There is expected to be lively discussion around the breakfast buffet at a special event being hosted Jan. 31 by the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Pat Bell, minister of jobs, tourism and innovation for the Province of British Columbia and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, has accepted an invitation from the Chamber to speak about the Canada Starts Here: BC Jobs Plan.

鈥淥ur members have expressed ongoing concerns about job creation and the economic climate of B.C. in general and the Comox Valley in particular,鈥� explains Chamber president and CEO

Dianne Hawkins.

鈥淚t is our responsibility as the Chamber of Commerce to proactively address matters that affect our members and take a leading role in promoting the Comox Valley as a great place to live, to work and to play.

"We are considering taking on or sharing the lead role in the BC Jobs Plan for the Comox Valley, however, we would prefer to involve more of our membership in making that decision. We are thrilled that Minister Bell has accepted our invitation to come to the Comox Valley to speak for a second time.鈥�

Bell will come to the breakfast meeting armed with information and extensive experience that comes from operating his own businesses and serving the people of British Columbia in various

capacities as a member of the provincial government for many years.

Prior to his current appointment Bell served as minister of forests, mines and lands; minister of forests and range; minister for agriculture and lands; and as minister of state for mining.

Before he became an MLA, Bell owned a trucking company and co-owned a logging company. He currently owns two Wendy's restaurants in Prince George.

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan is a program designed to take the Province鈥檚 strategic and competitive advantages and put them to work. Bell will explain the three 鈥減illars鈥� that have

been established to help us deal with today鈥檚 economic uncertainty and emerge from it stronger than ever.

This includes: Making the most of our position as Canada鈥檚 gateway to the Asia Pacific and expanding markets for B.C. products, particularly in Asia; strengthening our infrastructure to get our goods to market; and working with employers and communities to facilitate job creation in the province.

Business owners and Chamber members are encouraged to attend this special breakfast meeting Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 7:30 to 9:30 at the Best Western Plus Westerly Hotel at 1590 Cliffe Ave. in Courtenay. Pre-registration is required.

Tickets for Breakfast with Minister Pat Bell are $20 + HST each and are available online at www.comoxvalleychamber.com, by phone 250-334-3234, or may be purchased in advance from the Chamber office.

For more information on the Canada Starts Here BC Jobs Plan go to www.bcjobsplan.ca/canada-starts-here.

鈥� Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce