The B.C. Government has committed $300,000 to help the Northwest B.C. Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) consult with stakeholders and lock down a proposal.
The announcement last week potentially highlights the NDP government’s sincerity seeing negotiations through for a resource-revenue sharing model for which the alliance has lobbied for four years.
Horgan met in person with RBA board members during a tour of the area last month, at which time he signalled the money would be coming through.
“We believe that people should benefit from the prosperity generated by their hard work, and the resources of the regions where they live,” Premier John Horgan said in a press release. “I applaud the efforts of the RBA to strengthen their local economies. We are committed to working with Northwest communities as they work to help stabilize their economy over the long term.”
The RBA consists of 18 local governments and three regional districts seeking a share of government revenue from future resource developments.
The alliance says it will help transform a “have-not region” into one reaching its full potential.
“The RBA shares the government’s vision of economic development that creates good local jobs and sustainable communities,” RBA chair Bill Miller said. “We thank the Premier and minister [Robinson] for recognizing that livable, well-serviced communities are essential for economic development.”
Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, said the funds are expected to help the RBA build relationships with First Nations, labour, major project proponents, local business and the non-profit sector.
“Building strong, sustainable, innovative economy is a priority for this government,” she said.
Early last month the alliance put forth a suggestion that the provincial government, currently seeking input on its Rural Development Strategy, use their future proposal for resource-revenue sharing as a pilot project for the rest of the province.
“Essentially what we’re saying is, ‘let’s get on with the negotiation,” Miller said at the time.
“We want to sit down and develop a model that works, primarily for our region and our communities, but they can use that as a pilot and then adjust it for other places in the province.”
