The BC government is hoping to take action when it comes to strengthening the mining industry, specifically in Northern BC, North Central BC, and in the Northwest.
As a result, the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources has formed a task force to work with First Nations, the industry, and local communities and come up with recommendations on how to create long-lasting job opportunities.
One member is Regina Saimoto, Associate Dean of Northwest Community College (NWCC) in Smithers, who has collaborated with the school’s Exploration and Mining Program for more than a decade.
She says it’s important to learn the team’s different perspectives from environmental, to social, to the labour.
“I do think that the mining sector, especially in Northwest BC, is very proactive and diligent around trying to hire locally, and also trying to work with rural communities in understanding the benefits of mining.”
In a statement, Mines Minister Michelle Mungall says including regional experts on the 12-member task force is key to understanding the various aspects of one of the province’s reliant industries.
“One of our goals with this review is to find ways to ensure mines in BC remain viable when commodity prices fluctuate, so that people keep working and communities can thrive.”
Saimoto has developed a number of courses related to the natural resource sector, and she’s also served as the Executive Director for the Centre of Training Excellence in Mining (CTEM).
“I’m hoping it’ll be a great opportunity for me to also relay the concerns for rural and remote communities and especially the Northwest. Having that perspective from communities where mining actually happens is going to be as important as providing the post-secondary educational perspective.”
The task force has until November 21st, 2018 to present Minister Mungall with its list of recommendations.