BC: Government And industry committed to local employment

ImmigrantsCanada.com British Columbia Desk: � DAWSON CREEK Three upcoming local trade fairs will highlight growth and job opportunities in the natural gas sector that emphasize hiring local northeast companies, announced Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. � The issues surrounding local hire have become more evident over the past year and I am committed to ensuring our local contractors are given equal opportunity in securing work in the sector, said Lekstrom. My colleague, MLA for Peace River North, Pat Pimm and I have been in discussions with senior executives in the natural gas industry and local residents seeking employment in the sector. It is clear that all parties are committed to equal opportunity and resolving the local hire issue, and it will be done. � Natural gas activities play a vital role in B.C’s economy, generating significant economic wealth, which helps to pay for health care, education and social programs, as well as benefiting the entire region by ensuring that residents have the opportunity to go to work in this industry, said Lekstrom. Opportunity BC brings together some of Canada’s most successful natural gas and petroleum companies with local businesses to foster local economic development and job creation. I am pleased to see industry and local businesses coming together to further develop our local service sector. � Opportunity BC is a collaboration between the Province and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). The upcoming Opportunity BC fairs will bring together local business with natural gas and petroleum producers in a forum to exchange information on procurement and bidding procedures, contracting criteria, as well as required qualifications for employment opportunities in natural gas and petroleum. � Opportunity BC is another example of our industry’s commitment to deliver local economic benefits, support and employ local businesses and individuals where we have operations, said David Pryce, VP operations for the CAPP. � Three Opportunity BC fairs will be held this year: in Dawson Creek at the Kiwanis Trade Show (April 23 and 24). in Fort St. John (May 26 and 27). in Fort Nelson (Sept. 17 and 18, during the Horn River Basin Producers Group Fort Nelson Energy Expo). � � Dawson Creek Event Details: � Opportunity BC - Energy Expo 2010 Dawson Creek, at the Kiwanis Trade Show When: April 23, 2010, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 24, 2010, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Dawson Creek Curling Rink � (From Government of British Columbia News Source.)