Prince George, B.C.- The proposal to develop a New North Foundation has received overwhelming support from delegates to the North Central Municipal Association convention in Dawson Creek.

 

Initially proposed during the Premier’s Economic Summit held in Prince George in January, the idea was presented   to NCMA delegates yesterday.

 

 “Between 50 -60 delegates from all over the North central region took part in the workshop” says UNBC Interim President Dr. Charles Jago, “They see the need for us to work collaboratively, and were aware of the economic opportunities, and the economic opportunities  not realized because they weren’t sure how to seize them.”

 

The Foundation would find a way to use the research capability of the University of Northern B.C. to the benefit of the North.   

 

Dr. Jago sees UNBC linking with northern B.C. communities in a manner much like the Western Canada Foundation out of Calgary  operates. “We could become a spokesperson for resource based industry with a voice that commands respect.”

 

Rural  BC remains the economic powerhouse of the province, producing nearly two-thirds of BC’s GDP. However, the North gets less than 2% of the research funding destined for BC. Investing in research for the benefit of the communities, public and private sectors, will give communities new, local knowledge on their development issues. 

 

Dr. Jago says while there is some   corporate sponsorship available to help the New North Foundation take its next steps there will be an application made to the Northern Development Initiatives Trust for additional dollars.  The next step will involve examining other research foundation models.

 

“There is a real opportunity to mobilize the research potential of UNBC for the North” says Dr. Jago.