Northeastern B.C. resource boom harms indigenous women, girls: Amnesty report
VANCOUVER — A new report from Amnesty International says the resource boom in northeastern British Columbia is harming indigenous women and girls, and lays part of the blame on transient resource workers.
The 78-page study says policing and social services in the region — which is home to intensive natural gas exploration, forestry, mining and a major hydroelectric project — are understaffed and underfunded.
Amnesty says high wages for the young, male-dominated resource industry workers drive up the cost of living, which harms those who are not part of the resource economy, particularly aboriginal women.
The report says there are tens of thousands of transient workers who maintain homes elsewhere in Canada, and the work camp lifestyle can lead to what Amnesty calls “destructive and anti-social behaviours,” including alcohol and drug abuse.