After arriving in Terrace to brief the public about delivering hospitals across BC, Premier David Eby followed up with updates about the Northwest’s economic development. He disclosed that if he is re-elected for the upcoming October provincial election, he will guarantee permit-review timelines for resource companies and will partner with unions that certify mining to deliver training, among other things.
The Resource Benefits agreement was also a topic of discussion, with Terrace Mayor Sean Bujtas explaining which areas are to be improved upon.
“It may sound insignificant to other communities but this is a big deal for our community and to continue to do this work and fix things like sewage, outflow, and repair roads” said Bujtas. “This is a massive need in Northwest BC and we’re hoping that we can continue on to do this work”
Vanderhoof Mayor, Kevin Moutray, also made an appearance, reassuring his town’s now stable local economy.
“The thing you have with resource communities is you have that up and down cycle that depends on what happens,” said Moutray, who was elected as Mayor in fall of 2022. “And to have this dependable money for at least these next five years, will give us the ability to plan ahead and know that even in tough times, we can keep going with that critical infrastructure that needs upgrading.
Eby and his party made it clear that they are to continue to work with the Indigenous community whenever resource expansion becomes a possibility, and went after Conservative Candidate John Rustad and his policies.
“It is troubling and risky that he wants to rip up the legislation that recognizes the rights of Indigenous people in this province,” Eby said. “And he wants to battle with these people in the province and is running openly racist candidates against Indigenous people. If he wants to get deals done, it’s clear what the path forwards is: to have partnerships with Indigenous peoples.”
