BC Natural Resources forum opens in Prince George

Today marks the start of the get down to business days for the first of the major conventions for 2024 in British Columbia. 

With all roads leading to Prince George for the 2024 British Columbia Natural Resources Forum.

The Three day forum began on Tuesday with the opening night Keynote address from Premier David Eby, who had a wide range of themes to explore with the delegates, the key element of his presentation as we noted earlier this morning was that of hydro generation and how it will feed the industrial expansion for Northern British Columbia. 

The gathering at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre has brought industrial leaders together with First Nations and municipal leadership, along with key stakeholders in the resource, shipping and supply sectors.

Among those participating in the list of workshops and discussion sessions is the Port of Prince Rupert, Ken Veldman the Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability with the PRPA is part of wide ranging discussion later this afternoon on shipping BC Exports to global markets.

LNG Development in Northwest British Columbia is also a significant part of the forum this week, and much of that is led by First Nations Leaders, with both Nisga'a Nation President Eva Clayton and Chief Councillor Crystal Smith of the Haisla set to speak toward how Indigenous led LNG Projects will make for Global energy solutions.

The Resource Forum also provides the Provincial Government to host a UBCM like engagement with officials in Prince George this week, with a number of BC NDP Ministers on hand as part of the program.

Included among them is Nathan Cullen, the Stikine MA and Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship outlined some of his thoughts on what was ahead prior to the Forum opening.

There so far has been no indication from City of Prince Rupert officials if anyone whether the Mayor, Council members or senior staff are on hand in Prince George for the gathering.

Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond did attend the 2023 forum, sharing a few notes upon his return at the end of the month council session,  at that time noting of the opportunity it provided to raise Prince Rupert issues with the cabinet team assembled a the event.

So barring any updates from Mr. Pond's social media stream, Prince Rupert residents likely won't learn much about any civic presence, if any,  in Prince George until the next City Council session of January 22nd.

You can check out the program for this years event here.

This year's convention has already generated some news and observations out of the gate.

21st Annual BC Natural Resource Forum kicks off in Prince George
Northern BC mostly shut out of provincial funding supporting resource sector projects, jobs 
We need to invest in BC's forestry industry as it transitions 
BC Hydro to spend $36 billion on infrastructure over next 10 years, Eby says 
BC Hydro planning to spend $36B on infrastructure projects: Eby
Major Hydro funding announced at launch of Natural Resources Forum 
Canfor to reduce reliance on natural gas with hydrogen power project in Prince George 
Prince George hydrogen project will cut emissions, boost jobs: BC Premier 
Hydrogen project designed to reduce natural gas consumption at Canfor pulp mill 
Eby says planned Prince George hydrogen project will cut emissions, increase jobs 
Premier announces new actions to build electricity system 

We'll update the notes above as more items come along through the Forum

You can keep up to date on what's happening through the BC Natural Resources Forum social media stream here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.