We have received hundreds of applications from people interested in employment opportunities during the modernization project, and many contractors, service providers and material/equipment suppliers have registered their interest for supplier opportunities. We are also pleased to present some of the feedback we have received, and where appropriate, a response from us.
Do you have a comment you would like to make? Please complete our “Contact Us” form above.
Comments: As a resident of Kitimat, I would like to openly express my support for the modernization to Alcan Kitimat Works. It's time we turn this smelter into of the most competitive smelters in the world with this superior AP 35 technology. As an employee, I am excited for the future and look forward to these changes. Modernization will be a positive step for the environment of the world in which we live and work. I encourage every party involved to get back to the bargaining table and solve this power sales issue. This project is too important to let slip away. Let's work together for a positive result for everybody!
—Aaron Smithanik
Our response: thank you for adding your support!
Comments: The BC Utilities Commission's refusal to allow Alcan to sell its excess hydro power is extemely ill-advised, and could prejudice the interests not only of Kitimat but also the entire province of BC, both of which have benefited greatly from Alcan's operations in this province since their inception. As a major international participant in a highly competitive industry, Alcan is fully conversant with all aspects of aluminum production and is able to act accordingly to maintain a viable industry. Any attempt to force the company into a course of action inconsistent with this policy would amount to uninformed and unwarranted interference. As a retired Alcan employee and past resident of Kitimat for more than thirty years I can state unequivocally that Alcan’s performance over the years, as employer and corporate citizen, has been exemplary.
—A.E. Pritchard
Our response: thank you for your support!
Comments: Alcan's modernization of the Kitimat Smelter is the most positive commitment we have heard of by a company to the people and businesses of the Northwest since the smelter's original construction. We have seen many companies and businesses come and go in the Northwest, but Alcan has been operating for over 50 years and most importantly has a vision for a future 50 years.
—John Murie
Our response: thank you for your support!
Comments: Excellent website, a lot of factual and important information that can be used by many of our colleagues at Alcan.Interesting to read!Good work and good luck for the modernization project!
—Alison Twerdun
Our response: thank you for your support!
Comments: We have a large number of slides taken by my Father Rudy Senft who, in 1952, was in the employ of the construction arm of Alcan. The slides show a history of the original construction of the Alcan Smelter at Kitimat. Does Alcan have any interest in receiving these slides for it's Archival files?
—Sharon Green (Senft)
Our response: We would be delighted to receive any and all historical photos.
Comments: I found information about the project of expansion of your plant and the problem faced by the answer from the energy regulator. At this point I would want to know the way to contact the person/team who is responsible of this project to propose a way to this.
Sincerely,
—Mr. Dominique LE BORGNE
Our response: forthcoming!
Comments: Hi, I'm just curious as to approximately how many jobs will be lost due to the modernization? Thanks.
—Gabe Scholz
Our response: As our website indicates, there will be 1,000 technically enriched jobs by the end of the construction period and during construction, double that number.We do not anticipate any job loss or layoffs, although approximately 500 people are or will be eligible for retirement during the course of the modernization project.Paul Henning our director has indicated in many of his presentations to employees and the public, that with this many people retiring; we will likely have to hire.
Comments: We are in the business of auto body repair.We have done work for Alcan but I was unsure if we had to still register our services, as a service provider for the modernization project or if we would just continue as we have in the past.
—Pete’s Autobody
Our response: please feel free to register in the Supplier site, as anyone interested in providing services during the modernization project is being asked to register, whether they have worked for Alcan previously, or not.
Comments: why is there virtually no information about the modernization on this site? Isn't it the whole point of the web site?
—Kensey Duarte
Our response: thank you for submitting your comment.The first phase of our modernization website was launched at the end of November.The second phase launch is expected mid-January.There will be a lot more information and details available at that time.It is a work in progress, so, please stay tuned.
Comments: Lael McKeown of Terrace, BC writes to Alcan urging for re-engagement and support for Kitimat Works modernization project.
Comments: The recent BCUC decision has left the proposed Alcan modernization project mired in a cloud of uncertainty and controversy
This was to be a massive project unrivalled in modern British Columbia. This proposed investment would provide the security of an economic foundation on which we all could build our futures. It would provide 1,000 high paying jobs for the next 35 years as well as opportunities for small and medium sized businesses in the Northwest area of B.C. to supply materials and services to Alcan. It has the potential to provide stable, long term employment and provide modern trades training to local youth, First Nations people and much needed job re-training to those displaced by the recent loss of employment in the traditional forest and sawmilling sectors.
The proposed Alcan modernization would be a validation that British Columbia and Northwestern B.C. in particular, is a place where global business investment is wanted and welcome. It is a project vital to the economic, geographic and social development and future of this area. We believe it to be the cornerstone of any future development in Northwestern BC and vital to stopping the outward flow of people, capital and industry in this hard-hit corner of the province.
We urge the Provincial Government, Alcan and BC Hydro to quickly renegotiate their agreement to maintain momentum of this much needed project. This is a project fundamental to the revitalization of the economy of BC, the northwest and Terrace. The potential benefits to the entire area, its businesses and its people are much too valuable to loose.
Sincerely yours
—The West Keith Business Association, Terrace BC
Our response: Thank you for your support.