MLA Tegart advocates for greater investment in rural BC

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart rose in the BC Legislature Monday to discuss a bill focused on supporting rural communities.

The motion was ‘That this house support strong rural communities built on striving, diversified, and sustainable rural economies.’

“Sometimes when i sit on this side of the house i think that there is a huge gap between what happens in rural and what happens in urban. And a misunderstanding of without each other we can’t be strong as a province,” began Tegart.

Citing rural B.C.’s role in the modernizing economy, Tegart highlighted how rural businesses are adjusting to new work models where rural economies are more closely intertwined with urban ones through modern technology and communication.

“We struggle, as many small communities do, and we depend on governments and people in this house who will support programs that will help small communities get that little bit of a start to look at projects and possibilities in their communities,” said Tegart.

“Lots of things that could be talked about around rural BC and sustainable communities. But one of the things we need to commit to in this house, is to understand the diversity of our economy, to understand the importance of everything that happens in this province,” added Tegart.

Tegart called for greater investments in rural connectivity like high-speed internet as well as reinstating provincial grants and supports like the Rural Dividend Fund which helped promote projects and innovation in rural communities.