According to the Northwest B.C. Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA), RBA representatives have received an “overwhelming reaffirmation” of a B.C. NDP’s election promise to being negotiations with the RBA this fall.
The northwest leaders recently met with Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, new provincial government ministers and senior staff in Victoria to begin discussions regarding a shared revenue agreement between the province and northwest B.C.
“We commend the new B.C. NDP government’s steadfast commitment to the RBA,” said Bill Miller, RBA chair and chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. “Revenue sharing is the single most important issue to northwest B.C. communities; we are pleased and grateful that the ministers, Mr. Weaver and senior staff made time for us and offered such strong support at this very busy time of transition for the government.”
RBA co-chair Barry Pages said the NDP’s commitment to starting negotiations with the RBA already feels different than the approach taken by the former Liberal government.
“We have no doubt that the hard work that has been put in by all the local governments, community members and residents will pay off soon,” he said.
The provincial government will now determine which ministry and senior staff representatives will lead negotiations with the RBA.
“The ministers are already familiar with the RBA issues, so we are confident that the right team will be put together quickly,” said Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain.
Although the RBA representatives did not meet directly with premier John Horgan, Miller said they expect to meet Horgan at the upcoming Union of British Columbia Municipalities in September to discuss the “next steps in getting negotiations started this fall.”
Apart from Weaver, while in Victoria the northwest leaders met with Horgan’s chief of staff Geoff Meggs, minister of forests Doug Donaldson, minister of municipal affairs and housing Selina Robinson, minister of finance Carole James and parliamentary secretary Jennifer Rice.
RBA co-chair Phil Germuth said one of the main messages that northwest leaders heard in Victoria was how significant it is to have all 21 local governments - including Burns Lake and Houston - working together.
“Coming together in solidarity on an issue that faces all of us is going to be key to ensuring the northwest gets what it needs to move from a have-not region to achieve its full potential,” said Germuth.
The RBA estimates that current infrastructure needs in northwest B.C. total $600 million.