Treaty 8 Nations to study LNG labour market

The B.C. government has awarded the Treaty 8 Tribal Association nearly CAN$134 000 in funding to undertake a labour market study. The study aims to help its members take advantage of regional economic development opportunities, including LNG.

The Labour Market Partnership funding will help the tribal association hire a consultant to carry out a five-year action plan and study that will report on what skills are needed for future jobs, what skills gaps there are now and how employers can best meet their employment needs through local hiring.

The project will last 43 weeks and will summarise a report that will be released in late August 2015. It will include short and long-term strategies that will enable band members to take advantage of future economic opportunities.

The five Treaty 8 Tribal Association member bands that are participating are:

• Doig First Nation
• Halfway River First Nation
• Prophet River First Nation
• Saulteau First Nation
• West Moberly First Nations

Other Treaty 8 bands will be invited to participate in the research.

The Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, John Rustad, said: “There are such great opportunities for First Nations where LNG is concerned and Treaty 8 Tribal Association Nations can be the cornerstone, along with other First Nations, in the northeast. This Labour Market Partnership study will set the stage for future economic growth and jobs within Treaty 8.”

Peace River South MLA, Mike Bernier, added: “LNG will help grow our economy, create jobs and provide a bright and secure future for all British Columbians. This Labour Market Partnership will help the Treaty 8 Tribal Association develop a plan to help them take advantage of future economic and employment opportunities in the region, including LNG.”

Adapted from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/18122014/lng-labour-market-study-1975/