Maureen Strickland, the new local journalism initiative reporter at CHET TV is interviewed by PEACE FM's Michael Forward. 

CHET-TV's local journalism initiative reporter is reporting on issues of civic importance to the community of Chetwynd, British Columbia. 

Chetwynd has not had a journalist in town for a number of years, with the local paper closing its doors over five years ago, and no dedicated journalist at CHET TV. 

Strickland came from northern Ontario to Chetwynd in early May. She brings twenty years experience in  community economic development and a relatively newly minted post degree diploma in journalism from the College of the North Atlantic to the position. 

Prior to CHET TV, Strickland filled in as the local journalism initiative reporter for the Manitoulin Expositor, a print weekly, covering the courts, opioid crisis and environment beats. 

At CHET TV, Strickland will be covering the District of Chetwynd Municipal Council and the Peace River Regional District Board and committees. 

Also, issues of relevance to Chetwynd from provincial and federal government policies and programs will be covered. 

Strickland has been getting up to speed on the municipal council, the intricacies of how regional districts work in British Columbia and has been out chatting with local residents and business owners about the area. 

Strickland reports that preliminary issues of concern are wildfires and air quality, road safety, retention of staff at the hospital and emergency closures, dust impacting businesses and residents, housing affordability and supply and safety in public parks. 

Community members are encouraged to reach out to Strickland to discuss other issues they would like to see dealt with in Chetwynd.