Thursday, December 2, 2010

Mayor Cook returns from Ottawa

From the City of Williams Lake.  Note - I feel the effort was worthwhile although Mayor Cook should have look at other methods to achieve the same result including teleconference & videoconferencing.  Thereby saving taxpayers' in excess of $2,000, given the state of the local economy.  Also, Donna Barnett went on the trip and I'm told she did so with her own money

Mayor Kerry Cook and nine other members of a Cariboo delegation returned from Ottawa Wednesday with a commitment from four federal ministers that they will provide clarification on the decision to reject the Prosperity Mine and suggest next steps for the project before Dec. 17.

“We had a large, committed delegation, and we accomplished what we set out to do – to get some answers behind the no decision, and find a way to keep this project as an opportunity for Williams Lake and the Cariboo Chilcotin,” says Mayor Cook. “Our delegation delivered a strong, regional message about the huge opportunity this mine represents.”

The delegation, which included Members of Parliament Dick Harris (Cariboo-Prince George) and Cathy McLeod (Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo), Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, and representatives of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce, as well as five members from 100 Mile House, met with Transportation Minister Chuck Strahl, Environment Minister John Baird, Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea, and President of the Treasury Board Stockwell Day.

“Nothing beats a face to face meeting,” Mayor Cook says. “We were able to convey just how important this project is to our region, and that message was received loud and clear. This trip was well worth it.”

No comments: