On October 27, mayors and councillors from the West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky Country riding met with Member of Parliament John Weston to discuss "best practices in dealing with the federal government." Bowen Island councillor Alison Morse joined representatives from the governments of West Vancouver, Squamish, Lions Bay, Sechelt and Powell River at the West Vancouver event. "Not surprisingly, we all have similar issues in our communities and the opportunity to share ideas was very helpful," Morse said, adding that she went to the meeting with the purpose to find out what was available in infrastructure funding and whether any headway had been made in dealing with abandoned and derelict vessels in Deep Bay.
Morse didn't come away with new information on the issue of abandoned and derelict vessels but said it was interesting to meet with people from the different areas of the riding as some of them are not usually present at regional meetings. "We all seem to have similar problems with upgrading water and sewer systems and fixing our roads," she said, "I see it as a huge benefit to make [MP John Weston] aware that all communities at the table are dealing with infrastructure issues and need grants and funding." Morse also raised the topic of ferry travel as it is central to island life. Other discussion points related to the environment and the economy, health and fitness and the promotion of education to students overseas.
The fourth annual conference was initiated by Weston with the intent to bring local government leaders to the table to share information and develop best practices in dealing with the government of Canada. "I have seen time and again the benefits derived from collaboration and communication," Weston said. "Our communities have benefited from investments of the money that has related directly to the ability of our different levels of government to work together, in conjunction with the people we serve. The benefits go beyond federal government investment, of course, as we saw today when the various mayors and councillors shared the benefit of their wisdom and experience."
Weston added that he believes that regular meetings are important, especially in view of the distinctive nature of the area he represents.
