On Thursday, October 11, Donna Barnett, Chair of the BC Government Rural Caucus, will be in Barriere and Clearwater to meet with community representatives and individuals, and to hear from them about how the B.C. government can improve the lives of rural British Columbians.
“As Chair of the BC Government Rural Caucus, I look forward to meeting with local residents and representatives and hearing their views on how we can improve the lives of rural British Columbians,” said Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin. “As an MLA who represents a rural constituency, I know firsthand that the needs of B.C.’s smaller communities can be quite different than those in urban centres. It is important rural B.C. has a strong voice in Victoria and this is why I and other members of the Rural Caucus are consulting with people right across our province.”
The Clearwater consultation will take place at 1 p.m. in the council chambers at the District of Clearwater’s office. The Barriere meeting will start at 3 p.m. at the District of Barriere’s office.
At both stops Barnett will speak with and hear ideas from the local council, along with listening to other community representatives and individuals.
The BC Government Rural Caucus was formed by Premier Christy Clark in May 2011 and was given the mandate to visit rural communities, consult with people, and listen to their concerns and their ideas about what the provincial government can do to enhance the lives of rural British Columbians.
Last year, the Rural Caucus travelled across our province and heard from more than 190 presenters, who came from over 40 communities. From these meetings and other submissions, a report identifying issues and recommendations, was presented to the provincial Cabinet late last year and the government has already taken action on many of these issues.
The work of Rural Caucus has helped influence decisions the provincial government has made on programs and policies including: reviewing the municipal taxation formula; the launch of a comprehensive review of the carbon tax; expanding high-speed Internet access and cellular services; amending the Nurse Practitioners Statues Act to allowing nurse practitioners to participate more fully in the health care system; and increased funding for rural and remote schools and small school districts.