The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are each contributing up to $30 million toward the Job Opportunities Program. The program, first announced in May 2008 as one component of the $129-million Community Development Trust, helps unemployed workers in all industry sectors and communities impacted by the economic downturn.

One such project will be implemented through the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association. The association will receive more than $5.5 million to deliver several different range fencing-related components on crown land, including fence line protection and replacing aging fences. This project will create jobs, strengthen local economies and provide much-needed fences along rangelands to protect both cattle and people. Read about JOP projects in other communities.

Taking part in the June 13 announcement in Kamloops are Senator Nancy Greene Raine, BC Cattlemen's Association representative David Haywood-Farmer, Western Diversification Minister of State Lynne Yelich,  B.C. Minister of Community and Rural Development Bill Bennett, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod, and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.

So far, more than 6,000 workers and their families have been helped through the Trust.