Strong work ethic earns respect

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Sixteen-hour days are not unusual for Margie Chingee, a Tsek'ehne Native born and raised at McLeod Lake in northcentral British Columbia.

As the safety co-ordinator and First Aid person for Duz Cho Logging Ltd., a major contractor in the McKenzie forest district, Chingee spends her work week in the bush and weekends at home in Prince George, 185 kilometres south of McKenzie.

A typical day for Chingee begins before six a.m.

"The first thing I do in the morning is to find out who is working and where they are located. I have to say good morning to the guys, or I get flack," she said with a laugh.

Her list of responsibilities reads like an legal document. A major part of the job is teaching and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety policies. Compliance with laws and regulations, minimizing environmental impacts, and sustaining a healthy environment all fall under her mandate.

Accordingly, Chingee trains Duz Cho employees to be certified to their licensees' standards.

"At Duz Cho we have met all expectations," she stated proudly, referring to ISO 14001, a worldwide environmental quality standard.

Chingee represents Duz Cho employees on the safety committee and conducts safety meetings once per month. She shows off a list of rigorous safety-related questions she has developed that she asks each employee. Preventing accidents is her goal, but should a mishap occur, she is the fist person on site and is also responsible for the subsequent accident investigation.

She takes her job seriously. After almost 10 years on the job, she has earned the respect of co-workers and management alike.

Working in a male dominated industry hasn't affected her job performance, though.

"I'm the only woman on the team (that works in the bush), but it doesn't matter . . . I get the job done." And she does it well, according to her boss, Al Humphreys.

"Our safety and environmental management system are two things we have to ensure are in order before we start work. Margie is forefront (in those areas). We put a lot of faith in her and she does an excellent job for us."

Duz Cho is presently expanding into oil and gas. Chingee will be responsible for training that division's safety and environmental personnel.

If all of that doesn't seem enough, Margie owns a road sign company and is 50 per cent owner of a steel company. She also sits on a housing committee for the McLeod Lake Indian Band.

Chief Harley Chingee, who is Margie's first cousin, speaks very highly of her.

"She's conscientious, very reliable and determined. If she starts something, she likes to follow it through. Traditionally, she is also very strong. When someone needs her help she's there, with food or medicine-that means a lot."

I ask Margie how she manages everything.

"I miss home, but that's part of the job. I have a wonderful husband and I try to be a positive role model."