Job Opportunities Program

The program’s 2009/10 application period ended on July 24, 2009.

All applications have been reviewed and notification letters regarding
proposal status were mailed on August 27, 2009. 

Program Selection Criteria

Job Opportunities Program project proposal submissions are reviewed and assessed for funding based on seven criteria. Where qualified applications exceed available funds, those that fully meet these criteria will receive preference for funding:

  • The number of unemployed resource workers involved.
  • Dependence of the community on the resource sector and percentage of local workers affected by the current economic downturn.
  • The size, duration, location, and type of proposed work activities.
  • The relevance of proposed work activities to government goals and objectives.
  • Benefits to the community, including social, economic, biophysical and cultural.
  • The contribution of matching dollars, resources, leveraging and synergies with related programs and/or projects.
  • Linkage to any existing related programs and/or projects.
Priority is given to projects that achieve the greatest benefit to unemployed resource workers and resource-dependent communities across the province.

For example, projects that employ a minimal number of unemployed workers or have high operating costs will be a lower priority for funding. A minimum of at least 60 per cent of a project’s funds should be devoted to unemployed resource worker wages, no more than 30 per cent to operating costs, and up to ten per cent of total wages to administration costs.

The Job Opportunities Program exists to provide short-term job opportunities. Where projects are longer than six months, or extended through further funding, new eligible unemployed resource workers must be hired after six months. Previously hired workers under the program must have a six month break before reapplying to the program.

If approved, you will be notified and provided with a user name and password for access to a special web site where you may update and amend your project plan as required. A recipient agreement will be sent to you and once you have signed and returned the agreement, funding will be provided to begin the project.

If work activity cannot be completed in the current year due to seasonal weather change, funds will be held in trust until work can resume the following year.

 

For more information about the Job Opportunities Program:

For more information about the Community Development Trust:

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