The Federal Government  is introducing legislation that will clear the way for funding for  municipalities hit by shut downs and layoffs in the forestry industry.

Prince George-Peace River MP , Jay Hill, says the legislation will speed up delivery of  the $1-billion national Community Development Trust.

“Forestry workers and their families and entire communities in Prince George-Peace River can celebrate this decision,” said Hill. “One of the only concerns voiced by constituents and municipal leaders about this important fund was that it was contingent on the passage of the upcoming federal budget.  Our government listened to those concerns.  Through this legislation, we meet the requirement to seek spending authority from Parliament, yet without having to wait for the budget to be passed.  The Trust is no longer threatened by partisan politics surrounding our minority government’s federal budget.”

The Community Development Trust is designed to help provinces and territories assist communities and workers suffering economic hardship arising from the current volatility in the global marketplace.  The program targets one-industry towns facing major downturns, or communities plagued by chronic high unemployment, or regions hit by layoffs across a range of sectors. Among other things, it will support job training to create opportunities in sectors facing labour shortages, community transition plans that foster economic development, and create new jobs and infrastructure development to stimulate economic diversification.

The Federal  Government is in the process of finalizing agreements with the provinces and territories for the Community Development Trust.  Agreements with two provinces have already been signed.  Once the legislation is passed, funds would be made available to a province upon conclusion of their respective agreement.

Hill says the government will  seek unanimous consent of all parties to pass the Bill at all stages so that this funding may flow as quickly as possible.  Hill says he is hopeful the  opposition will not block the Bill.