North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is asking community members to join her in calling on federal economic development minister Mélanie Joly to locate a government office for the new BC economic development agency in this riding.
According to a media release from Blaney, the creation of a new agency specifically for BC was announced in the 2020 fall economic statement and included in the 2021 federal budget. Quebec (CED), Ontario (FedDev Ontario), northern Ontario (FedNor), the north (CanNor), the prairies (WED), and the Atlantic (ACOA) all have their own federal regional economic development agencies, the release stated. Until now, BC has been part of western economic diversification, based out of Alberta, with a BC office located in Vancouver.
In February, Blaney wrote to Joly to pitch the idea, stating: “It makes sense that your department will want to target economic growth in rural and remote areas of the province because these are the places that need to break the long-suffering cycle of boom and bust resource economies. Having a government office in one of our communities would allow your department to experience firsthand the challenges of connectivity and transportation in rural and remote regions, which can only lead to better local economic outcomes for all who are to be served by this agency.”
Blaney added that North Island-Powell River is also perfectly aligned with the government’s blue economy strategy mandate.
“We have an ocean economy,” stated Blaney. “The conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon habitats is a high priority for all of our residents. We are highly concerned with the climate crisis. We are actively engaging in reconciliation projects with the First Nations in our area. And we are also suffering economically, in part because of the decisions of your government.”
The release stated that in June, Joly responded: “Beyond expressing your deep affinity for your region and its people, you raised important points about how the Government of Canada can help rural communities flourish… A recurring theme in discussions with communities across the province has been the importance of a new BC agency working directly with rural communities and having a presence in them.”
Blaney is calling on residents of North Island-Powell River to send their own letters to Joly, explaining why their community would be a great place to locate an office. Blaney is also encouraging constituents to make their pitch on social media tagging Minister Joly and using the hashtag #BestPlaceToWork.
A web page has been set up that includes a template letter and other information about the campaign at rachelblaney.ndp.ca/bestplacetowork.
“Those of us who live here know there is no better place to work,” stated Blaney. “I’m hoping people will get involved in this campaign and take the opportunity to brag a little about their community, while also pushing the minister to make this good choice for the government.”
