Burns Lake, B.C. – Minister of Jobs Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell, says the people in the Burns Lake region have done an excellent job in coming together to decide what the priorities are for the region  in the wake of the loss of the Babine Forest products mill. 

 

The sawmill was destroyed one week ago in an explosion and fire that killed two workers and injured 19 others.

 

“The foundation was certainly laid as we came into the room, Chief  Gerow provided us with an overview of some of the thinking that they had done. He talked about the need to have a rapid response, and look for some opportunities for short term employment as well.”

Bell says today’s meetings with leaders in the community have resulted in the decision there will only be one task force that will be jointly chaired by the Province , the District and the 6 First Nations. Initially, the region and the province had each pledged their own task force to deal with the economic crisis created by the loss of the Babine Forest Products mill.   Minister Bell says that decision is absolutely critical to ensuring the objectives can be met.

With one task force operating, the next step was to set up two sub committees.

 

Those sub committees will be made up of representatives from the community, First Nations and the Province.

 

One sub committee will focus on the short term options. Bell says there has already been some canvassing with major employers in the region such as West Fraser, Canfor, Thompson Creek  and Imperial Metals. “We’re finding there are a significant number of positions available” says Bell “ and we have a high degree of confidence that we will be able to support placement of individuals into those various operations over the next few weeks.” Nechako- Lakes MLA John Rustad will soon have a jobs fair in the area to bring the various employers together so people can see what is available.

 

Bell says he heard loud and clear that people would be willing to accept the long haul commute to work if it will mean they can keep their homes in Burns Lake. He says one of the First Nations Chiefs also made it clear that the mill needs to be rebuilt to give the children in the community something positive for their future.

 

The other committee will be looking at the long term issues, and in particular the fibre supply. Bell says Hampton Affiliates has indicated it would be willing to rebuild if there is “a high enough degree of confidence in the mid-term fibre supply in the region that they will be able to amortize their investment over an appropriate period of time.”  That review is expected to take 4 – 6 weeks.   He says that work will lay the foundation for a more detailed examination, “but  the goal is to provide Hampton with an idea of what the outlook might be and what the possibilities are”.

 

But Bell says that doesn’t mean another mill will be sacrificed in order to have Hampton  rebuild, he says there needs to be a sufficient supply assured for all existing mills in the region.

 

Workers at the Babine Forest Products mill were given their final cheque yesterday and Service Canada has been accepting applications for Employment Insurance.