Renewal Northwest Tour 2013
February
16
Through February and March, Nathan Cullen will be touring Northwestern British Columbia to discuss the future economy of our region and, through community engagement, develop our own set of conditions for the future development of the Northwest. See below for details on when he'll be in your community.
With tens of billions of dollars being invested and proposed on being invested in new energy and resource projects, the Northwest is in the early stages of an economic boom. Energy and mining companies worldwide are eyeing the Northwest as a place to invest in diverse projects from mines, pipelines and energy projects such as hydroelectric dams, Liquid Natural Gas pipelines and marine terminals.
Northwesterners have seen boom economies before, but have suffered during the busts as well. One of the main selling points for these resource projects used by the large companies proposing them is that they create great local jobs. We’ve learnt that this is no longer the case. Looking for skilled labour, these resource projects are increasingly hiring workers from outside of the region and in many cases from outside of Canada.
With unemployment continuing to remain high, one of the main questions is how Northwesterners can fully take advantage of these opportunities. What training is required to ensure that Northwesterners can acquire the skills necessary to meet the needs of the new economic developments?
Also, how can we balance the new developments with the social, economic and environmental interests the Northwest?
Northwesterners have never shied away from coming together and defending the interests of the Northwest when they are threatened by massive resource projects like with the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline. The major theme of these forums is to determine what Northwesterners expect when it comes to mining, energy and resource projects and to plan for the changes while ensuring social and economic benefits while ensuring environmental protection.
Prince Rupert
Sunday, February 17, 7-9pm
Multipurpose Room
Northwest Community College, Prince Rupert Campus
353 5th Street
Kitimat
Monday, February 18, 7-9pm
Royal Canadian Legion Branch
665 Legion Avenue
Terrace
Tuesday, February 19, 7-9pm
Elks Hall - Elks Lodge
2822 Tetrault Avenue
Prince George
Monday, March 11, 7-9pm
University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way
Fort St. James
Tuesday, March 12, 6-8pm
Music Makers Hall
255 Second Avenue West
(250) 996-8233
Burns Lake
Wednesday, March 13, 7-9pm
College of New Caledonia, Lakes District Campus
545 Hwy 16 West
Smithers
Thursday, March 14, 7-9pm
Northwest Community College, Smithers Campus
3966 2nd Avenue
Houston
Wednesday, May 15, 7-9pm
Seniors Activity Centre
Hazelton
Thursday, May 16, 7-9pm
Northwest Community College
