Opposition calls for support for workers in Chetwynd

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Official Opposition of the Government of British Columbia are advocating for the Ministry of Labour to approve a request related to a workers camp in Chetwynd.

In a January 7th press release, the Conservative Caucus of British Columbia, the Official Opposition party, stated they were calling on the Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside to approve a request to allow workers in Chetwynd to finish a week of additional work without ‘triggering costly severance payouts for their employer.’

According to the party, Hustle Contracting Ltd., the employer of the workers, previously provided the workers with notice that their contract with Conuma Resources ended January 15th, 2025. However information from Conuma indicates there is work which has not been completed, which could extend work for a few days past the contract deadline. 

“Under current labour rules, any work beyond the original notice period would restart the clock on severance requirements, leaving the company unable to offer the additional work,” the release stated. 

“The government needs to recognize the impact these policies are having on rural communities and take steps to support workers and their families,” Larry Neufeld, Peace River South MLA said. 

The Conservative MLAs are encouraging the government to approve a variance request in time to allow workers to benefit from the additional days of work. Kiel Giddens, Critic for Labour and MLA for Prince George – Mackenzie also weighed in on the subject, stating that labour laws need to protect workers while also working in the real world. 

“In this case, the government can approve a straightforward request that would let these workers finish their contract without creating a financial burden for their employer,” Giddens said.

Energeticcity.ca reached out to the Ministry of Labour for a statement regarding the situation and didn’t hear back in time for publication.