Fort St. John city council will prioritize protecting industry in the northeast and improving consultation with communities when it takes part in discussions with northern stakeholders in Prince George this spring.
During their meetings on Monday, Feb. 9, Fort St John city council identified two topics they will bring to the table at this year’s North Central Local Government Association, or NCLGA’s annual general meeting. The gathering brings together various municipalities across the north, as well as First Nation governments, and other organizations.
After considering several provincial issues, including health care, education and housing, council selected consultation with local governments as a key priority.
“Consultation with local government (is) one that we haven’t seen any change on,” said city councilor Trevor Bolin.
“(Education and healthcare are) part of it. That’s part of working with our community, because they don’t know,” he continued.
“If we look at the province in the last two years, we don’t have to look farther than this council chamber, (with the province) decriminalizing hard drugs. (Then) us reminding them not to allow it in parks. If they would have come to the communities firsthand it’d be far better off.”
Councillors said stronger intergovernmental relationships would make it easier for the community to attract, recruit and retain health-care workers for longer periods.
Council will also advocate for strengthening the northeastern economy by protecting industry, including forestry and agriculture.
Part of that effort may include encouraging members of the legislative assembly to visit the Peace region and tour industrial areas that “benefit the province,” as described by Coun. Byron Stewart.
Industry partners, he continued, should establish what issues they would like addressed – which may include finally replacing the Taylor Bridge, or any other topics that may push work out of the north Peace.
Staffers needed this decision so organizers can prepare for the event in Prince George this May, as per their report for the city council. Usually, more topics are accepted, but only two are being sent this year due to the group trying to “downsize” the number of requests.
