BELLA COOLA – New Democrat Jennifer Rice says that funding will deliver projects to people along the North Coast. Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations throughout the Coast and Vancouver Island are receiving funding to promote economic diversification, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.

“Our government is funding important projects in North Coast – Haida Gwaii communities that will open doors for new economic opportunities.” says Jennifer Rice, MLA for the North Coast. “Local governments, Indigenous communities and many other amazing organizations are receiving funding for projects that will create new jobs, diversify our economy, and make life better for people.”

On the North Coast, 5 projects are receiving over $2 million in funding, including the Great Bear Initiative Society Implementation of Community Based Fisheries for Coastal First Nations, and the Heiltsuk Shearwater Resort’s Commercial Enterprise Water System Upgrade.

The BC NDP Government is investing up to $33 million across rural areas of the province for the second intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Communities on Vancouver Island and other coastal communities will be receiving up to $12.9 million in funding for 41 approved projects from REDIP to help strengthen local economies.

In its first two years, REDIP will see as much as $99 million invested in more than 300 projects throughout rural B.C.

Building resilient economies is part of the BC NDP government’s work through the StrongerBC Economic Plan to build a strong and sustainable economy for people through clean and inclusive growth.