally, Premier Clark met with Mr. Joon-Yang Chung, chairman and CEO of POSCO, to recognize POSCO's investments in British Columbia. Based in Korea, POSCO is the world's third-largest steel maker, Asia's most profitable steel maker, and fourth-largest Korean company, with global sales of over $62 billion.

POSCO's Canadian operations (POSCAN) are based in Vancouver - it is the largest Korean company in B.C., with annual exports of over $500 million. In addition to the Mount Klappen project, the company also has a 20-per-cent stake in Greenhills Mine near Elkford and a 2.5-per-cent stake in Elkview Mine in Sparwood.

Learn More:

Learn more about B.C.'s Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy:

http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Documents/MiningStrategy2012.pdf

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Friday, May 18

• Royal Roads University and the Institute of International Education at Kookmin University agreed to establish an institutional partnership.
• Nelson Bio Energy (of Vancouver, B.C.) will supply 6,000 tons of B.C. wood pellets produced by Princeton Co-Generation Company (of Princeton, B.C.,) to Korea Welds Company in 2012. In 2013, 10,000 tons will be supplied.

Key Facts - B.C. Mining Sector

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before to approximately $8.6 billion.
• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25-per-cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• B.C. currently has 19 operating major mines, nine metal and 10 coal.
• B.C. is Canada's single largest exporter of coal, largest producer of copper and only producer of molybdenum.
• Mineral tax revenues for 2011/12 were valued at more than $350 million.

BC Jobs Plan

As committed in Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. This will result in:

• An increase in annual mine-operation revenue by $1.6 billion.
• Approximately 2,000 construction jobs.
• 2,000 new direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
• Sustaining 12,500 existing jobs (5,000 direct and 7,500 indirect); and over $150 million annually in government revenue.

New mines/expansions

Three new major mines are under construction and a fourth was recently permitted with construction expected to start this year:

• Copper Mountain Mine - Began construction in June 2011.
• Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Mine, expected to begin production in the second half of 2013.
• New Afton Copper-Gold-Silver Mine, expected to begin production as early as this June.
• Bonanza Ledge Gold Mine, expected to begin production once the QR Mill is approved and fully operational.

Since the Jobs Plan was released, the Province has approved five major expansions of existing mines:

• Highland Valley Copper Mine
• Huckleberry Copper-Molybdenum Mine
• Quinsam Coal Mine
• Elkview Coal Mine
• Endako Molybdenum Mine

B.C. is Canada's single largest exporter of coal, largest producer of copper and only producer of molybdenum.

Mineral tax revenues for 2011/12 were valued at nearly $400 million.

B.C. has an AAA credit rating, due in part to responsible budgeting.

British Columbia's Competitive Advantage

Reducing red tape:

• Mineral Titles Online will soon be upgraded to include coal tenure acquisition, administrative and management capabilities.
• In 2012, The Province will revise regulations to exempt low-risk exploration and mining activities from requiring Mines Act permits.
• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, the Province and the federal government are working to develop a single, effective environmental assessment process while maintaining the highest standards.
• Since the launch of the BC Jobs Plan, the Province has reduced the backlog of Notice of Work applications with an average turnaround time of 60 days and has a target of 80-per-cent reduction by August 2012.

Business Environment:

• B.C. is home to the world's largest concentration of professional geologists and over 850 mineral exploration and development companies.
• The Province has royalty programs and several tax incentives including a federal-provincial corporate tax of 25 per cent, the lowest of the G7 countries.
• Once completed, key infrastructure such as The Northwest Transmission Line, will support mine development.
• B.C.'s geoscience information is readily and publicly available through British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS), Geoscience BC and online through Provincial resources.
• Chinese companies' investment of $1.36 billion in coal mine developments in B.C.'s northeast and the Premier's Jobs and Trade Mission to Asia in 2011, strengthened existing relationships with Asia-Pacific and facilitated future opportunities.
• In partnership with the British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force, the Province will facilitate skills development and integrate skilled workers from other provinces and countries to address the sector's skills shortage
• The Regional Workforce Tables and stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that human resources initiatives are aligned with regional needs

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

"It's imperative that we look at new ways of doing things that will be sustainable for the future," said Premier Clark. "Through the development and marketing of clean energy alternatives in Korea, our government is creating new markets and new jobs back home in British Columbia."

The first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between University of British Columbia (UBC) and Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) will boost joint research and development projects on fuels and chemicals sourced from biomass. Korea's Renewable Portfolio Standard came into effect in January 2012 and requires a renewable electricity quota of two per cent total generation, growing to 10 per cent by 2022, much of which could be supplied by B.C.'s bioenergy industry.

Premier Clark also witnessed a formal agreement between RCI Capital/Sustainable Development Technology Canada and T-Stone Capital Fund on $300-million worth of matching funding for investment in Canadian clean-technology portfolio companies, of which over 30 per cent of the portfolios are B.C. companies.

The second MOU between Canada Wood Group and Best House Korea is for design and construction of 200 to 250 wood frame houses to be built at Masung Wood Framed Home Community Development Project using approximately five million board feet of Canadian dimension lumber and 87,500 sheets of oriented strand board (OSB). It is expected that up to $5 million in B.C. lumber will be purchased for the project.

"B.C. wood products are affordable and allow for exceptional building designs, but they also have tremendous climate friendly attributes - every tonne of wood material used in construction prevents about 5.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere," said Premier Clark.

Premier Clark also visited Gyeonggi, British Columbia's sister province in Korea where Governor Kim Moon-Soo recognized the Premier as an honorary citizen. The Governor also officially declared May 17th as B.C. Day in the province of Gyeonggi.

"It is a great honour to celebrate the first B.C. Day with our friends in Gyeonggi province and I cherish my honorary Gyeonggi citizenship. It is a symbol of our strong cultural ties and our commitment to deepen our historic relationship," said Premier Clark. While in Gyeonggi province, the Premier toured the Hwaseong Fortress - a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site.

Additionally, Premier Clark and B.C. green building delegates had the opportunity to meet with the Korean Organizing Committee for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games to discuss using B.C. cross-laminated timber design in sports facilities.

To promote British Columbia's world-class education system, including kindergarten to grade 12 and post-secondary, Premier Clark addressed 250 students at Suwon Academy of World Languages. In 2010, Korea was the top source of international students in British Columbia.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Thursday, May 17

• Canada Wood Group and Best House Korea signed an MOU for the sharing of information on the design and construction of wood-frame houses to be built at Masung Wood Framed Home Community Development Project. It is expected that up to $5 million in B.C. lumber will be purchased for the project.

• UBC and KIST signed an MOU on the implementation of joint research in clean technology and the establishment of a KIST Research Laboratory at UBC.

• RCI Capital/Sustainable Development Technology Canada and TStone Corporation agreed on $300-million worth of matching funding for investment in Canadian clean technology portfolio companies, of which over 30 per cent of the portfolios are B.C. companies.

• British Columbia based Deltalok Group agreed to supply Acciona Energy Korea with the design and construction of permanent structures for the Wind Power Complex in Young Yang County, GyeongBuk Province. The agreement is for 70 units and is valued at $10 million.

• Durae Corporation and Ironwood Clay Company announced an MOU to establish partnership, collaboration and economic development opportunities. Ironwood is a supplier of Marine Mineral Elements water to AmorePacific, the largest cosmetics manufacturer in Korea, through Durae Corporation.

• Hanjin Shipping and Prince Rupert Port Authority celebrated the company's one-year anniversary of shipping to Prince Rupert.

Key Facts - B.C. Bioenergy Sector

Quick Stats

• B.C. leads the country in biomass energy production. Nine biomass clean energy projects sell 2,121 gigawatt hours per year of electricity to BC Hydro, enough to power 194,000 B.C. homes.

• The B.C. wood-pellet industry was worth $1.2 million in 2011, growing to $2 million in 2012, with further expansion expected for 2013.

Provincial support:

• $25 million for the B.C. Bioenergy Network, to encourage investment and innovation in bioenergy projects and technologies.

• Three of the successful proponents under BC Hydro's phase 1 call for bioenergy power currently sell BC Hydro 653 gigawatt hours, or enough electricity to power nearly 60,000 homes.

• Four successful projects under BC Hydro's phase 2 call for bionergy power, with potential to generate 754 gigawatt hours, or enough to power 70,000 homes.

• BC Hydro also has an Integrated Power Offer, and purchases electricity from customers with their own generation capacity, including some pulp mills with biomass capacity.

• B.C. companies interested in the Korean market include: Pinnacle, Pacific Bioenergy, Premium, Tatsha Pellets, Highland Pellets, Visidis Energy, Bio Secure Power, Princeton Co-Gen, Conifex and Lignol. Pinnacle and Pacific Bioenergy are currently selling wood pellets in Korea.

B.C. and Korea

• Korea's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) came into effect in January 2012. It requires a renewable electricity quota of two per cent total generation, growing to 10 per cent by 2022.

• Under RPS policy, Korea's demand for renewable fossil fuels and fossil fuel replacement is growing considerably.

• Korea is B.C.'s fourth-largest trading partner and third-largest goods export market to Asia, accounting for $1.9 billion of B.C.'s commodity exports in 2010.

• KIST received $6 million from Korea's Ministry of Knowledge and Economy to invest in biofuel and torrefaction pilot projects in B.C.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

"This is a great opportunity to see, first hand, how an LNG terminal works, the types of jobs and skills required to work in the industry and of course, to see how much more real market demand there is for LNG in Japan right now," said Premier Clark. "Japan imports the most LNG in the world and I am here to tell them that British Columbia has vast natural gas resources and our government is committed to developing and growing this sector."

Entering the Asian market will help diversify B.C.'s natural gas sector, allowing it to be more competitive. Japan and Korea are the top two importers of LNG in the world, and B.C. has the natural resources and ideal location as North America's shortest route to Asia to help supply that demand.

Premier Clark's tour of the Negishi LNG Terminal, which opened in 1969, follows closely the announcement by Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited that they will jointly develop an LNG export facility near Kitimat, called LNG Canada. The project will consist of two LNG processing units, each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually, with an option to expand in the future.

"This project will have countless economic benefits for the region and the rest of the province, creating thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of permanent, full-time jobs during operation," said Premier Clark.

Our government's LNG Strategy, a part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, expects to see three LNG facilities operating by 2020, potentially creating 800 long-term jobs, as many as 9,000 new construction jobs, and thousands of spin-off economic jobs in areas such as transportation, engineering and environmental management.

In Tokyo, the B.C. government signed an MOU with Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to work together and share information on natural gas activities. JOGMEC's key responsibility as a government-run organization is to seek a stable supply of natural resources for Japan, such as natural gas, oil and metallic minerals.

"Today's agreement with JOGMEC is really about expanding our relationship with Japan's main energy buyer while at the same time enhancing our opportunities in the overall natural gas field," said Premier Clark.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcement for Wednesday, May 16

• The Government of British Columbia and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering cooperation and information sharing on natural gas activities in B.C.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited announced today that they are jointly developing LNG Canada. Two LNG processing units near Kitimat are proposed, each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually.

"While B.C. is lucky to be blessed with abundant natural resources, it's also our government's smart investments in infrastructure and skills training that make us a desirable, safe harbour for investment, as we see here today with this announcement," said Premier Clark. "This brings us one step closer to having three LNG facilities up and running by 2020, a key target set out in the BC Jobs Plan."

Shell Canada Limited will hold a 40-per-cent interest in LNG Canada, with KOGAS, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited each holding 20-per-cent interests. LNG Canada would include the design, construction and operation of a gas liquification plant and facilities for the storage and export of LNG, including marine off-loading facilities and shipping.

Potential commencement of the development could occur around the middle of the current decade, pending regulatory approvals.

"The proposed LNG Canada project will need thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of full-time, permanent jobs during operations," said Lorraine Mitchelmore, president of Shell Canada Limited. "The community would also experience the near- and long-term economic development opportunities that accompany an energy infrastructure project, as well as open up new export markets for Canada's natural gas supply."

As part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, government has pledged to have at least one LNG pipeline and terminal online by 2015 and have three in operation by 2020. The government has made a commitment to help the sector grow, diversify, and establish access to new markets for B.C.'s natural gas.

The growth and diversification of the natural gas sector is a major focus of work to build on the foundation of the BC Jobs Plan to increase economic opportunities across the province.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

"Recent investments show that countries like Japan are taking advantage of the tremendous natural and intellectual capital found in B.C.," said Premier Clark. "These emerging sectors provide jobs to thousands of British Columbians, jobs that support families across the province."

Premier Clark met with representatives from DeNA, just one of a number of Japanese digital media companies that have set their sights on B.C.'s world-class technology talent. She also met with officials from Mitsubishi, a significant player in the development of B.C.'s burgeoning LNG sector.

DeNA recently opened a Vancouver subsidiary, DeNA Studios Canada Ltd., creating between 35 and 40 new jobs in B.C. They join a number of other internationally recognized video game companies that have chosen to locate offices in Vancouver due to its highly qualified talent pool, including Electronic Arts (EA), Nintendo, Sony Studios and Microsoft, contributing almost 4,000 jobs in Vancouver.

At her meeting with Mitsubishi Corporation, Premier Clark recognized the company's significant investments in B.C. LNG resource development and infrastructure, including the recent $2.9 billion shared investment with Encana Corporation in the Cutbank Ridge property.

The meeting precedes Premier Clark's meeting with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Japan's crown corporation responsible for securing stable supplies of natural gas, at which the Premier will stress the advantages of purchasing LNG from B.C.

The advantages of investment in B.C. were highlighted again at a B.C.-Japan Corporate Lunch when Xstrata Coal and JX Nippon announced a $35-million investment in pre-feasibility activities related to the Suska Coal Project. Imperial Metals announced a three-year extension of its copper concentrate agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. worth approximately $50 million annually.

"Mining creates great family-supporting jobs for B.C., and our industry does this by ensuring we have customers for our products - including Asian markets," said Mark McManus, executive general manager, Xstrata Coal Canada. "Premier Clark's trade mission allows us to demonstrate B.C.'s commitment to delivering high quality resources."

At the Corporate Lunch, Premier Clark highlighted B.C.'s strong cultural and economic relationship with Japan as well as the province's competitive tax rates and wealth of human and natural resources. In 2011, B.C. exported $4.7 billion worth of goods to Japan, the third highest export market for B.C.

Premier Clark also met with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, to reaffirm the B.C. - Japan relationship and discuss mutual interests, such as education and the arts. The Premier expressed her pleasure at the fact that so many Japanese students have chosen to study in B.C. and encouraged Princess Takamado to visit B.C. again some time in the future.

Finally, Premier Clark met with Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joe Nokano to affirm and strengthen B.C.'s bilateral relations with Japan and present B.C.'s economic priorities as outlined in the BC Jobs Plan.

Quick facts:

• B.C.'s high-tech industry provided 84,000 jobs for British Columbians in 2009, with a record payroll of $5.3 billion, despite the global economic downturn.

• The average high-tech wage in B.C. was $63,440 - more than 52 per cent above the average for all B.C. jobs.

• GDP for the high-tech industry was $9.3 billion in 2009.

• B.C.'s high-tech sector has been one of the province's top revenue performers for many years, nearly doubling between 1997 and 2009, when revenues were $18.9 billion (the most recent data available).

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Tuesday, May 15

• Nippon Access agreed to retail Natural Glacier Waters product through one of Japan's largest grocery chains.
  
• Powertech and Tomoe Shokai have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter into a strategic alliance for the sale of Powertech's hydrogen fuelling stations in Japan. Each fuelling station has a value of some $2 million.
• JX Nippon and Xstrata Coal announced a $35 million pre-feasibility study of the Suska Coal Project, located between Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd.
• Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. and Imperial Metals Corporation revealed a three-year extension of an existing copper concentrate agreement between the two companies worth a total of $150 million.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

During the Jobs and Trade Mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, photos, video footage and updates will be readily accessible online.

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

"Our friends in Japan suffered a tragedy last year and British Columbia wants to help them rebuild, to see them emerge even stronger," said Premier Clark. "I'm honoured to be here, to witness the beginning of that rebuilding process and to see so many people who are committed to the recovery of this region."

The Premier also witnessed the signing of the first MOU between the City of Natori and the Canada Wood Group under the Canada Tohoku Reconstruction Project. The MOU will lead to the rebuilding of the Yuriage City Public Market. This will be the first project undertaken by the $4.5 million Canada Tohoku Reconstruction Project, which includes $2 million each from both the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia, and a $500,000 donation from Canada's forest industry.

Following the MOU signing, she visited Yuriage Junior High School students who are temporarily housed at Fujigaoka Elementary since their school was destroyed in the disaster. Second year students are candidates in a Victoria, B.C. study exchange.

Premier Clark also met Masahiro Wako, Vice-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture in Sendai to extend condolences, and pledge continued support from British Columbia. During the meeting Premier Clark emphasized the importance of Japan and British Columbia's long-standing cultural ties and strong relationships.

In addition to the reconstruction project, Western Forest Products, a leading producer of wood products from the B.C. coast, donated several Douglas fir and cedar logs to the Miyagi Prefectural government to replace masts from a 400 year-old tall ship, a historical treasure and tourist destination, damaged in the tsunami.

"As soon as we learned of the damaged ship we were hoping to support the recovery program wherever possible," said Lee Doney, Vice Chairman, Western Forest Products. "It required some planning to get the appropriate logs to the project and it couldn't have been done without the support of the Provincial and Federal government through the CWEP program."

Upon her arrival in Tokyo, Premier Clark hosted a Friends of British Columbia reception at which she encouraged all participants, including those who have lived, worked, or studied in the province, to act as ambassadors in strengthening ties between British Columbia and Japan.

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Monday, May 14

• The University of Northern British Columbia and Gakushuin Women's College signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop academic areas of mutual interest. The two are agreeing to establish a relationship to develop study abroad programs, exchange students and faculty members, promote the cooperation in academic activities, and develop other mutually beneficial programs. The schools also launched a new high definition video link between the two campuses.

• The University of Northern British Columbia and the Japan Travel Bureau Business World Tokyo Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote, encourage, and facilitate the development and internationalization of higher education in B.C.

• Royal Roads University and VIEC International Inc. of Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding toward development and implementation of programs specific to the Japanese market, as well as the promotion of mutual understanding between the two organizations.

• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Canada Japan Society of British Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, including exchange of information, work to further improve and expand trade relations, and to promote cooperation among government officials and the business community.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

During the Jobs and Trade Mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, photos, video footage and updates will be readily accessible online.

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

"By working together with industry partners, Canada and B.C. have been able to assist our friends in Japan to move past this tragedy," said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. "And the B.C. wood being used will be a lasting symbol of our province's close relationship with Japan."

"The initiative we are announcing today complements other humanitarian assistance that Canada was proud to offer in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "We are pleased to have an opportunity to extend Canada's goodwill to the people of Japan, and to demonstrate the many benefits of wood-frame construction that are recognized in Japan and in Canada, and increasingly being accepted globally."

The Yuriage City Public Market, a popular destination for residents of Natori and Sendai, was completely destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. The new market will be built using 2x4 construction and incorporate a wide range of B.C. forest products including western red cedar, coastal hem-fir, and others.

This will be the first project undertaken by the $4.5-million Tohoku Reconstruction Project, which includes $2 million each from both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia and a $500,000 donation from Canada's forest industry.

The funding for the reconstruction project is in addition to the more than $40 million in cash and in-kind donations contributed by Canadians and Canadian incorporations, including $1.5 million that was previously provided by B.C. and the forest industry to the Red Cross for humanitarian aid.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613 996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613 992-4447

The general public may contact:

Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613 995-0947
(teletype for the hearing-impaired) TTY: 613 996-4397
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca

"Our BC Jobs Plan is tremendously successful in seeking out new markets, and we are expanding on the long-standing relationships that we have in countries like Japan and expanding the opportunities for B.C. businesses in Korea. Just yesterday, we received great news that our unemployment rate continues to drop and nearly 20,000 new jobs were added to our economy last month alone. We have a skilled labour force, low tax rates and an abundance of natural resources. We need to get out and tell our story to investors. These trade missions build and strengthen our presence in growing markets and have enormous, long term, positive impact on our economy," said Premier Clark.

"When private industry has good relationships and confidence in British Columbia, they bring investments to our province that creates jobs," continued Premier Clark. "That's why I'm delighted to be here on the day that our friends at Japan Airlines are announcing plans to upgrade their aircraft to bring 90 additional passengers per flight to B.C. Those extra business people and tourists will translate to more dollars spent in hotels, restaurants and businesses all over our province."

"British Columbia is a business-friendly environment and will easily accommodate our future plans," said Steve Chen, District Sales Manager, Japan Airlines. "We are happy Premier Clark has chosen to travel on our airline so we can demonstrate the quality of Japan Airlines."

Departing Vancouver on May 12, Premier Clark's first stop will be in Japan to meet with government and business officials to talk about the opportunities available in British Columbia's natural gas, technology, and mining sectors.

Japan and Korea are the top two importers of LNG in the world, respectively. Both countries are looking to diversify their energy supply and are looking at increasing the use of natural gas and bioenergy as clean energy alternatives.

The Premier will then travel to Korea on May 16 to discuss clean energy options such as LNG and bioenergy with government and business leaders in Seoul and Suwon.

"As we continue to advance our LNG Export Joint Venture project with PETRONAS, we feel it is vital to engage with potential LNG buyers in the premium markets of Korea and Japan," said Michael Culbert, President & CEO of Progress Energy. "By participating in Premier Clark's trade mission, we are able to demonstrate to potential buyers the commitment that the Province of British Columbia has to building a viable LNG industry."

Finally, the Premier will fly to the Philippines on May 19 to meet with government officials in Manila to discuss labour mobility barriers, as well as opportunities for British Columbia to assist the country in growing their economy through strategic partnerships with B.C.

All of the sectors of focus for the Second Jobs and Trade Mission are identified in "Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan."

Learn More:

Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at www.bcjobsplan.ca

And about the first successful trade mission at http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission/Documents/Mission_Public_Report.pdf

BACKGROUNDER

Second B.C. Jobs and Trade Mission - participating companies and organizations

Forest Sector
BC Wood Specialties Group
BC Wood Specialties Group, Japan
Canada Wood Group
Canada Wood Group, Japan
Canada Wood Group, Seoul
Canfor Coast Forest Products Association
Forest Innovation Investment (FII)
Interex Forest Products Ltd.
Interfor Western Forest Products
Transpac Fibre

Technology, Clean Technology and Green Building Sector
BC Bioenergy Network
Cannon Design - Vancouver
CB Williams Energy Group
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (ASTTBC)
Englobe Enterprises Ltd.
Fibre Co Inc.
Equilibrium Consulting Inc.
Fast+Epp/StructureCraft Builders
Structurlam
Super E Housing Office/Energy Efficient Exporters Alliance (EEEA)
Paradigm Environmental Technologies Inc.
Mott Electric

International Education Sector
BC Council for International Education
Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST)
Royal Roads University
Langara College
University of British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia

Mining Sector
Canadian Kailuan Dehua
Fortune Minerals Limited
Yellowhead Mining
Getty Copper Inc
Hard Creek Nickel Corporation
Imperial Metals Corporation

Energy and LNG Sector
Compliance Energy Corp.
EnCana
EOG Resources Canada Inc.
LNG Direct Rail Ltd.
Nexen Inc.
Petronas
Progress Energy
Spectra Energy Transmission
Shell Canada Ltd.
Kivalliq Energy Corporation
Arctic Construction Ltd.

Legal, Financial and Professional Services Sector
Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance Canada Inc.
Fasken Martineau
Bank of Montreal
Borden Ladner Gervais
KPMG
New East Consulting Services

Transportation
Philippine Airlines
Port Metro Vancouver
Gitxsan First Nation
Vancouver Airport Authority

Immigration Services
Health Match BC
Happy Homes Immigration Services

Commercial Sector
Natural Glacial Waters Inc.
Pacific Western Brewing

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Photos of the 25th Anniversary

"As a shining example of the power of the human spirit, Rick Hansen has touched the lives of millions across Canada and around the world," said Premier Clark. "His Man In Motion Tour showed us that anything is possible and, with the support of the Rick Hansen Foundation and other valued partners, B.C. has become the best place in the country for people with disabilities to lead healthy, active lives."

The event was part of the 25th Anniversary Relay, which has been making its way across Canada in celebration of Difference Makers from coast to coast. The relay entered B.C. on March 19 and is passing through 127 communities before concluding in downtown Vancouver on May 22.

Hansen - one of Canada's most decorated Paralympic athletes and an internationally known ambassador for spinal-cord research - recognized MLAs as Difference Makers in a ceremony at the legislature, acknowledging them for their commitment to creating a healthier and more inclusive British Columbia.

"For 25 years, the Province of B.C. has been a partner with me on this journey and together, we are making fundamental progress towards a cure for spinal cord injury and building accessible and inclusive communities. The 25th anniversary is about honouring those who put service above self, recognizing local champions, and moving from one man in motion to many. It's an honour to recognize the spirit of all British Columbians through the sharing of the Rick Hansen commemorative medal with community leaders who represent all parts of our great province," said Hansen.

In March 1985, Hansen set off from Vancouver to wheel 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries on the Man In Motion World Tour to prove the potential of people with disabilities. His 26-month journey inspired an entire nation to believe anything is possible and moved thousands to make a difference. Since 1988, his Rick Hansen Foundation has leveraged the $26 million raised during the Tour into $252 million in investments toward spinal-cord research, accessibility projects and quality-of-life initiatives.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Rick Hansen Foundation, go to http://www.rickhansen.com/

Media Contacts:

Sara MacIntyre
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 580-7701

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028

Erin Labbé
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Rick Hansen Foundation
778 229-7532