Applications to participate in the province’s Rural Advisory Council are now being accepted until Jan. 9, 2015.

The council’s mandate is to provide independent and impartial advice to government on matters related to rural development. As committed to in the report, Supporting Rural Development: Creating a Voice for Rural British Columbia, the initial focus of the council will be to provide advice on:

• Avenues to support greater rural access to capital;
• Stronger business development support for rural entrepreneurs and businesses; and
• Moving forward on the Rural Dividend.

Government is inviting individual British Columbians to apply for council membership by submitting a resume and cover letter, identifying relevant business, economic development and community experience, and expressing their personal vision for supporting rural economies. To submit an application, or for further details, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=53BE23E840F84C3D8B46E7E05862D661

The council will include 10 to 18 members, representing a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and regions. Members will be appointed as individuals, not as representatives of an organization, business, or municipality. Donna Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, will chair the council. 

Deadline for applications is Jan. 9, 2015.  Council membership will be announced early in 2015.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

“We need to ensure that rural British Columbians have an equitable share in the economic benefits generated from resource-based industries. The Rural Advisory Council offers a strong new voice for rural citizens and will help support rural prosperity and thriving rural communities across B.C.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for Rural Development Donna Barnett -

“The Province recognizes the importance of rural communities; they are the lifeblood of B.C. and government is committed to fostering thriving rural communities. Members of the Rural Advisory Council will play a key role in bringing rural concerns to the forefront and ensuring that rural British Columbians have a stronger voice.”

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261