|
The Northern Development Initiative
was established in October 2004 with a $135-million trust to give northern
communities the funding, control and ability to identify and pursue new
opportunities for stimulating sustainable economic growth and job creation in
the Peace, Prince George, Northwest and Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet regions.
The Province provided an additional
$50 million in December 2005 for the Northern Development Initiative,
including $30 million specifically aimed at helping communities respond to the
mountain pine beetle infestation.
The $185-million Northern Development
Initiative is a strong vote of confidence in the future of the North and in
the vision of the communities who will decide how best to use this funding to
achieve their vision for a thriving and diversified Northern economy. The
Trust will give communities, including First Nations, the funding, the
control, and the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for
sustainable economic growth and job creation.
The additional $50 million in
funding includes:
· $30
million for cross-regional pine beetle recovery projects; and
· $5
million for development projects in each of the four regions to help leverage
new
investments
and partnerships to build economic strength.
The Prince George-based Northern Development Initiative is
managed by an independent 13-member board of directors that includes two
representatives from advisory committees for each of the four regions and five
government appointed members. This board is tasked with making strategic
investments in forestry, pine beetle recovery, transportation, tourism,
mining, energy, 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities, small
business and economic development. The advisory committees for each region
include regional district representatives, Mayors and local MLAs.
For information about the
Trust or to apply for
funding please visit the
Trust Web site:
http://www.nditrust.ca/
The
Northern Development Initiative Trust Amendment Act, 2005 was enacted
on December 8th. In addition to providing $50 million to the
Trust the
Act amends the
Northern Development Initiative Trust Act by providing improved
governance and public accountability to residents of the North.
To access both of these Acts please
use the following links:
Northern
Development Initiative Trust Act
http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/N/04069_01.htm
Northern
Development Initiative Trust Amendment Act, 2005
http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/38th1st/3rd_read/gov06-3.htm
|
