Newsroom

VANCOUVER - A long-term plan designed to develop the mining industry and create jobs to support B.C. families was announced today by Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman.

"British Columbia is poised for a new phase of growth, investment and job creation, which will enable us to reach across the Pacific and tap into growing demand in Asian markets," said Premier Christy Clark, who is presently on her second Asia Jobs and Trade Mission promoting resource development to overseas customers. "Long-term growth in our mining industry will translate into strong economic growth for our communities, First Nations and the province, and thousands of well-paying jobs that will benefit families in British Columbia."

The new B.C. Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy outlines a plan to create eight new mines and expand nine existing ones by 2015. The mining strategy's six overarching goals are:

• Enhancing B.C.'s competitive edge.
• Streamlining regulatory processes.
• Ensuring the health and safety of B.C.'s workers.
• Protecting the environment.
• Building partnerships with First Nations.
• Developing a well-skilled workforce.

Today in B.C., 19 major mines provide jobs and opportunities for their communities. This includes five new mines and five expanded mines that have been permitted in the last year.

New mines include Copper Mountain Mine, which began production in June 2011, and four others announced under Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - Mount Milligan by Prince George, New Afton by Kamloops, Barkerville by Quesnel and Red Chris by Dease Lake in northwest B.C. All of these mines have either started construction or are about to begin.

"Mineral exploration and mining is booming in B.C.," said Coleman. "While meeting global demand drives a competitive industry, our government's plan starts at home with a strategy that ensures our mining industry is well-positioned to create opportunities for British Columbians in an environmentally responsible manner."

Under the BC Jobs Plan, the Province estimates it will increase annual revenue from mining operations by $1.6 billion, create and sustain more than 15,000 direct and indirect well-paying jobs in B.C. and contribute more than $150 million a year toward government revenue.

"The BC Jobs Plan commits to significant growth of mining and mine expansion that will contribute to high-paying jobs that support B.C. families," said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell. "With an investment of over $500 million provided annually for labour market training programs, we can ensure that training is available so British Columbians can take advantage of the tremendous opportunities in the mining industry."

Work began last fall when government began to clear the backlog of permit applications including Notices of Work. The Province has committed to an average 60-day turnaround for this work, and has already reduced the turnaround from 229 to 49.

In announcing today's strategy, the Province reaffirmed its commitment to develop mines in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner, respecting the cultural values of B.C.'s communities and its First Nations. This includes 10 new agreements to ensure mining benefits flow to B.C. First Nations by 2015.

Quotes:

Karina Brino, president & CEO, Mining Association of BC -

"The Mining Association of BC is encouraged by the province's commitment to review measures, policies and guidelines to ensure the mining industry continues to grow in a responsible manner. An efficient and effective project approval process is paramount for the benefit of all British Columbians."

Gavin C. Dirom, president & CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia -

"Mineral exploration is the lifeblood of mining - it is the research that leads to the discovery of deposits that may become the mines of the future. As B.C. celebrates a record $463 million spent on mineral exploration in 2011, it is important to have a strategy that acknowledges the province's great mineral resources and the potential benefits of responsible mineral development to all British Columbians."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, the mining industry increased its production value by 20 per cent from the year before, to approximately $8.6 billion.
• On May 15, 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers reported a 25-per-cent increase in B.C.'s gross mining revenues, up $2 billion to $9.9 billion in 2011 from $7.9 billion in 2010.
• Exploration spending exceeded $460 million, an increase of 35 per cent from 2010 and 1,500 per cent higher than a decade ago.
• B.C. accounts for approximately 15 per cent of all exploration spending in Canada.
• In 2011, more than 29,000 people were employed in mineral exploration, mining and related sectors, mostly in rural B.C.
• More than 10,000 job openings are expected in B.C.'s mineral exploration and mining sector by 2020.
• Once eight new mines are open and nine are expanded by 2015, the province will see approximately $1.6 billion more annual mine-operation revenue.

Learn More:

For 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan', visit: www.bcjobsplan.ca

To download a copy of the strategy visit: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Mining/Pages/MiningStrategy2012.aspx

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

BACKGROUNDER

Enhancing Our Competitive Edge

Since 2001, the B.C. general corporate income tax rate has fallen to 10 per cent while the federal corporate income tax rate has dropped to 15 per cent. B.C. is now in the top three Canadian provinces and territories in after-tax profitability for mine operations.

The Province also has attractive royalty programs and offers several tax incentives:

• The Mining Exploration Tax Credit provides a 20-per-cent refundable tax credit for eligible mineral exploration in B.C. and an enhanced rate of 30 per cent for qualified mineral exploration in prescribed Mountain Pine Beetle-affected areas.
• The British Columbia Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit provides a non-refundable 20-per-cent tax credit.
• The New Mine Allowance has been extended until 2016, which combines with other mineral tax provisions to allow new mines and major expansions to deduct 133 per cent of their capital costs.

The Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) is a new 322-kilometre, 287-kilovolt power line which will power mining in B.C.'s northwest.

The British Columbia Geological Survey (BCGS) has supported the mineral exploration and mining industry for more than 100 years.

To support the industry, Geoscience BC collects, interprets and delivers the data and expertise to promote investment in mineral exploration and development.

Streamlining Regulatory Processes

• To attract more opportunities and make B.C. more competitive, the Province will work with the federal government to eliminate regulatory duplication and develop a single, effective environmental assessment process.
• The Province has made significant progress to reduce the Notice of Work backlog by 80 per cent to an average turnaround time of 60 days by August 2012.
• The Province will also reduce the backlog of Water and Land Act tenures by 50 per cent by December 2012 and the backlog of mineral, placer and coal tenure applications by 50 per cent by March 2013.
• The Mines Act was recently amended to exempt some low-risk activities from the permitting process. The Province will consult with First Nations, industry representatives and the public to develop and define the exemptions.
• The Province will work with stakeholders to explore cost-recovery options to ensure permitting remains timely and efficient.

Ensuring the Health and Safety of Workers

• Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in British Columbia, thanks to a comprehensive regime of workplace health and safety policies.
• The latest provincial safety statistics show there has not been a mining-related fatality in B.C. since September 2009, the longest period of time without fatalities since 1898.

Protecting the Environment

• The Province is committed to ensuring all mines are environmentally sound through technical review, comprehensive permitting, inspections, and reclamation.
• The Provincial Water Quality Guidelines for sulphate and selenium will be reviewed and updated.
• The Peace Northern Caribou Plan is under development and will be implemented.
• The Water and Air Baseline Monitoring Guidance Document for Mine Proponents and Operators will be developed.

Building Partnerships with First Nations

• The Province is committed to negotiate early in the development process, to create greater certainty for First Nations, industry and communities.
• The Province will continue to work with First Nations and industry to create strategic agreements that clearly define engagement processes which ensure First Nations can effectively engage in resource management.
• Many companies negotiate directly with local First Nations, often resulting in Impact Benefits Agreements that define jobs, other economic benefits, environmental management provisions, cross-cultural training and dispute resolution.
• B.C. is the first province in Canada to share mineral tax revenues with First Nations. Revenue sharing is negotiated on a project-by-project basis, generally through economic and community development agreements.

Developing a Well-skilled Workforce

• B.C. is addressing recruitment and retention issues in a climate marked by aging demographics and strong competition from other sectors.
• The Province delivers over $500 million each year in labour-market programming to help British Columbians get the skills they need.
• More than $100 million a year is invested in trades training and certification through the Industry Training Authority.
• British Columbia Mineral Exploration and Mining Industry Labour Shortage Task Force is made up of representatives from industry, First Nations, unions, training and education providers, and provincial and federal government agencies.
• The Province provided over $1 million to the task force in start-up funding, supporting efforts to co-ordinate, develop and implement workforce measures to ensure the industry has the human resources it needs.
• Employment Skills Access provides tuition-free, group-based training at public post-secondary institutions in response to regional priorities.

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617

TOKYO, JAPAN - Premier Christy Clark continued her Jobs and Trade Mission today by touring the Negishi Terminal, Asia's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, and promoting B.C.'s promising LNG sector to potential Japanese partners.

"This is a great opportunity to see, first hand, how an LNG terminal works, the types of jobs and skills required to work in the industry and of course, to see how much more real market demand there is for LNG in Japan right now," said Premier Clark. "Japan imports the most LNG in the world and I am here to tell them that British Columbia has vast natural gas resources and our government is committed to developing and growing this sector."

Entering the Asian market will help diversify B.C.'s natural gas sector, allowing it to be more competitive. Japan and Korea are the top two importers of LNG in the world, and B.C. has the natural resources and ideal location as North America's shortest route to Asia to help supply that demand.

Premier Clark's tour of the Negishi LNG Terminal, which opened in 1969, follows closely the announcement by Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited that they will jointly develop an LNG export facility near Kitimat, called LNG Canada. The project will consist of two LNG processing units, each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually, with an option to expand in the future.

"This project will have countless economic benefits for the region and the rest of the province, creating thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of permanent, full-time jobs during operation," said Premier Clark.

Our government's LNG Strategy, a part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, expects to see three LNG facilities operating by 2020, potentially creating 800 long-term jobs, as many as 9,000 new construction jobs, and thousands of spin-off economic jobs in areas such as transportation, engineering and environmental management.

In Tokyo, the B.C. government signed an MOU with Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to work together and share information on natural gas activities. JOGMEC's key responsibility as a government-run organization is to seek a stable supply of natural resources for Japan, such as natural gas, oil and metallic minerals.

"Today's agreement with JOGMEC is really about expanding our relationship with Japan's main energy buyer while at the same time enhancing our opportunities in the overall natural gas field," said Premier Clark.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcement for Wednesday, May 16

• The Government of British Columbia and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering cooperation and information sharing on natural gas activities in B.C.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on http://www.sendtonews.com/ when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at:

http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

TOKYO, JAPAN - While on her second Jobs and Trade Mission, Premier Christy Clark took time today to applaud the continued progress of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility near Kitimat, LNG Canada.

Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited announced today that they are jointly developing LNG Canada. Two LNG processing units near Kitimat are proposed, each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually.

"While B.C. is lucky to be blessed with abundant natural resources, it's also our government's smart investments in infrastructure and skills training that make us a desirable, safe harbour for investment, as we see here today with this announcement," said Premier Clark. "This brings us one step closer to having three LNG facilities up and running by 2020, a key target set out in the BC Jobs Plan."

Shell Canada Limited will hold a 40-per-cent interest in LNG Canada, with KOGAS, Mitsubishi Corporation and PetroChina Company Limited each holding 20-per-cent interests. LNG Canada would include the design, construction and operation of a gas liquification plant and facilities for the storage and export of LNG, including marine off-loading facilities and shipping.

Potential commencement of the development could occur around the middle of the current decade, pending regulatory approvals.

"The proposed LNG Canada project will need thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of full-time, permanent jobs during operations," said Lorraine Mitchelmore, president of Shell Canada Limited. "The community would also experience the near- and long-term economic development opportunities that accompany an energy infrastructure project, as well as open up new export markets for Canada's natural gas supply."

As part of Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, government has pledged to have at least one LNG pipeline and terminal online by 2015 and have three in operation by 2020. The government has made a commitment to help the sector grow, diversify, and establish access to new markets for B.C.'s natural gas.

The growth and diversification of the natural gas sector is a major focus of work to build on the foundation of the BC Jobs Plan to increase economic opportunities across the province.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

[Updated May 15, 2012]
TOKYO, Japan - On her first full day in Tokyo as part of the second Jobs and Trade Mission, Premier Christy Clark sold the benefits of investment in British Columbia to both emerging and established industries.

"Recent investments show that countries like Japan are taking advantage of the tremendous natural and intellectual capital found in B.C.," said Premier Clark. "These emerging sectors provide jobs to thousands of British Columbians, jobs that support families across the province."

Premier Clark met with representatives from DeNA, just one of a number of Japanese digital media companies that have set their sights on B.C.'s world-class technology talent. She also met with officials from Mitsubishi, a significant player in the development of B.C.'s burgeoning LNG sector.

DeNA recently opened a Vancouver subsidiary, DeNA Studios Canada Ltd., creating between 35 and 40 new jobs in B.C. They join a number of other internationally recognized video game companies that have chosen to locate offices in Vancouver due to its highly qualified talent pool, including Electronic Arts (EA), Nintendo, Sony Studios and Microsoft, contributing almost 4,000 jobs in Vancouver.

At her meeting with Mitsubishi Corporation, Premier Clark recognized the company's significant investments in B.C. LNG resource development and infrastructure, including the recent $2.9 billion shared investment with Encana Corporation in the Cutbank Ridge property.

The meeting precedes Premier Clark's meeting with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Japan's crown corporation responsible for securing stable supplies of natural gas, at which the Premier will stress the advantages of purchasing LNG from B.C.

The advantages of investment in B.C. were highlighted again at a B.C.-Japan Corporate Lunch when Xstrata Coal and JX Nippon announced a $35-million investment in pre-feasibility activities related to the Suska Coal Project. Imperial Metals announced a three-year extension of its copper concentrate agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. worth approximately $50 million annually.

"Mining creates great family-supporting jobs for B.C., and our industry does this by ensuring we have customers for our products - including Asian markets," said Mark McManus, executive general manager, Xstrata Coal Canada. "Premier Clark's trade mission allows us to demonstrate B.C.'s commitment to delivering high quality resources."

At the Corporate Lunch, Premier Clark highlighted B.C.'s strong cultural and economic relationship with Japan as well as the province's competitive tax rates and wealth of human and natural resources. In 2011, B.C. exported $4.7 billion worth of goods to Japan, the third highest export market for B.C.

Premier Clark also met with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, to reaffirm the B.C. - Japan relationship and discuss mutual interests, such as education and the arts. The Premier expressed her pleasure at the fact that so many Japanese students have chosen to study in B.C. and encouraged Princess Takamado to visit B.C. again some time in the future.

Finally, Premier Clark met with Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joe Nokano to affirm and strengthen B.C.'s bilateral relations with Japan and present B.C.'s economic priorities as outlined in the BC Jobs Plan.

Quick facts:

• B.C.'s high-tech industry provided 84,000 jobs for British Columbians in 2009, with a record payroll of $5.3 billion, despite the global economic downturn.

• The average high-tech wage in B.C. was $63,440 - more than 52 per cent above the average for all B.C. jobs.

• GDP for the high-tech industry was $9.3 billion in 2009.

• B.C.'s high-tech sector has been one of the province's top revenue performers for many years, nearly doubling between 1997 and 2009, when revenues were $18.9 billion (the most recent data available).

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Tuesday, May 15

• Nippon Access agreed to retail Natural Glacier Waters product through one of Japan's largest grocery chains.
  
• Powertech and Tomoe Shokai have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter into a strategic alliance for the sale of Powertech's hydrogen fuelling stations in Japan. Each fuelling station has a value of some $2 million.
• JX Nippon and Xstrata Coal announced a $35 million pre-feasibility study of the Suska Coal Project, located between Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd.
• Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. and Imperial Metals Corporation revealed a three-year extension of an existing copper concentrate agreement between the two companies worth a total of $150 million.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

During the Jobs and Trade Mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, photos, video footage and updates will be readily accessible online.

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

NATORI, Miyagi Prefecture - Premier Clark visited the Yuriage Shrine at Hiyoriyama today to lay a bouquet in memory of the thousands who lost their lives in last year's tsunami.

"Our friends in Japan suffered a tragedy last year and British Columbia wants to help them rebuild, to see them emerge even stronger," said Premier Clark. "I'm honoured to be here, to witness the beginning of that rebuilding process and to see so many people who are committed to the recovery of this region."

The Premier also witnessed the signing of the first MOU between the City of Natori and the Canada Wood Group under the Canada Tohoku Reconstruction Project. The MOU will lead to the rebuilding of the Yuriage City Public Market. This will be the first project undertaken by the $4.5 million Canada Tohoku Reconstruction Project, which includes $2 million each from both the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia, and a $500,000 donation from Canada's forest industry.

Following the MOU signing, she visited Yuriage Junior High School students who are temporarily housed at Fujigaoka Elementary since their school was destroyed in the disaster. Second year students are candidates in a Victoria, B.C. study exchange.

Premier Clark also met Masahiro Wako, Vice-Governor of Miyagi Prefecture in Sendai to extend condolences, and pledge continued support from British Columbia. During the meeting Premier Clark emphasized the importance of Japan and British Columbia's long-standing cultural ties and strong relationships.

In addition to the reconstruction project, Western Forest Products, a leading producer of wood products from the B.C. coast, donated several Douglas fir and cedar logs to the Miyagi Prefectural government to replace masts from a 400 year-old tall ship, a historical treasure and tourist destination, damaged in the tsunami.

"As soon as we learned of the damaged ship we were hoping to support the recovery program wherever possible," said Lee Doney, Vice Chairman, Western Forest Products. "It required some planning to get the appropriate logs to the project and it couldn't have been done without the support of the Provincial and Federal government through the CWEP program."

Upon her arrival in Tokyo, Premier Clark hosted a Friends of British Columbia reception at which she encouraged all participants, including those who have lived, worked, or studied in the province, to act as ambassadors in strengthening ties between British Columbia and Japan.

A backgrounder follows.

BACKGROUNDER

Trade Mission Key Announcements for Monday, May 14

• The University of Northern British Columbia and Gakushuin Women's College signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop academic areas of mutual interest. The two are agreeing to establish a relationship to develop study abroad programs, exchange students and faculty members, promote the cooperation in academic activities, and develop other mutually beneficial programs. The schools also launched a new high definition video link between the two campuses.

• The University of Northern British Columbia and the Japan Travel Bureau Business World Tokyo Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote, encourage, and facilitate the development and internationalization of higher education in B.C.

• Royal Roads University and VIEC International Inc. of Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding toward development and implementation of programs specific to the Japanese market, as well as the promotion of mutual understanding between the two organizations.

• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Canada Japan Society of British Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations, including exchange of information, work to further improve and expand trade relations, and to promote cooperation among government officials and the business community.

Stay up to Date with the Trade Mission

During the Jobs and Trade Mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, photos, video footage and updates will be readily accessible online.

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

NATORI, Miyagi Prefecture - Contributions from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia to the Tohoku Reconstruction Project will support rebuilding of the Yuriage City Public Market, a significant first step in helping the local farming and fishing industry.

"By working together with industry partners, Canada and B.C. have been able to assist our friends in Japan to move past this tragedy," said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. "And the B.C. wood being used will be a lasting symbol of our province's close relationship with Japan."

"The initiative we are announcing today complements other humanitarian assistance that Canada was proud to offer in the immediate aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami," said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources. "We are pleased to have an opportunity to extend Canada's goodwill to the people of Japan, and to demonstrate the many benefits of wood-frame construction that are recognized in Japan and in Canada, and increasingly being accepted globally."

The Yuriage City Public Market, a popular destination for residents of Natori and Sendai, was completely destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. The new market will be built using 2x4 construction and incorporate a wide range of B.C. forest products including western red cedar, coastal hem-fir, and others.

This will be the first project undertaken by the $4.5-million Tohoku Reconstruction Project, which includes $2 million each from both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia and a $500,000 donation from Canada's forest industry.

The funding for the reconstruction project is in addition to the more than $40 million in cash and in-kind donations contributed by Canadians and Canadian incorporations, including $1.5 million that was previously provided by B.C. and the forest industry to the Red Cross for humanitarian aid.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa
613 996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613 992-4447

The general public may contact:

Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613 995-0947
(teletype for the hearing-impaired) TTY: 613 996-4397
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca

VANCOUVER - Premier Christy Clark today departs for her latest jobs and trade mission, this time going to Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Building on the success of her first trade mission, the Premier is making the business case for investment in the province, for resource and project developments that will create more jobs in B.C.

"Our BC Jobs Plan is tremendously successful in seeking out new markets, and we are expanding on the long-standing relationships that we have in countries like Japan and expanding the opportunities for B.C. businesses in Korea. Just yesterday, we received great news that our unemployment rate continues to drop and nearly 20,000 new jobs were added to our economy last month alone. We have a skilled labour force, low tax rates and an abundance of natural resources. We need to get out and tell our story to investors. These trade missions build and strengthen our presence in growing markets and have enormous, long term, positive impact on our economy," said Premier Clark.

"When private industry has good relationships and confidence in British Columbia, they bring investments to our province that creates jobs," continued Premier Clark. "That's why I'm delighted to be here on the day that our friends at Japan Airlines are announcing plans to upgrade their aircraft to bring 90 additional passengers per flight to B.C. Those extra business people and tourists will translate to more dollars spent in hotels, restaurants and businesses all over our province."

"British Columbia is a business-friendly environment and will easily accommodate our future plans," said Steve Chen, District Sales Manager, Japan Airlines. "We are happy Premier Clark has chosen to travel on our airline so we can demonstrate the quality of Japan Airlines."

Departing Vancouver on May 12, Premier Clark's first stop will be in Japan to meet with government and business officials to talk about the opportunities available in British Columbia's natural gas, technology, and mining sectors.

Japan and Korea are the top two importers of LNG in the world, respectively. Both countries are looking to diversify their energy supply and are looking at increasing the use of natural gas and bioenergy as clean energy alternatives.

The Premier will then travel to Korea on May 16 to discuss clean energy options such as LNG and bioenergy with government and business leaders in Seoul and Suwon.

"As we continue to advance our LNG Export Joint Venture project with PETRONAS, we feel it is vital to engage with potential LNG buyers in the premium markets of Korea and Japan," said Michael Culbert, President & CEO of Progress Energy. "By participating in Premier Clark's trade mission, we are able to demonstrate to potential buyers the commitment that the Province of British Columbia has to building a viable LNG industry."

Finally, the Premier will fly to the Philippines on May 19 to meet with government officials in Manila to discuss labour mobility barriers, as well as opportunities for British Columbia to assist the country in growing their economy through strategic partnerships with B.C.

All of the sectors of focus for the Second Jobs and Trade Mission are identified in "Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan."

Learn More:

Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at www.bcjobsplan.ca

And about the first successful trade mission at http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission/Documents/Mission_Public_Report.pdf

BACKGROUNDER

Second B.C. Jobs and Trade Mission - participating companies and organizations

Forest Sector
BC Wood Specialties Group
BC Wood Specialties Group, Japan
Canada Wood Group
Canada Wood Group, Japan
Canada Wood Group, Seoul
Canfor Coast Forest Products Association
Forest Innovation Investment (FII)
Interex Forest Products Ltd.
Interfor Western Forest Products
Transpac Fibre

Technology, Clean Technology and Green Building Sector
BC Bioenergy Network
Cannon Design - Vancouver
CB Williams Energy Group
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (ASTTBC)
Englobe Enterprises Ltd.
Fibre Co Inc.
Equilibrium Consulting Inc.
Fast+Epp/StructureCraft Builders
Structurlam
Super E Housing Office/Energy Efficient Exporters Alliance (EEEA)
Paradigm Environmental Technologies Inc.
Mott Electric

International Education Sector
BC Council for International Education
Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST)
Royal Roads University
Langara College
University of British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia

Mining Sector
Canadian Kailuan Dehua
Fortune Minerals Limited
Yellowhead Mining
Getty Copper Inc
Hard Creek Nickel Corporation
Imperial Metals Corporation

Energy and LNG Sector
Compliance Energy Corp.
EnCana
EOG Resources Canada Inc.
LNG Direct Rail Ltd.
Nexen Inc.
Petronas
Progress Energy
Spectra Energy Transmission
Shell Canada Ltd.
Kivalliq Energy Corporation
Arctic Construction Ltd.

Legal, Financial and Professional Services Sector
Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance Canada Inc.
Fasken Martineau
Bank of Montreal
Borden Ladner Gervais
KPMG
New East Consulting Services

Transportation
Philippine Airlines
Port Metro Vancouver
Gitxsan First Nation
Vancouver Airport Authority

Immigration Services
Health Match BC
Happy Homes Immigration Services

Commercial Sector
Natural Glacial Waters Inc.
Pacific Western Brewing

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

VICTORIA - During the upcoming Jobs and Trade Mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines, photos, video footage and updates will be readily accessible online.

Media can download raw footage, photos, audio on www.sendtonews.com when it is available.

To view and download photos from the Asia Trade Mission visit: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjz4PFfy

Follow the Asia Trade Mission at: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Connect/PremiersMission2012/Pages/PremiersMission.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

VICTORIA - More British Columbians benefited from jobs in April, as B.C.'s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2 per cent from seven per cent in March, and gained 19,700 jobs - 16,700 of which are full time positions.

Since February 2011, B.C. has added 57,900 jobs to the economy, benefiting families all over the province.

Today's Labour Force Survey also revealed that compared to this time last year, B.C.'s unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points lower, resulting in the province having Canada's fourth-lowest unemployment rate in Canada.

Regionally, Vancouver Island and Coast gained 4,600 positions, the Lower Mainland-Southwest gained 15,000 positions and Cariboo gained 500 positions. While there were some losses in the rest of B.C., the overall provincial gains show tremendous progress for B.C. and are a positive sign that investments made and work done under 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' are working.

Strong gains were recorded in forestry, fishing, mining and gas extraction; manufacturing; trade; and transportation and warehousing. April's gains have more than made up for March's losses in these same industries.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"Under the BC Jobs Plan, we are committed to creating and protecting jobs for B.C. families and today's numbers clearly show me that our investments are working. Every job counts for families in B.C. and it's great to see that so many corners of our province are seeing positive results."

Learn More:

Visit the Province's one-stop working resource: http://www.workbc.ca

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan : http://www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

PORT HARDY - A more efficient permitting system has allowed construction to begin sooner on the Cape Scott Wind Farm, bringing hundreds of jobs to northern Vancouver Island.

On March 21, the Province issued the first-ever multi-tenure agreement to Cape Scott Wind Farm Inc. This agreement provides the necessary licences and authorizations to begin construction of up to 55 wind turbines near Port Hardy.

Once built, the wind farm will be capable of producing up to 110 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power 30,000 Vancouver Island homes. The construction of the wind farm will infuse an estimated $80 million into the local economy, creating about 200 jobs during construction and commissioning of the project and up to 10 permanent jobs.

Cape Scott's multi-tenure agreement supports the BC Jobs Plan's commitment to work with clean-energy companies to find new ways to develop the sector. The Province will continue to support job creation by co-ordinating and accelerating provincial processes on major projects while maintaining strong environmental standards.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"Cape Scott is a great example of the success of our 'One Project, One Process' model. By co-ordinating provincial approvals, we've reduced the time it takes to reach a decision - helping this project get started sooner, and bringing needed jobs to the North Island."

Mike Crawley, president, International Power Canada Inc. -

"We're pleased to expand our portfolio of wind projects within a province that shares a commitment to clean energy. The Province's support and co-operative approach within their approval process was critical in getting Cape Scott Wind Farm to the construction stage."

Quick Facts:

• Cape Scott Wind Farm was the first project in B.C. to receive a multi-tenure agreement. The Province was able to bundle five individual authorizations into one provincial review process.
• Cape Scott Wind Farm was the first wind energy project in B.C. to receive an Environmental Assessment Certificate in 2004 (amended in 2011). The certificate sets out the environmental requirements for construction and operation.
• This clean energy project is supported by the Quatsino, Tlatlasikwala and Kwakiutl First Nations.
• Currently, two wind farms are operating in B.C. Together they produce approximately 180 megawatts per year, enough to power 49,000 homes.
• BC Hydro has electricity purchase agreements with six wind farms, including the Cape Scott Wind Farm project, that have yet to become fully operational.

Learn More:

Cape Scott Wind Farm: http://www.iprplc-gdfsuez.com

Major Projects BC: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/major_projects/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261