Joint news release with Liard First Nation
Highways and Public Works Minister Richard Mostyn and Liard First Nation Chief Stephen Charlie have announced an agreement to provide heavy equipment operator training. The agreement delivers on the Government of Yukon’s commitment under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program to provide training opportunities in the community.
Through a combination of coursework, simulators and hands-on training, students will learn how to safely operate heavy equipment such as rock trucks, loaders and backhoes. In doing so, they will gain the skills needed for meaningful employment in a range of maintenance and construction projects, including upcoming improvements on the Nahanni Range Road and Robert Campbell Highway north of Watson Lake.
Under the agreement, Coeur Silvertip Holdings will provide qualified trainers, the equipment on which students will train and accommodation, including meals. This represents a significant in-kind contribution. Yukon University will provide courseware, training materials and instructors to teach Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and other jobsite training.
This is another of many opportunities the Yukon Resource Gateway Program is creating for Yukoners throughout the territory. Training for Yukoners living in our communities is essential if we want to build our economy. I am happy to be partnering with the Liard First Nation to create more opportunities for its citizens.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Richard Mostyn
This training initiative is a great first step in preparing our membership for future employment opportunities. These benefits are the product of both cooperation and the willingness of all involved in working together. This is only the beginning of such partnerships; that will result in practical hands-on training.
Liard First Nation Chief Stephen Charlie
Training began last week for eight students. The number had to be limited because of COVID-19 guidelines.
The training is taking place at the Watson Lake campus of Yukon University and Silvertip Mine.
The heavy equipment operator training agreement will provide increased capacity for Liard First Nation to participate in two upcoming projects under the Yukon Resource Gateway Program.
In January 2020, the Government of Yukon and the Liard First Nation reached an agreement under the program for upgrades to the Nahanni Range Road.
In June 2020, the Government of Yukon and the Liard First Nation reached another agreement under the program to upgrade parts of the Robert Campbell Highway.
Renee Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Meredith McDonald
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-667-3146
meredith.mcdonald@yukon.ca
Stephen Charlie
Chief, Liard First Nation
867-536-7901
chief@liardfirstnation.ca