With Northern Lights College President and CEO Bryn Kulmatycki hosting a panel discussion at the Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition’s fall forum in Taylor, Pipeline News North sat down with him to talk about responsible resource development.
Kulmatycki says the most important aspect to being responsible is discussion.
“That is what this is all about—engagement with stakeholders is key, taking parts in these types of events is key.”
From Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, Taylor will be hosting the Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition’s fall forum entitled “The Future of Resource Development in BC.”
Kulmatycki says everyone has to realize the first thing that comes with engagement—disagreement.
“If true engagement is there, you won’t have people agreeing and difficulties arise. But that is the consequence of having a real dialogue and problem solving.”
Kulmatycki will be moderating the panel ‘Sharing Perspectives on Responsible Resource Development’ on November 30 at 10:45 a.m. at the Taylor Community Hall.
While responsible resource development means different things to different people, Kulmatycki said he expects the panel to explore the issue from a First Nations, local, provincial, and Chamber of Commerce perspective.
Mayor Don McPherson of Tumbler Ridge will be sitting on the panel, along with Dawson Creek Executive Director Kathleen Connolly and representatives from both the Ministry of Forests and Natural Gas.
“There are always two or more sides or perspectives. Many times it can be profit drives versus issues and concerns—the key to find a balance between the two. That’s what the dialogue is for.
“There are always issues, but what is decided to be the greater and broader good is what the government has to look at.”
Kulmatycki said from an educational point of view responsible resource development starts in the classroom and ends in the real world.
“When it comes to education you are talking two pieces—the academic and the applied. The classroom engages all sides—a very wide swath that translates to the applied side.”
The Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition’s Future of Resource Development in BC forum goes November 29 to December 1.
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