The Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) is an association of all 21 local governments across the Northwest from Masset to Vanderhoof. Formed in 2014, the RBA includes all member municipalities and electoral areas of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and the North Coast Regional District.
The RBA was created to negotiate a new funding agreement with the province to ensure that the Northwest benefits from the tremendous level of economic development activity in the region.
Our vision is to support economic development by building sustainable, livable communities.
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 Lee Brain, City of Prince Rupert, North Coast Regional District (NCRD)
- Councillor Sean Bujtas, City of Terrace, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS)
- Mayor Shane Brienen, District of Houston, 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) Ron Poole, 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, RDKS CAO and RBA Project Manager
- Kris Boland
Role: Negotiate with provincial government
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RBA Project Management Team
- Ron Poole, RDKS CAO and RBA Project Manager
- 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.
RBA Key Event Timeline
May 2013
Premier Christy Clark promised the NWBC revenue sharing negotiations during the 2013 provincial election.
May 2013
BC Liberal Government re-elected. 
July 2014
The Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance is formed by the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, the City of Terrace, the Districts of Kitimat, Stewart and New Hazelton, the Village of Hazelton, and all RDKS Electoral Area Directors. 
September 2014
RBA meets Premier, Minister Oakes and Minister Coleman at UBCM, they reaffirm commitment and advise ready to negotiate. 
December 2014
RBA develops negotiation timetable and framework. January 2015
RBA meets with Premier's Chief of Staff, BC government commits to interest-based negotiations. 
April 2015
Provincial government rejects commencement of revenue sharing and capacity funding, stating negotiations premature. May-June 2015
RBA Chairs send letter to the Premier urgently requesting meeting, Premier states Minister Oakes would follow up. June 2015
The RBA expands to include the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and the North Coast Regional District, as well as all member municipalities and Electoral Areas. This brings the RBA membership to include all 21 local governments. 
September 2015
Meeting with Minister Fassbender at UBCM to ask provincial government to honour January 2015 commitment to start negotiations. December 2015 - March 2017
RBA and Ministry continue exchanges over an extended period of time. RBA submits Case Report in Jan 2017, Minister sends acknowledgment letter Mar 2017 advising report under review with staff. April 2017
Province continues to defer negotiations, no revenue sharing agreement in place. 
April 28, 2017
RBA issues news release: New poll results find Northwest B.C. residents want a revenue sharing agreement. 
May 1, 2017
Follow-up letter sent to party leaders requesting promise and confirmation response that negotiations will begin no later than September 9, 2017. 
May 3, 2017
RBA issues formal statement: NDP’s John Horgan Supports Revenue Sharing. May 6, 2017
RBA issues formal statement: Christy Clark says NO to the RBA. May 9, 2017
The 41st British Columbia general election was held to elect members of the Legislative Assembly to serve in the 41st B.C. Parliament. 
May 17, 2017
RBA issues formal statement: Statement: RBA Invites Newly Elected MLAs to Work Together. 
August 9, 2017
Meetings in Victoria with Hon. Doug Donaldson, Hon. Selina Robinson, Hon. Carole James, Jennifer Rice, Geoff Meggs and Andrew Weaver. August 14, 2017
RBA issues news release: NDP Government Reaffirms Commitment to Revenue Sharing for Northwest BC. 
September 29, 2017
RBA Leaders meet with Premier Horgan to start revenue sharing agreement discussions 
April 10, 2018
The provincial government provides the RBA with $300,000 to support its continued efforts to strengthen economic development in the region. 
February 16, 2019
The provincial government announces $100-million Northern Capital and Planning Grant to reinvest back into the Northwest. 
