Minutes of General Meeting
June 15, 2005
Parksville Community Centre
7:30 A.M.
In Attendance: Bruce Cownden, Chair Manley LaFoy
Egon Kuhn Kim Burden
Michelle Jones Shelley Bayne
Joanna Smith Tait Bernie Walsh
Bill Katerenchuk Brian Moran
Rob Hill Susanne Hale
Jeff Hale Jerry Kupick
Fran Kupick Dave Willie
Marilyn Hayden, Recording Secretary
Guests: Councillor Scott Tanner, Town of Qualicum Beach
Caroline Grover, Parksville Economic Development Officer
Wendy Maurer
Paula Peterson, S.O.S
Cory McIntosh, S.O.S
Guest Speaker: Ron Cantelon, MLA Nanaimo-Parksville
Bruce Cownden called the meeting to order at 7:40 A.M. Bruce Cownden introduced guest speaker Ron Cantelon and turned the meeting over to him.
· ODCA is the first public group he has addressed since his election on May 17th as MLA.
· Parksville growing faster than Nanaimo and he will be spending much time in Parksville.
· Attended his first caucus meeting and the cabinet is to be announced on Thursday.
· BC Liberals were given a clear mandate on May 17th for more economic growth in B.C.
· Primary issues:
o Healthcare
o Education
o Support – Will be working on the Parksville Forward House issue
o Environmental – water resources
o New jobs
· 25 million dollars in the Economic Development Fund.
· New market is going to be Chinese Tourism – Parksville will need more hotels.
Discussion around the table:
· The local soccer association spends $250 every other weekend transporting youth on BC Ferries to the mainland for soccer games. This fee used to be reimbursed by the provincial government. Would like to encourage the reimbursement be put back into place.
o The government encourages youth participation in all sports. He does not know whether the reimbursement will be put back into place, but he will pass on the sentiments.
· Are you in favour of oil & gas exploration?
o Yes, if environmentally sound. Must work with first nations on the issue.
· The energy stability in pricing on the island has flip flopped the past few years. What assurances can be given from government to stabilize energy costs for islanders?
o Cited the Duke Point BC Hydro plant and noted that wind energy is a good plan that is worth further exploration, but as yet is not funded.
· Ethenol added to gas helps reduce emissions from gasoline. Federal funds are in place, but require the provincial government to match funds.
o Not enough knowledge to address this issue at the present time.
· Do you believe in social engineering? Incentives and encouragement are needed from the provincial government.
o Agreed and said local colleges are responding, but more needs to be done. There is a need to inspire career choices and broaden the field. Will need to look to immigration in the future.
· 25-30% of housing costs are related to government fees etc. and contribute to driving up the cost of housing.
o Not going to interfere with DCC’s. Government willing to assist with social housing. Give him specific examples and he will follow up. Attending the Housing Society meeting tomorrow night in Parksville.
· How is the government going to deal with the large retiring community requiring doctors, nurses, fire departments etc.?
o Government will be addressing these issues.
· Ridings who did not elect a BC Liberal MLA. Will the government appoint a BC Liberal MLA to work with these constituents.
o His constituency office will be open to all.
Bruce Cownden thanked Ron Cantelon for attending the meeting and speaking with the members.
Ron Cantelon, Paula Peterson and Cory McIntosh departed the meeting at this time.