I hope you all had a happy and restful holiday season.
2015 was a fantastic year and 2016 will be another great year.
Our government is committed to controlling spending, balancing our budget, pursuing responsible resource and economic development and investing in skills training to help create jobs for families here at home.
Later this month, in Prince George, the BC Natural Resource Forum will bring leaders from industry and various levels of government together to discuss resource development opportunities and challenges.
In addition to pursuing responsible resource development, we will continue to help British Columbians access the skills training they need to get good-paying, family-supporting jobs and participate in our strong, growing and diverse economy.
We launched B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to re-engineer our education and training systems so British Columbians have the skills and training they need to take advantage of the job openings in our province’s diverse, strong and growing economy.
B.C.’s post-secondary system has been instrumental in helping us achieving our Blueprint goals.
We’re working to make skilled trades a career that is easy for British Columbians to access. We have provided $17 million over the last two years to 14 public institutions toward purchasing new trades training equipment.
This past fall, we added 50 new open textbooks focused on skills training and technical areas, free of charge to students.
As your MLA, I will return to the Legislature this February for the 2016 winter legislative session.
While at the Legislature, I will continue to make sure that your voices are heard.
While our government will continue to invest in our communities, there are lots of initiatives that we can take on a daily basis to support Williams Lake.
Buying local, investing in business and volunteering are all actions that contribute to a successful and prosperous community.
Seeing how the community come together reminds me how compassionate Williams Lake is.
Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2016.
By working together, we can continue to keep Williams Lake strong.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
