Released: August 5, 2021

New Democrat MLA Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon says people whose jobs were affected by COVID-19, and those in vulnerable or underrepresented groups, will be able to access new training and job opportunities to find their place as our economy recovers from COVID-19.

“Proud we’re supporting accessible training programs that prioritize groups like recent immigrants, people with disabilities, or survivors of domestic violence, who often face barriers to employment,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “These investments mean that more people will be equipped with the skills they need to pursue careers they love.”

“During my time as a vocational counsellor, I became very familiar with the great work done at both Buxton Consulting and Triangle Community Services,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “Our government knows that investing in programs coming out of great organizations like these is going to make such a difference in people’s lives across the Fraser Valley and the province.”

MLA Paddon says a total of $95 million has been allocated to organizations around the province that provide skills training and employment services to over 9,000 people. This investment includes both provincial and federal funding through the Canada-B.C. Workforce Development Agreement.

Many programs are already underway and additional training opportunities will start in the next few months.