The Union of BC Municipalities Convention is running all week in Victoria, and today the Premier took the stage to make a series of announcements.
In a 30 minute speech that focused on job growth that pumped up the Site C Dam and Pacific Northwest LNG mega projects, Christy Clark also assured the crowd that they are doing all they can to make sure BC gets a fair deal in the softwood lumber negotiations.
Clark then announced that the Province has signed an agreement with the BCGEU to extend benefits for seasonal wildfire crews.
“It’s an incredible courage that they find, in the face of that danger to fight for our communities and our lives. So I’m very pleased today to say that we want to make sure that we can return that favour.”
Clark also announced $148M for a clean and wastewater fund.
“And the Feds are in, they will top that up till it’s $373M for renewing and upgrading wastewater and stormwater systems across BC – and again, local governments will only carry a burden of about 17%”
$5M will also go to support a new BC Centre on Substance Use, although few details were released on that.
It also proved to be a big day for Prince George, all three of their resolutions were adopted. Mayor Lyn Hall gave two presentations; one on the City’s efforts to remove derelict properties, and the second in front of more than 300 northern community officials and industry representatives.
Lastly, Councillor Murry Krause will bee named the next President of the UBCM. He is the first ever delegate from Prince George to gain the honour.
#princegeorge City of PG resolutions passed at the 2016 UBCM Convention this morning.
— Brian Skakun (@BrianSkakunCity) September 28, 2016
#princegeorge Mayor Hall making a presentation to a packed room at the UBCM re deralic properties. pic.twitter.com/NGqytY5odN
— Brian Skakun (@BrianSkakunCity) September 28, 2016