June 14, 2012 - The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) proudly sponsors the annual Mine Rescue Competition in celebration of Mining Week, held in June each year.  This year, the Mine Rescue Competition is June 15 and 16.

The WSCC sets standards for Mine Safety Certification for the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The Mine Rescue Competition brings together rescue teams from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and recently, the Yukon.  The event helps align Northern training and response techniques across the territories and with the rest of Canada.

The North’s mining industry has a history of outstanding achievements in mine safety due its emphasis on prevention and risk management. We are fortunate in the Northwest Territories. When need arises, we have highly skilled professionals ready to deal with emergency situations.

Teams consist of volunteers who take time out of their schedules to practice and train. If summoned for a rescue operation, every move they make impacts the safety of the rest of their team, the people in the mine, and the mine itself. These men and women display remarkable teamwork and communication.  They show tremendous skills and safety when dealing with a crisis.

The Mine Rescue Competition tests these skills. It gives teams an opportunity to obtain certification in Mine Safety, and gives the Northern mining community confidence that Mines operating in the North are able to face any challenge.

The week’s events conclude Saturday, June 16, with the remaining competitions taking place in public view at the Yellowknife Community Arena.  At that time, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines hosts their annual Miner’s Picnic and community BBQ.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of this special event, and join the WSCC, and the community, on Saturday, June 16, at the Mine Rescue Competition and the Miner’s Picnic.

The WSCC works in partnership with stakeholders, across all industries, to ensure workplace safety and care for workers.  Together, we can eliminate workplace diseases and injuries.

Mahsi cho.