Scott McInnis considers himself extremely fortunate. As the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke, he represents a slice of eastern British Columbia defined by world-class ski hills and rugged beauty. From Revelstoke to Kimberley, his region thrives when visitors arrive to “enjoy the experience and have fun.” But behind the scenic vistas, McInnis sees a province at a crossroads regarding its land, its people and its future.
A new path for reconciliation
As the critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, McInnis believes the province needs a fundamental reset. He argues that the current approach lacks the transparency required to bring all British Columbians along. “Reconciliation is about all British Columbians,” he says, noting that the government has recently lost that focus.
When the province moves too quickly on land-use decisions without clear public communication, people “get their backs up against the wall.” McInnis stresses that friction over Crown land or property rights often leads to unfortunate anti-Indigenous sentiment. He insists this is not the fault of (the) First Nations. Instead, he advocates for partnerships built on “respect and mutual trust.” For him, true reconciliation includes First Nations having critical roles in equity, ownership and revenue sharing within resource development.
Beyond the urban gap
McInnis points to a persistent “communication gap” between B.C.’s urban centres and its rural, resource-dependent heartlands. He notes that many people overlook how natural resources fund the essentials of daily life. “When folks look around at everything that they have in their life, whether it’s health care or roads, that’s paid for by resource development,” he says.
In the East Kootenay, mineral exploration and logging remain vital, even in a difficult economic climate. Just outside his riding, the Elk Valley serves as the “heart of coal country.” McInnis believes British Columbians must embrace responsible resource development because the province simply relies on it. He views these industries not just as legacy sectors, but as the primary engines for B.C.’s future prosperity.
Schools and skilled trades
Before entering politics, McInnis worked as a teacher and principal. This background shapes his view on how B.C. prepares youth for the workforce. He wants to see 16- and 17-year-olds exploring “possibilities beyond the old way of simply going to university.” He advocates for more job fairs and community connections that let students “see and feel and smell what real life looks like” in the trades.
The current system, he argues, spends too much time inside the classroom. He wants to see more funding for post-secondary spaces in rural areas so young people can train in their home communities. By doubling down on skilled trades, McInnis believes the province can fill the current “void” in the labour market while giving students a sense of purpose.
Support for resort towns
Representing five of the province’s 14 resort municipalities, McInnis understands the unique pressures of tourism. When a small town of 4,000 people swells during ski season, the physical infrastructure feels the strain. Water, sewer systems and health-care clinics all face immense pressure.
He calls for the provincial government to “stop treating rural resort municipalities like an ATM machine.” McInnis argues for a better “value-for-dollar” return to these communities. Without proper provincial support, these towns cannot sustain the industry that brings so much wealth to British Columbia. Looking toward 2026, he remains optimistic that a calmer global climate and stronger ties with trading partners will bolster these local economies.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
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