A2 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, May 14, 2003 Alcan pays for study to ‘unl By JEFF NAGEL ALCAN is paying $100,000 for two economists to look for new ways to create jobs in the north- west, The company says Michael Heit and Lloyd Guenther, billed as regional experts, are conduct- ing the study to help unleash the northwest’s economic potential, It's part of Alcan’s response to fears about possible job losses that could result from its power sales, The company says the study will aid the work of the Kitimat Community Task Force, which is holding meetings aimed at finding - a negotiated solution, The study is to be finished July 15 but will provide a progress re- port on May 28. That's the same day Kitimat mayor Rick Wozney will meet top provincial cabinet ministers on the Alcan power issue in Vic- From front toria and the Save the Northwest committee will present their com- munity petition urging the govern- ment to block the sales. And that is just days ahead of an early June deadline by which time the town must launch a law- suit over power sales or lose ils ability ta do so. Alcan. spokesman Richard Pro- kopanko said the corporation isn’t trying to preempt the town’s acti- vities. “We're anxious to move ahead,” Prokopanko said, “This is not an effort to stop [Wozney] or prevent him from doing it or come out with an agreement.” The economists will analyze options from aluminum-related in- dustry to forestry, mining, tourism and other manufacturing industries using existing or potential new players. - They will also iook at what can be done with surplus Kemano power over and above what Alcan uses for aluminum production. “We're going to look at the strengths and weaknesses," Pro- kopanko said. “Surplus power could provide some very interest- ing opportuni- lies,” “In people minds, it’s a weakness. All those things | will be consid- ered.” It will also compare the area to other § other ’ regions in the Richard world that Prokopanko have been through economic upheaval as a result of industrial change. Prokopanko wouldn’t speculate on what oplions the economists will uncover. eash’ region’s potential &: “We'll have to see what the study brings,” he said. “Prince George brought in a call centre that brought in several hundred jobs.” The study will facus on Kitimat but will also examine Terrace and parts of the Hwy 37 and 16 corri- dors. _ Skeena MLA Roger Harris has championed the idea that cheap Alcan power could be sold in a broader area beyond Kitimat to encourage northwest development. While Prokopanko would not address that idea or give a more specific boundary of the study, Harris said the fact it goes beyond Kitimat is important, “J've been a passionate advo- cate of ensuring. our natural re- sources are used for the benefit of the entire area,” Harris said, add- ing the meeting in Victoria will be an important step to finding common ground, Some fear publicly criticizing Alcan where everyone gets together.” They’re also armed with a petition signed by 72 per cent of voters in Kitimat. Organizers hope Terrace residents will cir- race meeting but wouldn't speak to reporters. One who did was Scott Danstrom. “I just can’t believe that our government is just turning a blind eye to us,” he said. culate petitions that could be presented in Victoria in the fall. Alcan's importance to the region — it bought $63 million worth of goods and services from businesses in the region last year - also gives the aluminum giant intimidating clout. Brady said the campaign in Kitimat is being driven by contributions from small busi- ness OWNETS. Almost all of them want to be anonymous, he said, fearing reprisals. Many Alcan workers who live in Terrace are also reticent ~ several attended the Ter- election. take office. An election could be held as early as next spring, just months after the successor to Prime Minister Jean Chretien is scheduled to May 24. “A lot of people I work with say ‘Let’s not rock the boat,’” Danstrom added. “That atti- tude won't work with Alcan. If you give them an inch they keep taking and taking.” Burton first to file for Alliance CURRENT SKEENA Alliance MP Andy Bur- ton is the only person so far to file papers for ‘the party’s nomination for the next federal Alliance constitutency association president Lorne Sexton said nominations close 5 p.m. If there is a nomination race, it takes place June 7. This is Burton's first term as an MP. He re- placed Mike Scott, who decided not to run again in the Nov. 2000 federal election. CHARGED? iO 15-002 a P.O. Box 712 Terrace, B.C, V8G 4B8 Fax: (250) 615-0052 asrothi @telus.net oth LAW OFFICE || SEAFOOD & STEAK HOUSE We will make all your fishes come true! For a dinner entree or light meal we feature halibut, black cod, salmon, crab, prawns, shrimps, oysters, steaks, chicken, lamb and duck, served.in.a casual dining atmosphere. Open Daily aid p.m.» ‘For reservations call (250) ‘624-9309 :-. rs Pacific Inn, 909-3rd Ave. West, Prince Rupert, BC. q Leyte gap bee R ~ Exploring opportunities in the Kitimat-Terrace area in response to local concerns, Alcan has commissioned a study to analyze the factors affecting the economy of B.C.'s Northwest, with a particular focus on the District of Kitimat. . The goal is to contribute to the work of the Kitimat Community Task Force as it seeks to unleash the region 's economic potential. ‘An independent team of experienced resource economists -will compare Kitimat's socio-economic situation to similar ’ communities in Canada, North America, and the developed world. The team will identify investment challenges and opportunities, and analyze the region 's main industries by sector. Preliminary results will be available by the end of May and the final report will be complete by mid-July. For more information on “Unleashing the Potential,” please call 1-866-252-2652. TO MAKE ROOM HALF THE INVENTORY MUST BE CLEARED, INCLUDING NEW Tod PUT YOUR MONEY IN A MATTRESS. Take stock In what you're reading. We think It makes a lot of sense. For starlers, you wan't be Investing a lot of money. 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