Rural healthcare was a topic of discussion for the District of Vanderhoof at the Union of BC Municipalities Conference in Vancouver.
Mayor Kevin Moutray, told Vista Radio like many northern communities, filling some key nursing positions is a point of emphasis.
“We are really focusing on nursing programs and how do we provide the opportunity for more people to get into nursing programs and make that happen. Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake and Fort Saint James are short 26 LPN’s between those three communities.”
Coming off the heels of Canfor announcing the closure of its Vanderhoof facility, Moutray is also exploring other possibilities on how forestry can remain viable in the Nechako Valley.
He noted finding ways to localize the industry is still top of mind.
“We have been pushing obviously, the forestry file and looking at volumes staying in the area following mill closures and, the community forest has been our focus there.”
Moutray added the district has also met with Minister of Energy and Mines Josie Osborne, Municipal Affairs, Northern Health as well as Water, Land and Natural Resource representative Nathan Cullen.
The UBCM wraps up tomorrow (Friday).
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