October 15, 2003 For Immediate Release

Researchers at UNBC are developing a framework for the future growth and development of northern BC as part of a unique study to guide a long-term northern development vision and strategy.

The research will provide an analysis of the key challenges and opportunities concerning the economic development and diversification of northern BC communities. It will then produce a series of recommendations. Local coordination is being provided through the Community Futures Development Corporations.

The study is funded through a partnership between Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and UNBC. WD is contributing $130,000. An advisory committee, established jointly by UNBC and WD to provide input and direction to the study team, includes representation from northern communities, First Nations, Community Futures Development Corporations, the private sector, educational institutions, and the federal and provincial governments.

"We are pleased to partner with the University of Northern British Columbia as it's ideally situated to provide the vision and expertise for developing this plan," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development). "Western Economic Diversification Canada recognizes the need to develop and diversify the economies of rural Canada, and we can help to make this happen by forging effective partnerships."

"There have been many meetings and reports over the years attempting to come up with ways to help move northern BC forward," said Greg Halseth of UNBC, a Canada Research Chair in Rural and Small Town Studies. "Many have tended to be either short term or community specific. Yet, we know that this region shares many of the same problems, challenges, and opportunities. We want to gather people's ideas on how to work together for the good of the whole region over the long term."

Led by Dr Halseth, researchers have been visiting more than 40 northern BC communities this fall to gather information and meet with local residents, community groups and leaders, First Nations, and local business, industry, and labour representatives. In early 2004, a set of economic vision and planning workshops will be held across northern B.C. Information from the interviews and workshops will be gathered to produce a framework for a Northern BC Strategic Plan.

Northern BC continues to be a wealth generator for the province, surpassing the Lower Mainland in international exports. In terms of economic growth and social indicators, however, the North is falling behind the province's urban centres. Recent census information shows that through the late 1990s, many communities across northern B.C. were losing people to cities.