British Columbia's jobs minister Pat Bell appoints forest industry veteran Bob Clark to lead economic response efforts at Burns Lake following explosion, fire at Babine Forest Products

Wendy Lisney

BURNS LAKE, British Columbia , January 30, 2012 (Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation) – Forest industry veteran Bob Clark, vice-president of forestry consultants J B Clark and Co., has been recruited to lead the provincial government's on-the-ground Burns Lake economic response efforts, announced Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell.

Clark's appointment was announced after Bell, accompanied by Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad, met with municipal, First Nations and union leaders in Burns Lake. Bell travelled to the village to hear from the community about ways the Province can help the region's short- and long-term economic recovery efforts after the destruction of the Babine Forest Products mill.

The Province will also consult with and listen to local companies, industry representatives, and business associations about their thoughts on the economic recovery efforts.

Clark, who accompanied Bell and Rustad, will work out of Burns Lake and starts his role immediately. He will be the main point of contact for the Province and will help with the development of short- and long-term economic development strategies between the community and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation.

Clark has served as the district forest manager for the Vanderhoof Forest District, headed the Province's mountain pine beetle response, and chaired the Nechako-Kitimat Development Fund.

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John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes -

"Ensuring the economic viability of the Burns Lake region is a top priority for our government. I'm pleased we've been able to recruit Bob Clark to help in our efforts as he brings a very impressive track record of success and experience working in the region and developing economic recovery strategies."

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