Smithers Councillor Greg Brown is now a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
That means he’ll be representing northern BC at the federal level lobbying on specific issues.
Brown says his aim is to focus on taxation, sustainable development and rural issues.
“How do you bring all those three things together? The right lively-hood, a thriving economy and a healthy environment. That’s really the challenge I feel that we have going forward for the next generation,” says Brown.
Brown is one of eight municipal politicians from BC on the board. Their first face-to-face meeting with the 75 members will be in September.
At this year’s convention, a resolution was passed highlighting the importance of reaching a deal on softwood lumber.
“It was very strongly supported by the delegates at the convention. I think everyone understands the effects the countervailing duties have,” says Mayor Taylor Bachrach.
The resolution will also pressure the feds to support the interests of municipalities on the matter.
The forestry industry employs more than 200,000 Canadians.