In April of this year, the provincial government approved the request by the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA) for funding of $300,000, in part, to enable the RBA to work closely with stakeholders, including project proponents, labour unions, local businesses, the community non-profit sector and First Nations, to discuss ways to strengthen economic development in the Northwest in order to make our communities more livable and sustainable.

Work is well underway. The RBA has started to engage select proponents and major projects, and will reach out to local business, labour unions and community groups later this summer and into the fall. Information about community meetings will be made available later this year. In addition, members of the RBA are meeting with local First Nations over the summer to share information and objectives.

The RBA’s meetings with provincial government representatives are ongoing. The website will be updated when information is available about upcoming community meetings, and we encourage stakeholders to reach out directly at any time. The RBA Chairs can be reached at info@nwresourcebenefits.ca.

Bill Miller, RBA Chair and Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako
Barry Pages, RBA Co-Chair and Chair of the North Coast Regional District
Mayor Phil Germuth, RBA Co-Chair and Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine