Certainty key to stable jobs, resource prosperity: Alliance of Resource Communities kicks off at tonight's reception
FORT ST. JOHN – Natural resource industries largely foot the bill for British Columbia. The future of the province depends on these industries as do the communities that support and are supported by various natural resources.
For too long, BC families and the communities they live in, have been facing an unpredictable future, caused by sluggish economic growth, and ever-increasing government debt and deficits. The standard of living in the province is falling, along with young people’s ability to get ahead, and achieve the same standards – owning their own home, having a family – that their parents did less than a generation ago.
Back in September, a group of mayors from across the province banded together to advocate for resource development, and more jobs for British Columbians. Twelve mayors representing communities from Campbell River to Port Coquitlam to Pouce Coupe to Fort St. John formed the Alliance of Resource Communities (ARC).
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen says that ARC is trying to work with industry, government and communities, and that they’re hoping the government will include these communities’ voices at the table.
“We really want to see people working, and have jobs, while balancing the needs of the province and its citizens,” she said.
When The Broken Typewriter asked if this new alliance is Resource Municipalities Coalition 2.0 – a collaborative initiative established in 2014 to address issues related to responsible resource development and communities in northeastern BC – Hansen replied that although it does have similarities to the Resource Municipalities Coalition which disbanded in December 2023, there are key differences in this new alliance.
“In some ways, some things are mirrored, but it does have some differences in it. It’s definitely much more of a provincial view, including fisheries – that was something we didn’t have in the Resource Municipalities Coalition.”
Hansen said that there’s a lot of similarities throughout the province, such as challenges with transportation. No matter where in the province you are, if you have a product, you need to get your goods to market in an economic fashion.
When the Alliance was formed, the 12 mayors issued five calls-to-action through an OP-ED published in the Vancouver Sun on Sept. 18, 2025.
Citing the need for all levels of government to move with urgency, to harness resource development that builds communities and gives young people hope for a future in BC, ARC wants to see:
Effective and coordinated government action in support of natural resource industries facing external economic threats;
Faster approvals of responsible natural resource projects;
Increasing the momentum for First Nations economic participation in resource development;
Stronger “can-do” advocacy from all levels of government in the responsible development of natural resources in BC;
The active involvement of local government and First Nations from the beginning, not as an afterthought.
Government, municipalities and industry all need to work together, to support natural resources throughout the province, Hansen said. ARC is bringing forward what it hears from industry and businesses that needs to reach the ear of government, with a unified voice.
“I think that’s how we’re going to be able to effect change. Instead of just coming with complaints, we need to listen to all voices at the table, how do we bridge those concerns and go forward.”
The Alliance isn’t advocating for more studies to be done, wasting time studying things communities and industry deal with every day. They’re looking for action.
We’ve had studies done, where’s the bottlenecks when it comes to permits; I appreciate that they’re looking at that, but I still don’t see the advancements for getting more timely permits, like for our OSB mill,” she said.
“You can have all the studies you want, but what are you achieving with them? What’s the next steps? That’s what we’re hoping to advance moving forward.”
“Ultimately, we need certainty for employment in order for our province to grow and our communities to prosper.”
The mayors aren’t sitting back in their communities waiting for the government to come to them. They’ve taken their show on the road, to the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George this week, and are kicking things off tonight with a reception at the Courtyard by Marriot at 7 p.m.