Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold will join business, environment, and First Nations leaders at the province’s new Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy.
BC Environment Minister Mary Polak invited Strimbold to serve an 18-month term on the organization in late February. Strimbold accepted the offer shortly thereafter, and Burns Lake council endorsed his participation at its Feb. 25 regular meeting.
The new organization will advise the environment minister on how to best balance environmental protection and economic development. Although topics for discussion are yet to be determined, the roundtable is expected to provide government with feedback on proposed policies and initiatives.
Strimbold said last week he is proud to represent BC communities on the latest provincial think tank.
“It is a great honour to be selected as the local government representative to serve on this new provincial roundtable to discuss the environment and the economy,” he said. “I am all about expressing and understanding different values through meaningful conversations, so when I was approached to participate in this new provincial roundtable, I was extremely grateful.”
Strimbold said economic development and the environment are two subjects near and dear to him, and he looks forward to the upcoming discussions.
“Both the environment and economy are important topics for me and all other citizens across the province,” he stressed. “We strive to find a balance to ensure we sustain our pristine environment while supporting a strong economy. It is not easy to find the perfect balance, but I am prepared to listen to others, express community values, and think outside of the box to find solutions.”
The new roundtable will be chaired by Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier. It includes representation from environmental organizations, industry, First Nations, local government, and organized labour.
Strimbold is one of two individuals selected to represent BC communities. Other roundtable members include BC Wildlife Federation President Bill Bosch, Alex Ferguson of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, United Steelworkers’ President Frank Everitt, and Chief Shane Gottfriedson of the Tk’emlups Indian Band.
The group will hold its first meeting in Vancouver later this year.