If economic recovery can be gauged by the conference industry, Prince George is having boom times.
Major summits like the Council of Forest Industries and Forest Expo, now the Canada North Resources Expo, have returned to Prince George after long absences.
Next week's event could be the most positive sign yet. Founded in the early 2000s by then-MLA Pat Bell, this is the first time the premier has been the official host of the B.C. Natural Resources Forum. Rookie MLA and forum organizer Mike Morris said interest has been overwhelming.
"The demand for registrations to this year's [forum] has exceeded our most optimistic predictions," he said. "We are quite frankly astounded at the high demand for registrations. This tells us that there is a very strong level of interest in the bright future for British Columbia's natural resource sector in general, and for the Prince George region in particular."
While other forums and seminars focus on the business-to-business aspect or specific industrial interests of the uplifting natural resources economy, this forum is unique in bringing a large government voice to the table. The policy makers (government), policy users (industrial companies) and taxpayers will all be in the discussion room together during the two-day forum, which runs Wednesday and Thursday.
The overarching topics are set into panel discussions with experts and key stakeholder representatives. They are:
- Sustainable Forestry is Our Future (moderator: Minister of Forests Steve Thomson).
- Skills Training Equals Jobs (moderator: Minister of Jobs / Skills Training Shirley Bond).
- "Digging" Into the Future (moderator: Mining Association of BC boss Karina Brino).
- Energizing the Future (moderator: Minister of Energy/Mines Bill Bennet).
- Keeping the Tank Full Into the Future (moderator: Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier).
- Keeping BC Moving Into the Future (moderator: PG Airport Authority boss John Gibson).
- Seize the Day! (moderator: Minister of Aboriginal Affairs/Reconciliation John Rustad).
- Integrated Resource Management Into the Future
The two keynote speakers are Premier Christy Clark and First Nations lawyer Calvin Helin.
"Our hosts at the Prince George Civic Centre have worked hard to create as many opportunities as possible to allow people to attend the business sessions and learn more about the exciting future for B.C.," said Morris. "The tradeshow section, which sold out quite early, is open to the public so we're expecting a full house there too."
To see the agenda and register for the sessions still available, visit the event website at www.bcnaturalresourcesforum.com.
