The University of Northern British Columbia will host events this weekend  that include presentations and discussions towards a more comprehensive understanding of the integration of cumulative environmental, community, and health effects of multiple natural resource developments in northern BC, with some focus on oil and gas. The events, funded by the BC Oil and Gas Commission, are being held jointly by three UNBC research institutes: the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi), the Health Research Institute (HRI), and the Community Development Institute (CDI).

The NRESi colloquium on Friday Jan. 10 (3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) will provide a kick-off to this event. Later that evening, beginning at 7 p.m., a public panel and discussion will bring together representatives from a number of sectors to engage with community members, policy makers, and researchers around this regional concern with global importance.

On Saturday Jan. 11, a full-day workshop will be offered for participants to reflect on the previous day’s presentations and discussions, and to hear from a range of research, community, and other perspectives. A dialogue will then be held towards a better understanding of the integration of cumulative environmental, community and health effects of natural resource developments. Registration for the Saturday workshop is already full.

Read on for event details:

• NRESi Colloquium
  3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Canfor Theatre (6-213) Hosted by the NRESi at UNBC. The presenter will be Allan Lidstone, Director of Resource Management Objectives at the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. His talk, titled “Proposed BC Cumulative Effects Framework” will involve provincial decision-making for Crown land and resources.
• Public Panel
  7:00 p.m. -9:45 p.m.
  Canfor Theatre (6-213) Canfor Theatre (6-213) This panel will bring together representatives from a number of sectors to engage with community members, policy makers, and researchers around the issue of cumulative environmental, community and health effects of multiple natural resource developments in northern British Columbia. Presentations will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion.
• Workshop
  The intention of this day long workshop is to work towards a more comprehensive understanding of the integration of cumulative environmental, community, and health effects of natural resource developments. It will include presentations from each of the UNBC host institutes and guests, an afternoon discussion and closing remarks.

Registration for Saturday's workshop is now closed.

For further event information, please contact Joanna Paterson at 250-960-5818 or paters8@unbc.ca.

Media: Please contact Greg Halseth for comment at 250.960.5826 or greg.halseth@unbc.ca.