WHEREAS the current global economic instability combined with the loss of many forestry based industries and their jobs emphasizes the need to build more resilient communities through partnership and innovation; AND WHEREAS BC local governments and the Province have already recognized the urgent need for positive action on climate change by signing the Climate Action Charter, using the Climate Action Toolkit and existing programs such as the Green Buildings BC for Local Governments program: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM support and encourage the development of partnerships of local governments, community colleges, the Province and local investors to establish funding agreements which could provide the basis for stimulating and building enduring economies in British Columbian communities, through attracting and supporting green industries and providing the training for the newly-skilled workers they would require.
Ministry of Regional Economic Skills Development The Labour Market Partnerships LMP Program funded by the CanadaBritish Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement funds projects that support employers, employee andor employer associations and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force adjustments. The LMP Program recently funded the GLOBE Foundation to examine British Columbias green economy. Phase 1, completed in February 2010, defines the green economy and its contribution to British Columbias economy and labour market. Phase 2, completed in September 2010, examines economic opportunities and challenges for the green economy, and provides recommendations to support its growth. Additional funding has been provided to the GLOBE Foundation to prepare three communication pieces from the Phase 2 work; one summary piece to be widely distributed, one on education for post-secondary institutions and training organizations, and one on the labour market to be used as a reference tool by governments, businesses, post-secondary institutions and career centres. Public post secondary education institutions in BC, including community colleges, are delivering an increasing number of courses and programs that support green industries including sustainable resource technology, waste water management, clean energy and sustainable building technologies. The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation under construction by Okanagan College in Penticton will host trades and technology training, act as a laboratory, and provide business incubation space as well as research and development activities. Northern Lights College, recently branded as BCs Energy College, is constructing Energy House with regional community partners, which combines training facilities e.g. Wind Turbine Technician program lab with demonstrations of clean energy applications for businesses and residents.