Minutes of the Elders Council for Parks
Elders Council Meeting Notes
June 1, 2009
Present:
Ric Careless, Bob Peart, Mel Turner, Colin Campbell, Breeonne Baxter, Lara Tisseur, Derek B.
Grant / Funding
Lara provided updates on submissions and status on the following:
Action:
- Submit New Horizons proposal by June 12th – Bob to review.
- Coordinating Vancouver Coastal Health Grant with partner groups.
- To complete HCTF, Public Conservation Assistance Fund proposal with Nancy’s review.
- Currently scheduling with Betty Carrington – TBP’s in Heritage Centre.
Recent Cuts to BC Parks
The situation couldn't possibly be worse. Discussed the necessity of outward reaching strategies for funding, support and decision making, highlighting the need for corporate support and the potential of the council to help facilitate the corporate link. Group discussed need for framing and assisting the future of BC Parks within existing core government programs and priorities.
Reframing / Strategies (both outside and within government)
- How can we assist the government to help BC Parks and achieve their goals? BC Parks has so little relevancy within government.
- Determine a mixed funding model in order to achieve the necessary funding. - involve government, corporations and community.
- Importance of community engagement.
- Determine the best political avenue through government.
- Non-partisan.
- Systematic changes are needed.
- Link with the 2011 Centennial.
Action: Indicate to government the council would like to help. Discuss with Christine H. the idea of how the Elders Council might assist with various BC Parks strategies.
Deputy Minister Meeting
Update on June 17th meeting. Colin to determine attendees and agenda.
Newsletter
First draft has been circulated. Revisions to the newsletter should be as follows. Please forward information to Breeonne:
- Ric/Sherry to insert a paragraph on WildEd in terms of fundraising, word the article for donation opportunity or a way that people can support transportation for children.
- Bob to do the introduction as a report on Elders' activity
- Derek to highlight what the council is doing in regards to the Centennial and various partnerships.
- Chloe to insert a paragraph on the archives.
- Chloe/Sabine to insert information on the Fall marine forum.
- Mention how to access the recent Strathcona videos.
Marine Forum
Chloe and/or Sabine to update the group on the proposed Fall Marine Forum.
2011 Centennial
Derek updated the group. We need to continue to strategize the need for a centennial promotional strategy. Also discussed the Strathcona videos done by Rick Searle and what is the communication strategy and how to profile them.
Action:
- Derek to inquire about a leadership panel to be sanctioned by the premier and a Centennial steering committee at the June 17th meeting.
- Rick and Derek to discuss the idea of hosting a meeting in Campbell River to premier the video. Is this a good idea or not? We need to discuss within the context of a broad Centennial communications strategy.
Updates
- Elders Profiles: Mel updated us that the profiles are still in progress.
Action: Will circulate to the group when received. Lara to contact Ali on progress of profiles.
- Wild Ed Proposal: Rick updated that the new proposal is in circulation with an added element on climate change. WildEd is seeking $3000.00 to aid in getting kids transported to the Heritage Centre for WildEd education.
Action: Elders Council will contribute $500 towards this initiative. Colin to mail out check.
- Paul Skydt will begin to engage in our Elders' phone calls.
- Jim/Neil to still trying to organize a meeting with Parks Canada in Sidney. Can raise the issue of the Centennial of the National Parks Branch at that meeting.
NEXT MEETINGS
Monday July 6, 1030am --- phone meeting
Monday August 10, 1030am --- phone meeting
Monday September 14, 11-2 --- regular meeting |
