Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett noted she was very pleased to be presented with the 2016 President’s Award at the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) annual general meeting in Clinton on Oct. 26-28.

In his presentation speech, CCCTA (2015/16) president Andre Kuerbis told the large group of members at the AGM the annual award recognizes an individual whose cumulative efforts have enhanced the awareness and quality of the tourism experiences in the region and provided support to the industry.

In the case of Barnett, this is “almost an understatement,” he said.

“This year’s recipient is a great supporter of our region. She is not only a sounding board – she is a voice of rural British Columbia and there were many occasions when this voice helped the association to represent the interests of our stakeholders.”

Kuerbis noted one of the more recent cases where Barnett boosted tourism efforts in the region was the reinstatement of the seasonal direct BC Ferries service between Bella Coola and Port Hardy.

“Not only was she appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development – [on Oct. 21] she was sworn in as Minister Of State for Rural Economic Development.”

100 Mile House Free Press