$2 million for Aboriginal training and Job Opportunities

Prince Rupert has received two million dollars from the Government of Canada’s Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSDC) under the Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership (ASEP) to provide training and long-term employment opportunities for local Aboriginal Peoples in port-related businesses. The ASEP funding application, which requires a commitment of matching funds from local partners, was made by the Prince Rupert Port Authority on behalf of the Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla and Kitkatla Indian Bands. Aboriginal peoples comprise nearly 50 percent of the population of Prince Rupert and surrounding communities. “In our consultations with First Nations around port development, one of the central themes was a strong desire to obtain training and skills to facilitate aboriginal employment at the new Fairview container facility and other port businesses,” explained Port Authority Manager Public Affairs Maynard Angus. The Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership is just the type of program we need right now,” said Jerry Lawson, Prince Rupert ASEP Society board chairperson and Lax Kw’alaams councilor. “There will be many jobs available requiring a trained work force when the Prince Rupert Port moves into the next phase of development. When these opportunities come knocking, we want our Aboriginal population to be ready for those jobs like everyone else.” Other Prince Rupert ASEP partners include Maher Terminals, CN, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 505, SMIT Marine, Prince Rupert Grain, Ridley Terminals Inc., BC Ferry Services and Naikun Wind Development.

Port Authority Welcomes New Team Member

Andrew Mayer has joined the Prince Rupert Port Authority as director of commercial affairs, providing support for the advancement of the commercial operations of the Port. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the organization, managing property transactions and commercial operating agreements and overseeing third-party financial/business feasibility studies and financial modeling of the commercial expansion of the Port. Mr. Mayer is an accomplished legal counsel with extensive experience in marine, environmental and transportation law, including civil, commercial, corporate, regulatory and administrative matters. In addition to a Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University, he holds a Diploma in Shipping Marine Operations from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Pacific Marine Training Institute and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.

Lighhouse Harbour Ministry makes seafarers feel at home

Christmas may be gone, but it is not forgotten by the seafarers who received visits and presents during the festive season from Prince Rupert’s Lighthouse Harbour Ministry (LHM). The Port of Prince Rupert is continuing the age-old mariners’ tradition of welcoming visiting seafarers and offering them Christian fellowship, comfort, care packages and the amenities of home,” said Director Operations & Security Gary Paulson. LHM chaplains and community volunteers provide Christian fellowship year-round to seafarers who are away from home and family for months on end. LHM volunteers in Prince Rupert perform a wide range of services ranging from visiting ships and coordinating religious celebrations to baking biscuits, knitting touques and offering free transportation.