NWT Chamber of Commerce applauds Northwest Territories Mining Workforce Initiative
November 28th, 2008
The NWT Chamber of Commerce – together with its member Chambers in Behchoko, Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Yellowknife and the Northern Aboriginal Business Association – commend Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc., De Beers Canada Inc., and the Government of the Northwest Territories on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Northwest Territories Mining Workforce Initiative.
“This is a tremendous initiative for the future of the NWT,” said NWT Chamber President Ann Marie Tout. “The diamond mines have collectively demonstrated their willingness to not only be good corporate citizens, but also their dedication to Northerners and the place we are all proud to call home.”
The GNWT has recently stated it is facing a $40-million budgetary shortfall over the next two years, due in part to the number of non-NWT residents working in the Territories. While this initiative may not solve that immediate financial need, over time encouraging more mine workers and their families to discover the benefits of living in the North is something that will make a vast improvement, she added.
“Of course the commitment to training more Northerners rather than relying on contractors from the south is also a key cornerstone of this MOU,” she said. “This is an investment in our future. The technical skills and knowledge this should help build are a true legacy the diamond mines can be proud of, both today and for decades to come.”
The Chamber is also pleased to hear there will be enhanced travel initiatives, allowing more existing residents to take jobs at one of the mines without the need to relocate away from their home communities.
“Particularly in our smaller communities, life can change dramatically when even just one or two individuals decide to move away. At the same time unemployment is often highest in these locations,” said Tout. “One of the strengths of this agreement is that it has the potential to help foster Northern employment without putting undue stress on our communities.”
