Mixed reaction to provincial budget
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PRINCE GEORGE – Some mixed reaction from the provincial budget from local government. The Northern Capital and Planning Grant program is good news. It is a $100 million fund to help 26 communities in the LNG corridor “to assist with strategic planning and capital investments.” Good news, says Mayor Lyn Hall, but there are still some questions.
“So they’ve included the four regional districts within the Central and Northern part of the province. And, of course, we fall within the Regional District of Fraser Fort George,” he says. “What my real interest with that pot of money is whether or not we can apply that to things like the pool, like the fire hall.”
However, he says there is a glaring gap in the budget. There was some expectation that there may be details about a revenue-sharing agreement between municipalities and the provincial government. There was not. However, the budget makes a forecast based on 3.2% percent growth annually in federal contributions. “Increased contributions include BC’s share of the federally imposed cannabis duty …”
“There’s a line item that identifies an increase in revenues from outside sources so if that is what it’s referring to, then we’re more than interested in having those discussions. If the Province is receiving those revenues we want to know. As I’ve said many times, what’s the share? And if there is no share in revenues from cannabis, then let’s talk about it because it directly affects Prince George.”
