Response of Greater Victoria councils welcomed

Media Statement: October 8, 2014
Response of Greater Victoria councils to calls for governance questions on the November ballots welcomed

For Immediate Release

Victoria B.C. – Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay – Gordon Head and Deputy Leader of the B.C. Green Party, welcomes the response of local councils to calls for governance questions to be on the November 15^th local elections ballots in Greater Victoria. Saanich, Oak Bay and six more of the thirteen municipalities within the Capital Regional District will place a non-binding question seeking public input on shared services, local and regional governance and, in some cases, the potential for amalgamation. A positive vote will trigger a study on local governance and publically-funded services, leading to recommendations on the future of local and regional governance.

“This is welcome news. It is encouraging to see democracy at work with local mayors and councillors listening to their communities,” said Andrew Weaver. “I am hopeful that this kind of public engagement will serve as a catalyst to increase voter turnout in the November municipal elections”.

Today, the Honourable Coralee Oakes, Minister responsible for local government, congratulated the municipalities that have placed a governance question on the November 15^th ballot, and stated her office and staff are available to assist with resources and support.

“The Minister’s announcement that resources and staff are available to support a governance study, is appreciated and demonstrates that they too are listening to residents of the capital regional district,” said Andrew Weaver. “It is vital the province and local governments work together to ensure residents are fully consulted and have an opportunity to voice their questions and ideas as this moves forward.”

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Media Contact
Mat Wright – Press Secretary, Andrew Weaver MLA
mat.wright@leg.bc.ca
1 250 216 3382