New Vision Connects Rural B.C. To A Stronger Future

The province has unveiled what it’s calling a new vision for British Columbia.

The StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities vision, released last week, outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.

“If you’re looking for people to help cut through the noise and get a job done, my bet will always be on the people who call rural B.C. home,” said Premier David Eby.

“That’s why I’m proud to have so many rural British Columbians on our government team. Together, working with community members, this vision for rural B.C. will connect people to the opportunities and services that will help them build a good life in the communities they love.”

The vision focuses on what Eby calls actions to make life better for rural British Columbians – including delivering high-speed internet to every community, helping goods and people move, and bringing more rural expertise and perspectives to government.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says while people in rural B.C. get to live in some of the most beautiful places in the world, they also deal with unique challenges that those in urban areas don’t always understand.

Another key focus of the plan is to enhance access to health care, with an initial investment of $20 million to enhance medical travel supports provided by the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air for people in rural and remote areas who need to travel for cancer care.

As well, the province says reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a thread that runs throughout the new vision.

Many of the actions and investments support the Declaration Act Action Plan, a cross-government action plan that guides the Province’s work to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C.