NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT

The Honerable Frank Calder, Minister
Without Portfolio presented these excerpts
of an address in the Budget Debate to the
Asbestos Sheet. The excerpts are taken from
the minutes of the Second Session of the
30th Legislative Assembly February 15, 1973,

Mr. Calder stated that ever since his
election in 1949 he continuously advocated
the establishment of an Air Ambulance Service
in the Province. He said that this constit-
uency in the north west corner of B.C. which
he represents is equal to the size of five
Vancouver Islands. It is a very mountainous
and rugged territory and the population is
not large but it has the greatest natural
resource potentials in the whole province.
It is a forest area, has water power potent-—
ial yet to be used, and also is a mineral
belt. As well as being known as a sports
and commercial fishing district, it is one
of the biggest wild game areas in North
America. This district is also the most
beautiful and picturesque part of the prov-
ince to the extent that Atlin is known the
world over as the Switzerland of British
Columbia.

The Atlin area has great tourist potent-
ial and could be the-most outstanding re-
creation areas in B.C.

Years ago some pioneers dared to enter
this undeveloped territory. These people
carved out an existence of their own which
lead to the development of mines and forest-
ry products from various areas; their sons
and daughters have now taken their places
and are continuing to develop’ the north.

This area needs more and better public
services. Better education and educational
facilities and better medical attention.
There is still a tremendous lack of access
roads, hospitals, dental clinics and above
all air ambulance service.

There have been definite evidences of
death and suffering because of the lack of
fast medical aid. Mr. Calder stated that
the incomes of the population is average,
but in most cases below average as is usual
in a developing area.

There may be private air services avail-
able but people cannot afford the exorbitant
rates that are charged for private service,
The cost of a one-way flight from Telegraph
Creek at $200.00 was quoted as an example.
Mr. Calder said he travelled all the west
coast of B.C. and the north of the province
and in talking to the people he finds that
all he spoke to indicated the need and are
heartily in support of an Air Ambulance
Service.

Following Mr. Calders entry into the
Legislative Assembly he corresponded with
the Flying Doctor Service of Australia and
the Air Ambulance Service authorities of
Saskatchewan. Following a study of those
services he introduced a motion to the floor
of the house for such a service but was given
no consideration by the previous administ-
ration. He said it was a pleasure to re-
introduce the motion for serious considera-
tion not only on behalf of the government
but all members of the House, He had every
confidence that the motion would be adopted
and is hopeful it will lead to legislation
in the near future,

NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT

The two items Air Ambulance Service and
Equalization Grants for students in remote
areas are part of Northern Development and
was a promise to the people during the last
election. Mr. Calder reminded the govern-
ment to fulfill their word to the people
of the North.

Another subject of development is the
Watson Stewart Highway. He recalled, back
in 1949, sitting in a motel in Lower Post
and listening to four prospectors announc-=
ing to the world the discovery of asbestos
in what is now Cassiar. Two weeks later he
entered as his campaign recommendations that
an access road for transportation of asbestos
should have its terminus at the Canadian
Seaport of Stewart. The completion of that
road to Stewart has been one of Mr. Calders
main points on the floor of this House.
After all these years, the construction of
the road was completed last October.

Mr. Calder stated that this road is the
shortest link between Alaska and Washington
by 1000 miles. When in full use it will
take 50% of the traffic away from the Alaska
Highway, this road will be paved first; 20
miles of the north end have already been
paved, On the budget there is $750,000
allocated for this road, and most will be
spent on paving. Mr. Calder invited all
members to visit his beautiful riding when
the Department of Highways announces the
official opening of the Stewart-Watson Lake
Highway in June or July of this year.
EQUALIZATION GRANTS

Mr. Calder also pleaded for support of
a motion for equalization grants to students
in the North who do not have the opportunity
to proceed to higher education like those
in the Lower Mainland because of the lack of
educational facilities in the outlying areas.
These grants will bring educational opport-

unity where it is needed so desperately.
Northern Development will not be complete

until all public services are brought to
the people who are entitled to them, ¥¥xx