“For too many years, young people and families in the North Coast have had to leave the region to find good paying jobs elsewhere,” said Rice. “These grants will go a long way towards promoting tourism and job creation in our communities so that people can afford to stay and raise their families here.”

Rice said the Rural Dividend program provides grants of up to $100,000 each for single applicants, and up to $500,000 for partnerships to help rural communities stabilize their economies and create long-term local employment. The funding is part of more than $10.1 million being awarded to 90 eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations in rural B.C.

• Bella Coola Valley Tourism is being awarded $10,000
• The Nuxalk Nation is being awarded $500,000 to design and construct a traditional Big House, a cultural path and trail
• Prince Rupert is being awarded $150,000 for the continuation of the Redesign Rupert process
• The Haida Gwaii Museum Society is being awarded $100,000
• The Heiltsuk Tribal Council is being awarded $238,050 for trades training
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association is being awarded $80,000
• Community Futures Development Corporation of Cariboo Chilcotin is being awarded $100,000

“This new funding will help rural communities grow their economies and create jobs – now and for the next generation,” said Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Doug Donaldson.

Rice said rural development activities support government’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that creates well-paying jobs for all British Columbians. To learn more, go to www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend.