District of Mackenzie councillor Joan Atkinson and Mayor Pat Crook at a Prince George School Board meeting in February  – photo 250News

Mackenzie, B.C. – B.C.’s election result is still up in the air but Mackenzie Mayor Pat Crook is still hopeful regional representation in the Prince George School District is on the table.

It’s been close to two years Crook has been pushing for a change in the way trustees are elected so that it moves to a “ward” system rather than the current “at large” system. He says the change would give residents in his community and those in the Robson Valley a voice to raise concerns.

The proposal has the support of the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George and Valemount Mayor Jeannette Townsend.

In a letter earlier this year Acting Deputy Education Minister Jill Kot confirmed the ministry had conducted an initial review though it needed additional supporting information before a decision could be made.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. We just have to finish the process off,” Crook tells 250News. “We were notified that we have to do some First Nations consulting before it can forward, so we’re going to start sending out letters in the near future.”

He adds he’s confident a ward system will be granted whoever forms the next government.

“Yeah, at an all-candidates meeting in Mackenzie, the very first question asked was that and both the NDP and Liberal candidates said they supported it,” says Crook.

He’s also still hopeful the change will be in place prior to next year’s local elections.

“Of course, I’m hopeful but the next thing will be trying to find someone to run.”

250News reached out to the Ministry of Education on this story but was told they are unable to comment until the election (writ) period has officially ended.