Mackenzie, B.C. – School District 57 has heaped praised on the schools in Mackenzie. Board Chair Lyn Hall told those who attended tonight’s School Board meeting in Mackenzie that he is encouraged the town’s schools remain active and vibrant learning environments.

 

“Teachers, administrators and support staff are doing a wonderful job of focusing on learning activities that are enriching their students.” He added that the collective efforts are “remarkable given the difficulties Mackenzie is facing.”

 

Mackenzie is trying to recover from the loss of nearly 2,000 forestry related jobs with the closure of Abitibi Bowater, the collapse of the sale and resulting idling of the Pope and Talbot Pulp Mill and the reduction in the workforce at the Canfor mill.

 

Last week, more than 800 people rallied in the parking lot of the Mall, calling for change in forest practice policy, and extensions to Employment Insurance benefits so workers won’t have to leave their community to wait out this downturn in the forestry sector.