People and Places
Norman Fraser
José Luis González
Spokane, Washington
Toronto, Ontario
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Norman Fraser
Lead, Aboriginal Initiatives
Sparwood office
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
I started in October of 2012 with the Indigenous Affairs team in Vancouver.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I help Teck and Indigenous communities develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships, which includes engagement on environmental issues, permitting, employment, procurement, and cultural resources.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Our relationships with Indigenous Peoples cover many aspects of the business, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with talented people throughout Teck. Externally, I am honoured to work with intelligent and inspiring people who are driven to move their communities forward.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
For National Aboriginal Day in 2013, I traveled to Fort Chipewyan in northern Alberta with the Frontier Project team. I self-identify as a Métis person, as my father is from the Métis in Fort Chipewyan. It was the first time I had been to this community, and I had the great opportunity to meet many of my relatives.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
In the winter, I love skiing with my children. As a CrossFitter, I can’t pass up an opportunity to say that’s another of my favourite activities.
José Luis González
Coordinator, Community Development
Quebrada Blanca Operations
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
My experience with Teck began in 2013 as community engagement program consultant for the areas around Quebrada Blanca in the Tarapacá Region.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I implement sustainability and community investment projects with communities of interest, as well as help develop partnerships through workshops. I also provide consultation on proposals for Quebrada Blanca Phase 2.
What is your favourite part about your job?
Since the discussions we have often involve people from all different backgrounds and experiences, the dialogue can be very interesting.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
I was involved in the creation of the Livestock Development Program (PFP). I’m now the contract manager of the PFP and responsible for ensuring our commitments are fulfilled. I’m proud to be a part of maintaining our social licence to operate.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
I volunteer my time with preparation classes for college entrance tests for vulnerable youth, as well as with development projects for non-profit associations. I really enjoy this work and find it very fulfilling.
Spokane, Washington
Bruce Howard
Environmental Superintendent
Pend Oreille Mine
What is your community’s point of pride?
I’d say it’s all the great parks we’ve got right here within our city limits, like Riverfront and Manito Park. I love that about Spokane.
When visiting, what’s a must-see?
The Spokane River runs right through downtown. There’s wonderful falls, areas you can paddleboard, white-water raft and kayak, as well as the Centennial Trail, which runs next to the river and is about 50 miles long. Overall it’s a really beautiful recreation area.
What is the area’s best-kept secret?
There are three great ski hills within a couple hours of here that a lot of people might not know about—Mount Spokane, 49 Degrees North and Schweitzer.
Is there anything the area is famous for?
Spokane hosts lots of big sporting events that bring people to town, like Bloomsday and Hoopsfest. There’s lots of arts and culture going on here too.
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about Spokane?
Spokane is a medium-sized town that’s got everything you could ask for without being in a big city. Plus you’ve got forests, hills and lakes to enjoy within just a couple minutes of driving.
Toronto, Ontario
Sheila Ryles
Marketing Communications Specialist, Technical Services
Toronto office
When visiting, what’s a must-see?
The CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma are mainstay tourist destinations, as is the Toronto sign at City Hall constructed for the Pan Am Games in 2015.
What’s a typical weekend like there?
In the summer, if you haven’t headed north to cottage country, Harbourfront, the Distillery District and Centre Island are a few great places to check out.
What’s the city most famous for?
We love our sports teams and this past year has been exceptional for postseason play. Nothing is crazier here than when the Leafs and Raptors make the playoffs—the thousands of fans gathered outside the Air Canada Centre are a sight to behold.
What’s your favourite restaurant in the city?
With over 10,000 restaurants to choose from, Toronto has a dynamic and diverse culinary scene. You can eat in Little Italy, Greek Town, Little India or Chinatown, dine and see a Broadway show in the entertainment district, or sip martinis with the Bay Street crowd in the Financial District.
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about Toronto?
Toronto may be Canada’s largest city, but we really are a friendly, safe city!
