Professionals Making A Difference
As a Mines Inspector, Doug Flynn performs a vital role within an industry to which he has dedicated his entire career. In January, Doug was awarded the Dave Barr award for excellence and innovation in mineral exploration, health and safety. We thought we’d share our own pride with the entire PEA membership and wish him congratulations on this major accomplishment:
What brought you to your profession? I grew up in Canmore, Alberta, which, before the worldwide exposure of the ’88 Olympics, was a mining town. My father worked in the coal mining business as a CGA and Office Manager. I spent my summers in high school and university working there as well. This just seemed like the natural industry to work in.
What’s your work history? When I graduated from the University of Alberta in 1970, I worked for Cominco in Kimberley until 1976. Following that, I moved to Texas Gulf Canada in Timmins for five years. From 1981-86, I worked in exploration at the Bralorne Property west of Lillooet. Finally, in 1986 I was approached to join the BC Government and have been here ever since.
How has the industry evolved? The really dramatic change has been in engineering technology – we were still using slide rulers when I started in the ‘70s. Additionally, the industry as a whole has become much more focused on the environment and social license.
What do you do in a typical day? Most days are very hectic and I do a little bit of everything. My days are filled with activities surrounding health & safety and permitting issues. I still inspect, with other staff members, open pit and underground operations as well as sand & gravel pits, quarries, and exploration sites.
Any exciting inspection stories you want to share? Unfortunately the most exciting inspection stories usually involve a fatality. Some can be difficult to complete for various reasons. I have been involved in four murder investigations over the years, two are closed and two still open.
Can you tell us about the Dave Barr award? In 1980, Dave Barr was the exploration manager for DuPont when four of his exploration staff and their pilot lost their lives in a helicopter crash in northwestern BC. For the next 25 years he was committed to making safety in mineral exploration part of his life’s mission. Mr. Barr was chair of the Health and Safety Committee from its inception for 23 years. The award was created by AME BC in his honor and he was the first recipient.
For me, the award was very unexpected. I was nominated by an industry colleague of mine for my career as a whole.
What do you like to do outside of work? Snowmobile and play old-timers hockey.
Doug is the Local Rep for GLP members working for all ministries other than Forests in the Smithers region. He is a former Executive member and GLP Bargaining Committee member.
Photo credit: Brian Dennehy, AME BC
