FSJ councillor named first vice president of North Central Local Government Association

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John councillor has been elected to a leadership position within the North Central Local Government Association, a nonprofit advocacy organization representing the city and other communities from across the Peace region and B.C.

The association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) began on Monday, May 12th in Prince Rupert.

The annual event, which has been ongoing since the 12th and wraps up on Thursday, May 15th, provides the association’s 42 member municipalities, regional districts and First Nations an opportunity to network, discuss shared issues and brainstorm solutions.

During the first days of the AGM, Fort St. John City Councillor Tony Zabinsky elected to be the association’s first vice president, alongside Town of Smithers mayor Gladys Atrill being elected as president and Dawson Creek councillor Kyle MacDonald being elected second vice president.

According to a press release from the association, the primary focus of this year’s AGM is the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada and its impacts on the economy of northern communities.

Other topics listed in the release include “legislative reform for regional districts, regional economic investments, and healthcare and mental health supports.”

In preparation for the AGM, in March, the City of Fort St. John drafted eight resolutions to submit to the association as discussion topics to support at the AGM.

Several of those resolutions were also co-signed by the Peace River Regional District, which is also a member of the association.

Energeticcity.ca contacted Zabinsky requesting an interview to learn more about the AGM and his new role, and did not immediately receive a response.