Job Opportunities Program

Creating job opportunities for unemployed forest workers

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.  

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.

Resource-dependent communities and organizations working in cooperation with resource-dependent communities are using the program to provide short-term (up to six months) work for unemployed resource workers.

Objectives and principles

The Job Opportunities Program creates short-term (up to six months) work in or near resource-dependent communities in order to assist laid-off resource workers.

Activities funded under the program are consistent with Canada’s obligations under all of its international trade treaties (including the Softwood Lumber Agreement). Forest license holders' obligations are not relieved or displaced by activities funded through the 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 laid-off workers

Applicants interested in hiring rules and 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 proposals are reviewed and assessed for funding based on the objectives and principles of the program and specific criteria. See the Selection Criteria page for more information.

Once you are approved

For information on the steps you must take once you receive project approval, see the Once 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. See the Project Status Update [PDF 45 KB] for information on their progress.

 

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