Council for the District of Fort St. James had the pleasure of meeting with Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley on July 26. Ms. Furstenau is the first Green Party MLA to visit Fort St. James.

Ms. Furstenau was travelling along Highway 16 with her family, she took this opportunity to meet with mayors and councils across the region to learn more about what northern communities are expecting from Victoria.

Council and Ms. Furstenau discussed topics including:the May 4, 2017 election, proportional representation, natural resources, healthcare, local projects, environment, and revenue sharing.

Council expressed concern with proportional representation as 90% of the population lives in the southern region of the province. Current funding formula for local governments places small communities under 5,000 at a disadvantage. Council would like to see the Provincial Government support the Northwest BC Resource Benefit Alliance.

Ms. Furstenau is excited for the Fort Green Energy project and believes Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver would be very interested in learning more about the project.

The current unique political situation is an opportunity for all parties to work together and collaborate. Ms. Furstenau believes that local governments must take charge of their own future. The new government is looking to engage with local governments, and Ms. Furstenau encouraged Mayor and Council to reach out to the new ministers.

– From files submitted by Mayor and Council for the District of Fort St. James, tel. 250-996-8233