The City of Estevan is looking for someone to serve as the new coal transition community co-ordinator.
Craig Johnston, who had been on the job since late August, resigned from the post Jan. 27.
“We enjoyed the work that Craig had done for the city and on behalf of the city and on behalf of the transition fund, but in the end he decided to go in a different direction,” said Mayor Roy Ludwig.
The coal transition community co-ordinator post was funded by the federal government, as part its Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI), which is offering support to communities affected by the pending phase-out of conventional coal-fired electricity.
During his tenure, consultations and meetings took up the majority of his time, as he had lots of consultations with area businesses, communities in the area and other levels of government.
He was also working on the short-term, two-year coal transition strategy.
The city has started advertising for Johnston’s replacement. The coal transition community co-ordinator position was for a two-year term, and since he has completed about five months, there would still be more than 18 months remaining.
Ludwig said the person who takes Johnston’s place will need to have good communication skills, and a willingness to interact with the community, not only business people but those from all walks of life in the Estevan area to get good feedback on challenges the city will face moving forward.
This individual should also be willing to talk with different government ministries and those within the city moving forward.
Those who applied for the job previously would be considered to replace Johnston, and the individual will draw on what Johnston has done previously.
“Craig has already done some good work, and we will be moving forward,” said Ludwig.
