PacifiCan minister announces $3.9 million for Community Futures B.C. while in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Harjit Sajjan, Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced the agency has committed $3.9 million to Community Futures (CF) British Columbia during a conference in Fort St. John on Friday. 

There are numerous Community Futures initiatives established throughout B.C. 

Community Futures Peace Liard (CFPL) provides service to the communities within the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM). 

CPFL’s primary focus is to improve the quality of life in the region by enhancing business and entrepreneurial activity. 

PacifiCan’s funding will go towards providing immediate and temporary support to help Community Futures continue to service rural communities.

Sajjan, who is also Canada’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness, was met with a standing ovation as he made the announcement, which took place at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre in Fort St. John.

“[We need] a commitment to growing stronger rural and remote communities across B.C.,” said Sajjan.

“So I’m here because I share in that commitment. So, as partners, we share the goal of creating a thriving economy.“

Sajjan also announced the establishment of a joint committee between PacifiCan and Community Futures to “map out the work ahead.”

“I know you will be bringing innovative thinking to the table, as we discussed how Community Futures can leverage the support we provide from the Government of Canada and build even a stronger CF network,” said Sajjan.

“None of us can do this work alone. But together, we will strengthen our partnership and ensure the services that service our small businesses’ needs will be available, and that’ll be available far into the future.”

The minister also announced his plans to visit the Tse’k’wa historical site in Charlie Lake on Friday afternoon.

“We’ll hear about the important work that the Doig River First Nations, Prophet River First Nations and West Moberly First Nations have been doing to revitalize this site,” said Sajjan. 

“PacifiCan is very proud to have contributed to this important work as well.”

Alyssa Currie, executive director of the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society, said it was an honour to have the minister visit and learn about the historical site on the eve of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

“It was an honour to have the minister recognize the work that we have completed is part of a larger journey towards reconciliation,” said Currie. 

“Although it’s exciting to take the opportunity to reflect on the work we’ve done so far, it’s also important to acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to be done and that we as a society need that continuing support to continue our work.”

PacifiCan funded some of the infrastructure at the Tse’k’wa Historical Site through the Canadian Cultural Revitalization Fund (CCRF), with the purpose of creating a gathering space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn, listen, and remember in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.