The Northwest Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA)
Formed in 2014, the RBA is a regional association consisting of 21 local governments, including three regional districts (North Coast, Bulkley-Nechako, Kitimat-Stikine) and their 18 member municipalities.
RBA’s Mission
Since 2015, the RBA has engaged the BC government to discuss the region’s challenges in raising the revenues required to build the necessary community infrastructure to support resource development and the social infrastructure required to ensure that Northwest communities are places where industries, businesses, workers, and their families can thrive.
RBA’s Request
Members of the RBA are seeking Provincial commitment to:
- Recognize the role that Northwest BC has in the provincial economy.
- Provide long-term, sustainable funding for capital projects and operating costs to address local infrastructure and servicing needs in Northwest BC.
- That the Province continue to invest in supporting infrastructure outside of the local government purview, including housing, health care, childcare and education.
Operating Structure
Northwest BC RBA
- 21 local governments
- 40+ elected officials
Role: Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and final decision making
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RBA Steering Committee
- 1 elected official representing each regional district
- Mayor Herb Pond, City of Prince Rupert, North Coast Regional District (NCRD)
- Mayor Sean Bujtas, City of Terrace, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)
- Mayor Gladys Atrill, Town of Smithers, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN)
- CAOs from each regional district
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Daniel Fish, North Coast Regional District (NCRD)
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lina Gasser, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Curtis Helgesen, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN)
Role: Provide working direction
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Negotiating Team
- Ron Poole, RBA Management Consultant
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Daniel Fish, North Coast Regional District (NCRD)
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Lina Gasser, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Curtis Helgesen, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN)
Role: Negotiate with provincial government
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RBA Project Management Team
- Ron Poole, RBA Management Consultant
- Lori Stark, Executive Assistant
Role: Project administration for the RBA
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CAO Advisory Group
- CAOs from each member local government
Role: Provide advice and support project implementation
Where are we now?
Following the 2017 provincial election, the RBA successfully engaged the province to begin negotiating a new funding agreement. This process is currently underway based on a strong commitment from the Premier.
The provincial government has provided $300,000 in funding to be used, in part, to enable the RBA to work closely with stakeholders, including project proponents, labour, First Nations, local businesses and the social services sector.
The RBA and the provincial government share a vision of economic development that creates sustainable communities and good local jobs. It is the RBA’s intention that when a funding deal is reached with the province, it will help achieve the objective of creating sustainable communities that will be able to support economic activity in the Northwest now and into the future.