BC NDP MLA Michele Babchuk says funding will deliver economic diversification projects to North Island

CAMPBELL RIVER – New Democrat MLA Michele Babchuk says that funding will deliver projects to people on Northern Vancouver Island. Local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations throughout the Coast and Vancouver Island are receiving funding to promote economic diversification, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.

“Northern Vancouver Island is full of incredible organizations, municipalities, and First Nations that are leading the way when it comes to rural development,” says Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “This funding will help create more opportunities for people, business and non-profits to thrive across the northern island.”

In the North Island, 18 projects are receiving over $3.8 million in funding, including the Kwaxwalawadi Disability Accessible washroom and Waste Water System project, Quatsino Response Plan to Neucel Pulp Mill Receivership and Decommissioning, and the Kwaxala Natural Resources Innovation Centre project.

The BC NDP Government is investing up to $33 million across rural areas of the province for the second intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). Communities on Vancouver Island and other coastal communities will be receiving up to $12.9 million in funding for 41 approved projects from REDIP to help strengthen local economies.

In its first two years, REDIP will see as much as $99 million invested in more than 300 projects throughout rural B.C.

 Building resilient economies is part of the BC NDP government’s work through the StrongerBC Economic Plan to build a strong and sustainable economy for people through clean and inclusive growth.