Prince George, B.C.- It’s called the Rural B.C project and its being supported by the three Beetle Action Coalitions.

 

The coalitions want to develop a strategy that will help increase the understanding rural challenges, and to highlight the actions needed to help rural BC succeed.

 

In a presentation to the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, Omineca Beetle Action Coalition’s Don Bassermann says provincial policies are not workable   in the rural regions, and the provincial focus has been on improving urban economics   leaving rural communities   in the cold.

 

Some of the challenges facing rural BC include: population declines, slow labour force growth and slower rates of business creation.

  

Bassermann says fly in- fly out camps, corporate consolidation and the downturn  in the forest industry, have all played a role in reducing the taxes paid to rural communities. In order for these rural communities to remain viable, they must find new revenue streams. He points to Quebec and Alberta as two of the province which have developed revenue streams that are destined for rural development and support.

 

Bassermann  says the Coalitions  have developed some recommendations including:

·         Development of a  Senior B.C. Ministry that would be responsible for rural development.

·         creation and funding of a rural advocacy and rural development catalyst organization  for rural B.C.

·         establishment of rural venture capital because many major banks will not provide venture capital for projects in rural communities.