Job Opportunities Program

Creating job opportunities for unemployed resource workers

The final application period for the Job Opportunities Program closed on January 22, 2010. As of June 18, 2010, all applicants were notified of their project status.

One of three Community Development Trust programs, the Job Opportunities Program is helping unemployed resource workers all over British Columbia.

The program is funded through the federal government’s 2008 Community Development Trust, 2009 budget contributions by the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada’s 2009 Community Adjustment Fund and the Island Coastal Economic Trust.

Success Stories

For examples of success stories through the Job Opportunities Program, click here.

Objectives

The Job Opportunities Program supports activities that provide short-term employment for impacted resource workers while helping to meet government objectives that benefit resource-dependent communities.

Through opportunities workers will retain and build upon existing skills which will help maintain the workforce during the economic downturn.

Activities funded under the program are consistent with Canada’s obligations under all of its international trade treaties (including the Softwood Lumber Agreement).

Forest tenure holders' obligations are not relieved or displaced by activities funded through this program.

Eligible work activities

A variety of work activities on publicly owned and crown land may be carried out through Job Opportunities Program-funded projects. See the Eligible Work Activities page for more information.

Jobs for unemployed resource workers

Individual workers interested in employment on Job Opportunities Program-funded projects should check the Job Opportunities Program Worker Eligibility page for further information.

Selection criteria

Project applications were reviewed and assessed for funding based on the objectives of the program and specific criteria. See the Selection Criteria page for more information.

If you are approved

For information on the steps you must take if you receive project approval, see the If you are Approved page.

Making a difference

The Job Opportunities Program is making a difference in the lives of B.C. resource workers, their families and their communities. See our Making a Difference page for more information.

Many projects are already underway in many B.C. communities around the Province.

For summary information on 2010/11 projects, see our Project Status Update [PDF 84 KB].

For summary information on 2008/10 projects, see our Project Status Update [PDF 262 KB].

For more information about the Job Opportunities Program:

1-877-238-8882 from B.C. communities outside Victoria
250-387-5349 from Greater Victoria
email: jop@gov.bc.ca