Castlegar Forestry Office downsized: 15 job losses
By Kyra Hoggan
The Castlegar branch of the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range (known as the Arrow-Boundary Forest District Office), is being downsized to a field office, with fully a quarter of the jobs there being lost.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry told The Source today that, of the 60 positions currently filled in Castlegar, 15 were eliminated in what is being labelled a “workforce adjustment”.
Positions cut include management, as well as clerical and technical staff.
A release from the ministry added:
“To the extent possible, retirements, leave without pay, and attrition have been used to reduce the impacts on individuals. Staffing needs and strategies will be coordinated to ensure every possible effort is made to identify new opportunities for impacted individuals. Restrictions on external hiring across government will help maximize the opportunities for qualified applicants through internal placement and competitions.”
The spokleswoman went on to say that, “The Arrow-Boundary forest district office will become a field office reporting to the Kootenay Lake forest district office. As well, the Wildfire Management Branch staff stationed in Castlegar will remain there.”
The Source has requested an interview with Minister Pat Bell for an explanation of the ‘adjustment’. Check back with in the coming days for more details.
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