MLA Waiting On Governance Issue

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 13 January 2014 06:00
Vernon's MLA says he's waiting to see what happens this week with the governance issue in Greater Vernon. A citizens group that led a 3,160 name petition makes its pitch for a study to Vernon and Coldstream councils today. MLA Eric Foster says the group would like the province to fund the study that could lead to a referendum in 2015. "I know originally they had hoped to do something this fall, but that would be out of the question, and as far as the provincial government funding it, if local government requested it, I would do my very best to help them with the funding," says Foster. Foster isn't aware how much a study could cost, but says it would have to be requested by local government. "Money's always tight (but) I'd love to be able to say, "Yes, no problem we will do it.' I certainly don't have the authority to do that, but I would lobby hard for it." At this point, Foster isn't sure if the proposal would need the support of both Vernon and Coldstream councils to move to the next step. "We're just waiting to see what comes out of the meetings with local governments and then we'll have to take a god look at it after that," adds Foster.