Momentum Building for Upcoming 2016 NCLGA Convention

Courtesy of the North Central Local Gov't Association:

Local government officials are preparing for what is being dubbed the “power event of the year” in Northern BC. From May 4^th to May 7^th, decision makers from all three levels of government will descend on the South Peace to discuss major issues and identify common solutions.

“We have evolved a bit in our communications as community leaders,” says North Central Local Government Association President, Brian Frenkel. “We don’t just point a finger at Victoria and say ‘it’s their fault’ anymore. It’s the northern way – you pull together, rather than finding someone to blame. As community leaders, we weren’t elected to complain, we were elected to lead.”

The NCLGA’s 2016 convention in Dawson Creek promises to be one of their biggest on record. Starting with a visit to BC Hydro’s Site C project and ending with a sponsored flight to the Albertan oil sands, northern BC’s chiefs, mayors, councilors, and NGO executives will have an opportunity to ask the tough questions, share best practices, and work on solutions.

“This isn’t an idle, three-day meet,” added Frenkel. “This is an intense, often emotional, sleeves-rolled-up event where we discuss everything from decaying infrastructure to the Highway of Tears; from BC Ferry cuts on the Coast to the future of agriculture in the Cariboo.”

This year, the NCLGA’s agenda includes sessions ranging from water scarcity to the future of forestry. Panelist include key newsmakers like Chief Roger William and Frank Leonard, Chair of the Agricultural Land Commission. The NCLGA’s membership includes all communities from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border, and from the Nisga’a villages to Valemount.

“Our region has never been so strategically important,” says NCLGA Vice President, Laurey Roodenburg. “Site C is the single biggest investment in BC’s history. TransCanada’s projects and the Northern Gateway pipeline alone are multi-billion dollar investments that have garnered international attention. We’ve also just witnessed one of Canada’s most important legal decisions around aboriginal title. All eyes will be on Dawson Creek this May, for sure.”

“It is important to stress that this is not a private event at all,” says the NCLGA’s Executive Director Oliver Ray. “Everyone is welcome to attend. Our only constraint is the amount of available accommodations, but if you can find a place to stay, you can register and be part of the discussion.”