[LabComm] James urges civic leadership to tackle challenges together

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James urges civic leadership to tackle challenges together

An excerpt from NDP Leader Carole James' speech to community leaders gathered at the Union of BC Municipalities meeting in Vancouver

"British Columbia enters this century well-positioned to take advantage of the profound change taking place all around us.

The forces of globalization, technological innovation, demographic and environmental change all come together in this province.

No place on earth has our combination of environmental and human potential.

We are blessed with first-class institutions of learning and a highly educated workforce.  

Our citizens are connected to every part of the world.

Leaders in business and science are driving innovation and new technologies.

And in five short years we will host the world at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

You don't need a government ad to make the point.

We already know this is the best place on earth.

The question is how are we going to play the incredible hand we've been dealt.

How do make sure the new opportunities ahead of us are not squandered?

How are we going to ensure there's a stake in our future for every British Columbian, not just a few?

How do we ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth for our province, instead of boom and bust, time and time again.

BC may be integrated into a global economy of receding borders, but it's local government that provides the glue that ties our province together as a community of citizens.

High-minded rhetoric from government about the importance of local communities. . .  and the primary role you play in the social and economic life of the province . . .  is wonderful to hear.

But it's meaningless if new responsibilities for municipal government are not coupled with adequate resources to carry out those responsibilities."

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To read the rest of Carole James' speech to community leaders gathered at the UBCM meeting in Vancouver, <a href="http://nid-15705.carolejames-speakingoutdetail.bc.ndp.ca/">click here</a>.

For more information on how the new NDP team is working to hold Gordon Campbell accountable and propose positive solutions to make life better for ordinary people, visit <a href="http://www.bc.ndp.ca">www.bc.ndp.ca</a>

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