Source: Western Economic Diversification Canada-Ottawa

The Government of Canada Invests in Skills and Training Opportunities in Northwestern British Columbia

KITIMAT, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 5, 2016) - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, today announced an investment of $385,000 to support the Kitimat Valley Institute (KVI) to upgrade their trades training facility. This investment allows KVI to deliver additional accredited trades programs to reflect current labour opportunities in the region's natural resource and industrial sectors.

With this funding, KVI upgraded their existing electrical and HVAC systems, installed welding and carpentry stations and purchased tools and equipment. A large outdoor structure was also installed to provide a covered area for students participating in Construction Craft Worker training to get the hands-on practice needed to secure employment.

Quick Facts

  • The Kitimat Valley Institute is a non-profit organization that provides training opportunities for local First Nations and the community. It is governed by a Board of Directors with representation from the Haisla Nation, Rio Tinto, and the local community.
  • The Kitimat Valley Institute's programming incorporates culturally relevant approaches, along with modern innovative technology and training programs to increase Indigenous capacity in health, wellness, education and economic self-sufficiency.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to invest in initiatives that help students access the skills and training they need to succeed in B.C.'s labour market. By providing funding to the Kitimat Valley Institute, we are helping to remove barriers to employment and supporting all Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, to meet the growing labour demands in our diverse economy."

-The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"We need to prepare our students for all opportunities. By offering this Trades Centre in Kitimat, we move towards providing local trades training which will support our local projects and community needs."

-Sherrie Little, Kitimat Valley Institute Interim President and CEO

Additional links

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.

Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD. Follow us on Twitter at @WD_Canada.

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

Contact Information:

Ben Stanford
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
604-666-3395
ben.stanford@canada.ca

Dusan Jankovics
Comptroller
Kitimat Valley Institute
250-639-9199 extension 258