Resources

North Regional Profile

The North Region encompasses the largest geographic area, more than one-half of the province's landmass, with a relatively small population base. Service delivery is managed through one large urban center (Prince George), seven moderate sized urban centres (Quesnel, Terrace, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Kitimat, Mackenzie, and Prince Rupert), seven small urban communities (Ft. Nelson, Chetwynd, Vanderhoof, Houston, Fort St. James, Burns Lake, and Smithers) and a number of towns (Dease Lake, Masset, McBride, Stewart, New Hazelton, Hazelton, Queen Charlotte City, and Valemount) that service large rural areas.

Approximately 9% the province's youth population aged 0 - 19 reside in the North Region. There are approximately 51 First Nation Bands in the region; 16% of the population is aboriginal.

The region has approximately 343 positions in 26 local offices located in 23 communities. The region had net expenditures of $81.3 million in 2003/2004 providing services such as, child protection, youth justice, early childhood development, adoption, family supports, child and youth mental health.

The percentage of children in care in the North Region is high in comparison to other regions in the province and a significant proportion of child welfare work is dedicated to working with aboriginal children and their families.