FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – Representatives from all levels of government gathered today (Thursday, November 13) at the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) office in downtown Prince George to reaffirm their shared commitment to addressing critical regional challenges through the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Regional Advocacy.
The MOU was signed by Chief Dolleen Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, MPs Bob Zimmer and Todd Doherty, MLAs Rossalyn Bird, Sheldon Clare, and Kiel Giddens, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Chair Lara Beckett, and Prince George Mayor Simon Yu.
Originally signed in September 2024, the MOU was developed to strengthen regional collaboration and align advocacy efforts across jurisdictions. With new provincial representatives in place, the re-signing renews a unified approach to addressing compounding crises that continue to affect the region, including healthcare, mental health, addictions, illicit drugs, organized crime, and natural disasters.
The MOU was reviewed with some amendments made in October, before the signing today.
“When leaders across all levels of government come together around shared priorities, it strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful results for the people we serve,” said Mayor Simon Yu. “This MOU reinforces that collaboration is how we will move our region forward.”
The MOU recognizes that these complex issues overlap and require joint leadership. Revising priorities annually, the partners will seek to advance:
- Expanded addiction treatment options with interest in a regional treatment center;
- Enhanced regional healthcare services with a focus on staffing;
- Timely public safety responses, including collaboration with law enforcement agencies, that address both immediate needs and root causes; and
- Economic development opportunities, including tools to address local infrastructure.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca