Stephanie McDonald
Northern News Services
Wednesday, March 02, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - The Mine Training Society met in Yellowknife for two days last week to review its work to date and plan for the future.

"Mining is coming under a great deal of pressure," said Hilary Jones, the Society's general manager.

As the industry grows, so does the need for a larger workforce. An estimated 1,200 positions in the NWT mining industry will need to be filled over the next five years.

The two-day meeting brought together government representatives, Aboriginal groups, and a cross-section of mining industry representatives to discuss how to best meet that challenge.

"Everyone that keeps the body and soul together at the mine site," was represented said Jones. The Mine Training Society, a non-profit organization providing Aboriginal beneficiaries with training for jobs in the industry, had its mandate extended from 2008 to March 31, 2009.

"We still have a chunk of training money to spend," she said, adding she estimates the organization has $8 million left of the original fund of $30 million.

"We have only scratched the surface," said Jones.

"Mining is not going away."

Currently 40 per cent of the workforce in the mining industry in the NWT is Aboriginal.

"Yellowknife is now the benchmark for the rest of Canada," in terms of Aboriginal and community engagement said Ryan Montpellier, director of operations for the Mining Industry Human Resources Council.

The Society's model for getting Aboriginal workers jobs in the industry is now being adopted by organizations in B.C. and the Yukon.

Montpellier, visiting from Ottawa, said there is a national employment gap of 75,000 in the mining industry. He attributed this to retirement, industry growth, and recruitment challenges.

"The industry has grown at leaps and bounds and there is a negative perception among youth about mining jobs," he said.

To combat the problem, the Council has done career promotion at schools, is developing occupational standards and is working to promote mining as a profession, rather than grub work.

"Our jobs are great, safe," he said. "We are one of the better paying sectors in Canada with opportunities for advancement."

Jones said she was thrilled with the meeting.

"I am impressed with the level of co-operation between industry and First Nations to work towards creating jobs," she said.

"Everyone comes to the table and acts as a partner.

"They put their money where their mouth is."