Fort Simpson (Feb 04/05) - Five workplace safety courses were offered in Fort Simpson last week, but the work associated with them lies primarily south of 60.

Wanda Tsetso was one of 13 people enroled in an H2S (hydrogen-sulphide) Alive safety course on Jan. 28. With experience as a housekeeper, cashier and secretary, she said it was her first time taking safety courses. She's hoping her growing credentials will help land her a job on the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Leonard Horassi, wearing an oxygen tank and mask, and Miranda Isaiah demonstrate a two-person carry using Quinton Horesay as their volunteer. They were involved in an H2S Alive safety course offered through Xah Ndah Resources on Jan. 28. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Phillip Antoine, who described himself as a seasonal worker, said he needs the tickets to work in a camp environment.

"There's not very much work right now in town," he said.

Because there are few employment opportunities in Fort Simpson, the Liidlii Kue First Nation has lined up slashing jobs on seismic projects in the Fort Nelson area. Over the past few weeks, 18 Simpson residents have gone to the northern B.C. community to find work, Chief Keyna Norwegian said. The employment should last until spring and transportation has been arranged for workers, she added.

Industrial projects and related jobs could be available closer to Fort Simpson if political conditions permitted, but that hasn't been the case for years, Norwegian acknowledged. "I feel our people are so used to going somewhere to go to work, even if it was 10 miles out of town and they stayed in a camp it would be no different than Fort Nelson," she said.

Wanda Tsetso said she doesn't mind the prospect of a six-hour drive for a job.

"Anything would do," she said.

Leonard Horassi, who also took the H2S Alive session, said he's enroled in a four-month carpentry program that would conflict with travelling elsewhere for employment at this time. However, he said, "It's good that they have work down there."

Standard first aid, chainsaw safety, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) courses were also offered last week.

Rick Lebeau of Peace River Safety Training said people won't get hired by industry without these safety tickets.

To remain certified, individuals are responsible for renewing their courses every three years.