The BC government announced a big boost in aboriginal skills training today.
30 million dollars over 3 years has been earmarked primarily for First Nations communities that will be impacted by LNG development.
“Over the past year or more we’ve been talking to aboriginal communities about wanting to make sure we can fully take advantage of the LNG opportunity that’s before us.” Minister of Aboriginal Relations John Rustad said “Skills training was something they had a significant interest in.”
The funding will focus on LNG related fields such as pipeline construction and heavy duty equipment training.
“The key with the LNG, is that we want to make sure that British Columbians are first in line for these jobs, rather than trying to bring in crews from outside.” Rustad added
He added that the package is designed so that the First Nations that are hosting the forthcoming LNG development will be able to take advantage of the opportunities that come along with it.