NCLGA board’s focus shifts to advocacy and implementation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Central Local Government Association’s (NCLGA) board is shifting its focus from resolution development to advocacy and implementation. 

At the June 22nd City of Fort St. John regular council meeting, city staff presented a letter from NCLGA’s new president, Kyle MacDonald, who also serves as a councillor for the city of Dawson Creek. 

In addition to MacDonald, Fort St. John city councillor Tony Zabinsky was elected 1st vice president for the second time. 

In the letter, MacDonald said the association will work with its members, partner organizations, and senior governments to advance the priorities identified through the resolution process and ongoing member engagement. 

“Transportation infrastructure and connectivity continue to be recurring concerns across our region and will remain a significant advocacy priority,” MacDonald said.

He believes reliable transportation networks are essential to economic development, public safety, healthcare access, trade and community well-being. 

In addition, MacDonald said the board will continue to advocate for issues that were identified by board members, including healthcare access and workforce challenges, housing availability and affordability, and emergency preparedness and disaster resilience. 

The NCLGA executive and board will continue to engage with ministries, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, MPs, and senior government officials to advance the board’s priorities and ensure the perspectives of northern and central British Columbia are represented in government decision-making. 

MacDonald added he believes advocacy depends on understanding local priorities and identifying opportunities for collective action. 

“I encourage elected officials to connect with members of the executive, board and NCLGA staff to discuss emerging issues, opportunities for collaboration and priorities that would benefit from regional advocacy,” he noted. 

The letter said the NCLGA will continue to engage with members through committee meetings, webinars, newsletters, regional discussions, and direct outreach throughout the year.                                                       

MacDonald asked members to review the resolutions adopted at the 2026 AGM and consider how they may support local priorities within the members’ community. 

“By working together, we can continue to strengthen the voice of northern and central British Columbia and advance practical solutions that support resilient, prosperous and healthy communities,” he noted. 

To read the full report, see below.