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February 19, 2014
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PLAISIRS D’HIVER DANS LE PARC (WINTER FUN IN THE PARK)
COLD DOESN'T STOP SKIERS 21
HEALES FEATURED AT SHOWCASE GALLERY 23
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Gaven Crites photo
Students from 100 Mile House Elementary School descended on Centennial Park in 100 Mile House for a number of winter activities to wrap up French Awareness Week with sunny and warm conditions on Feb. 14. One of the activities was sled racing, during which Dakota Richards and Ethan Mori partnered up while Grade 3 student Crystalynn Taylor looked on. For more photos of the event, read the Feb. 26 edition of the 100 Mile House Free Press.
Budgets to boost jobs, growth Local MP Cathy McLeod predicts positive budget results Carole Rooney Free Press
The 2014 federal budget was tabled by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in the House of Commons on Feb. 11. Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod says it is a continuation of government’s plan initiated in 2009 – getting back to a balanced budget and supporting policies and measures that will keep the country strong in terms of jobs and economic growth. “I am certainly delighted to hear that we are approaching a balanced budget.” Several key components of the budget deal with jobs and training.
The Canada Jobs Grant introduced “I am really pleased to see the last year is still being negotiated Canada Apprentice Loan.” with the provinces, and McLeod says While students at university she, along with the rest of have been eligible for stugovernment, is looking fordent loans for a long ward to implementing it this time, McLeod notes that year. for the first time ever, “I’ve heard from employapprentices can also benefit ers not only across the by qualifying for financial country, but certainly in aid. our area, that they see this “I think that is a great one as a real positive in terms for our young people who CATHY of bringing the people who are looking into the apprenMCLEOD are the actual job providers ticeship program.” to the table [with] their workplace She explains the creation of an needs.” internship program for small- and Youth unemployment is some- medium-sized businesses at $15 thing government is also planning million a year is another “really to tackle, she adds. important” measure in the budget,
as it will help them hire new graduates and get them integrated into their companies. The budget also includes a $75-million initiative targeting older workers, $40 million for women entrepreneurs, $40 million to support internship positions in “high demand” fields. South Cariboo components McLeod says the budget also covers some items she knows will be attractive to her 100 Mile House area constituents. “First of all is rural broadband, the commitment to continue to work at accessibility across Canada.” Continued on 5