Rob Fraser says NDP government unresponsive to local concerns in northeastern B.C.
A leader in northeastern B.C. says he’s "looking for a change of government” as the snap provincial election draws near.
Rob Fraser was acclaimed for a second term as mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, which includes the town of Fort Nelson.
The veteran municipal leader previously served for 20 years as a mayor and councillor in the District of Taylor, near Fort St. John.
He says the current NDP government has been unresponsive to local concerns and reluctant to involve municipalities in decision making.
"It concerns me the way they consult with everybody," said Fraser.
"I call it the 'dad' principle: They decide, they advise and then they defend. It's been tough for 10 years."
The NDP has been criticized for calling a snap provincial election in late September, despite the pleas of B.C. municipalities.
The decision created a rare overlap with municipal elections that ended Saturday, which candidates say has confused and overwhelmed voters.
Delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention passed an emergency resolution calling on the government to make any provincial election completely separate from the municipal election season.
Closer to home, Fraser has been calling on the government to release findings of an investigation into the Parker Lake wildfire, which forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 people in 2024.
Fraser says the community is also working to diversify its economy, which has traditionally centred around forestry and natural gas.
That includes increasing food production and tourism, while pushing the province for railway upgrades needed to support the municipality's community forest partnership with Fort Nelson First Nation, and help transform the town into a northern transportation hub.
The riding of Peace River North, which includes Fort Nelson, is the only riding in B.C. without an NDP candidate on the ballot.
Mayor Fraser says whoever forms the next government needs to close the distance between his community and Victoria.
"We're just looking for them to recognize that we're here," said Fraser.
"We're the furthest community away from Victoria and it feels like it."
Incumbent councillors Brenda Enax and Danny Soles were re-elected Saturday, as was Kim Eglinski, who previously served on council prior to 2022.
Bruce Deinstadt and Melinda Belleau were also elected.
Fraser believes the new council can make a difference for his community. But he says the next provincial government needs to be willing to listen and work closely with them.
"If it doesn't [change], well, we'll just have to keep struggling and trying to get our points across."
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Ian Langstaff was also newly elected.
Ian Langstaff was also elected for town council.
I woulda voted for a rock over this mayor if it was only an option. I imagine any decent runner would have take the position.