Budget committee recommends aid | for regions to bridge rural-urban gap | IT’S TIME for the province to give special assistance to rural B.C, towns, Says a committee providing pre-budget advice. The select standing committee on finance urged finance minister Gary Collins to find a way to aid rural re- gions facing the double whammy of government job cuts and a resource economy in crisis, “The committee thinks the grow- ing gap between rural British’ Co: lumbia and the large urban rural centres has to be addressed now,” the report says. “The situation is becoming criti- cai for resource-dependent commu- nities hit hard by the combined im- pact of the government’s restraint program and the current économic uncertainty in forestry and the mining centre.” The finance committee recom: mended the provincial government slick ta its plan to balance the bud- From front get, but carry out some “fine-tuning” based on the “public’s compelling testimony.” The report also urged child care cost assistance for poor working fa- milies, It said recent cuts threaten to make it harder for some people with kids ta get or keep a job. The report said the group of MLAs was “forcibly -struck” by many presenters across B.C. who ar- fued ‘government restructuring is much more painful in the rural areas than the large urban centres. It said they were urged to decen- tralize some of ministry operations to regions — ‘particularly in forests and energy and mines ministries. - “When the commodity cycle is at’ its lowest, these services keep com- munities balanced, and they also provide solid support in) boom times,” the report states. The committee also heard regio- nal calls for resource. revenue-shar- ing arrangements — similar to a fair- share agreement in the Peace that keeps some oll and gas revenue in the northeast. ' “They claimed that as their re- source-rich regions generate much of the pravince’s export revenue, they should have the capacity to retain some of that wealth for reinvestment in local physical and social infra- structure,” the report said. “The recommendations also call on the province to consider extra transition money for the school sys- tem, citing the tremendous financial pressure on school districts. “We think the shortage of funds is reaching a critical stage for rural schools and schoals-based programs in rural areas,” it said. Transportation | infrastructure should be a top priority for capital spending, the committee said. A northwest container portwas one of the priorities raised in hearings. Harris says report a breakthrough The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - All Give us 30 minutes 3 times aweek & you will see results! Ifyouare | You Can Be @ 81Ze.,, a sizeu, 20 18 16 14 12 10 He said such a fund could even mirror B.C.’s Working Opportunity Fund —a venture capital fund that uses generous income tax credits to attract in- vestment for B.C. compa- nies. A northwest version could be restricted to in- vest in companies that create jobs in the north- west, Hartis said. Harris hailed the fi- nance commiltee report, calling it a landmark do- cument. It’s particularly important, he said, that the recommendalion comes from a body overwhelm- ingly dominated by urban MLAs. “There is a_ cultural change finally occurring in B.C. that is essential,” he said. “It’s good stuff. 'm really pleased with it.” Harris said the report opens the door to an ex- amination of options to aid the region, but adds it’s early to talk specifics. He concedes any talk of channeling money to aid the region or companies here will raise a debate over whether such .mea- sures amount to govern- ment subsidies ~ some- thing the B,C, Liberals op- pose. Hartis said he favours policies or tools to direct investment to regions that need il, rather than allow- ing money to simply conti- nue 10 gravitate to the urban “city-states.” “Many of these city- states think they’re self support- ing. They don’t un- derstand the rela- tionship they Roger “directed Harris investments” are different from subsidies. “I. guess it depends on how you define the word ‘subsidy,’” Harris said. “One person’s subsidy may be another person’s invest- ment.” Harris doesn’t see the finance committee’s call for rural aid leading to a policy to shield the regions from further government job cuts. Government restructur- ing should continue to pro- ceed where it makes sense, he said, including in rural areas. Harris added he hopes the pre-budget recommen- dations are a chance to find lasting ways to help struggling rural areas, not just short-term transition aid. FOR WOMEN + “30 Minute Fitness & Weight Jase Centers” 638-8800 3228 Kalum St, Terrace (Downstairs of old Sears) © 2002 Curves Intemational Monday to Friday Zam-1:30pm * 3pm-7:30pm Saturday % am-12:30 pm +offer based on firt visit enrollment + min, 12 mo, c.d. program, offer expires Dec. 30, 2002 /INTER SEMESTER Register Today! Northwest Cammunily College offers courses and programs that fit your educational goals and ilfestyle. Now Is the time to consider classes for the upcoming winter semester. Consider ihese cholees: re + University Crealt .: : «Career and Colege Prep. * Business Programs <7." ©." Tra * Integrated Human Services =. On * Computer Technology * G.E.D. 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