Mackenzie Forges On

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – Mackenzie Mayor Stephanie Killam isn’t going to wait to see what the Federal Government will provide in funding for  towns like hers that have been hit hard by the downturn in the forestry industry.  “We are already moving towards tourism, we  are working on a direct road  between Mackenzie and Ft St. James,  we are sending  the message that Mackenzie has clean, air clean water,  and recreation indoors and out, it is a resilient community” says Killam.

For Killam there is no time to waste.  With 1,000 jobs lost over the past seven months, Mackenzie is trying to redefine itself.  “We don’t have time for bureaucracy and legislation, those things take too long” says Killam,  and while there is the promise of the Mount Milligan mine, that  won’t be up and running another two years, so  there is a need for something now.

“We are hoping Service Canada will work with the people to help them retrain now, maybe for a job in the oil and gas industry, just something to get them through this crunch.”

The most recent cuts came just a week ago when Abitibi- Bowater advised workers to clear out their lockers, a move that came sooner than expected.   Killam says not much can be done “What can you do when the company won’t talk to you?  They aren’t even communicating with their own local managers.”

There  will be a job fair in Mackenzie  February 2nd and 3rd.  It is set to take place  in the auditorium of the High School there.

Fort Nelson is also feeling the pain. That community was advised late Thursday that Canfor’s OSB and plywood plants would be closed once the current supply of logs runs out.  That will likely be the end of April, and there is no telling when either plant will resume operations.  The move will put 435 people out of work.

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