Bob Marsh remembers PAGE A3
Friday, June 6, 2014
SPA RIVIER PAMPERING PAGE A11
VOL. 100 NO. 80
Canfor workers benefit from funding AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter With a funding promise of $150,000 for training opportunities, Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes said it’s just the beginning. The funding was provided by the province under B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to provide job skills training and retraining opportunities for workers affected by the closure of the Canfor sawmill. “Training programs at the College of New Caledonia will help those affected by the mill closure hone their current skills, build on their experience and develop new skills,” Oakes said on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk. “We are working across ministries and with community partners to support workers and their families as they make the transition to new jobs and opportunities.” The training offered will be determined by CNC working in partnership with the Quesnel Community Adjustment Team and affected workers and may include programs for heavy equipment operator, occupational first aid, forklift operator, fire suppression and construction safety training. The courses will be delivered at the CNC Quesnel campus and complement other programs offered at that campus. “We are dealing with transition and providing the supports while they go through that process,” Oakes said. Post Secondary Education Council chair Mary Glassford spoke to the funding and the opportunities the college provides. “Anything we can do to further education and training in this community is what it’s
all about,” she said. “Our Community Adjustment Team and WorkBC staff were on the ground in Quesnel immediately to help coordinate employment information sessions and offer support for career counselling and re-training,” Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond said. “This funding is one more way to make sure workers get back on their feet. The training through the college means they will be ready to take advantage of new employment opportunities.” The provincial government has committed to continue to work closely with the City of Quesnel and the full spectrum of local and regional organizations to provide support for mill workers, truck drivers, contractors, suppliers, families and the broader community affected by the sawmill closure. These services include career counselling, job matching, skills upgrading, business start-up support and financial advice. “We’re going through a transition and we’re not through yet,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said. “But we’re resilient and we’ll make it happen.” “We take great pride in being a community college and therefore are very grateful for this funding as it will allow us to help members of the community transition through this difficult time,” CNC president Henry Reiser added. “This funding will help create new opportunities at College of New Caledonia for the people of Quesnel.” Projections show a million job openings in British Columbia by 2022 with about 43 per cent requiring skills and trades training.
Deb Quick, Travel Consultant 250-992-5169 in Quesnel
Deb Quick offers all travel services as a Flight Centre Travel Agency. www.AskDeb.ca
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WILDFIRE TRIUMPHS PAGE A16
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Soldiers learn ranger skills For the second year in a row, soldiers descended on Pen-Y-Bryn farm where they mounted horses and learned the skills they’ll need to perform ranger duties. For information and more photos see Wednesday’s Observer.
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Karen Powell photo
North Cariboo Arena Replacement
Referendum Advanced Polls Monday, June 9th 8am - 8pm Quesnel City Hall
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BCReg#23929
includes GST
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