Steven Galligos
First Nations Training & Employment Coordinator
Peter Kiewit Sons Co.

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For decades, the Montrose community of British Columbia has depended upon the natural resources industry — and jobs in local mills and mines have been the traditional way of life. Confronted with the recent global recession, these industries have come to a halt or are scaling back, sending a number of qualified drivers, operators and workers looking for jobs elsewhere. On the bright side, however, we have recently seen a positive shift in employment coming from another source — renewable energy projects. Spurred by Canada’s wealth of natural resources and the government’s support of self-sufficient, domestic energy production, there is great opportunity in clean energy.

Companies around the world are recognizing this opportunity too. From wind, to solar and hydroelectric power, there are ample choices for business growth. In 2007, GE Energy Financial Services and Plutonic Power Corporation were among the first to tap into the great opportunity for renewable energy in British Columbia. Starting with a run-of-river hydroelectric project on the East Toba River, Plutonic and GE began construction of a C$660 million, 196-megawatt facility — the largest run-of-river project in British Columbia — which will have the potential to power 75,000 homes and avoid an estimated 455,000 tons of greenhouse gases annually (the equivalent of taking approximately 90,000 cars off the road). Experiencing success with this project, the two companies restarted construction on the 144-megawatt Dokie Ridge wind farm project in British Columbia’s Peace River region, which has the potential to expand to 300-megawatts.

The benefits of these projects extend well beyond the financial returns for these companies. When businesses such as Plutonic and GE build sustainable projects in renewable energy, they are also renewing and growing the local economy. Bringing jobs in the construction, transportation and catering industries, and these projects enable us to train, employ and help individuals achieve long-term career paths. The East Toba River and Montrose Creek Hydroelectric Project has created more than 600 construction jobs alone, with additional permanent jobs for operations and ongoing seasonal maintenance. People in our communities are able to stay in their homes, keep their vehicles, fund their kids’ education and positively affect local business too.

The projects have also helped generate innovative community based solutions for First Nations training and employment. One such example is the creation of PRESS (Powell River Education Services Society), a non-profit society formed to advance the goals of establishing a number of career/technical training options for students. Thanks to Chief Ken Brown of the Klahoose First Nations, along with Jay Yule and Troy Marshall of School District #47, who were instrumental in the creation, development and success of this society. All parties continue to remain focused on the common goal of advancing education/training and employment opportunities for our First Nations community members. Overall, the program has been a great success and PRESS should be commended for its continuous efforts on making a real economic impact for our communities now and into the future.

The financial support and cooperation of VanASEP (Vancouver Aboriginal Skills Employment Program) was also critical to the training and employment process. Our community members will no doubt realize the future benefits of this funding and as it has helped advance the programs initiatives.

The contribution to the area is not just about direct employment — it is also the money being spent in the community. Food for the projects’ workforce is bought locally, safety supplies are bought locally and even people coming through town to check up on the project are eating at local restaurants. By creating and sustaining these jobs, the renewable energy industry has saved our communities.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the opportunities in British Columbia aren’t open to just any corporation looking to participate in this growth. Our First Nations communities are a vital and vibrant part of our local culture — upholding the values of our citizens and protecting our resources from destruction. Working in British Columbia means working with the First Nations, and this relationship is not fit for all. It requires responsible leadership on the part of companies to work alongside the First Nations communities to understand the environmental, economic and social impacts of the projects, and adhere to requirements unique to our culture.

These projects with GE and Plutonic have enabled the First Nations to gain meaningful training and employment, while still maintaining traditional territories for cultural and traditional use. By respecting our beliefs and way of life, and by providing mutual economic benefit, these partnerships in renewable energy are built to last.