Mr. R.J. Carter
Deputy Minister of Education
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 1X4

Dear Mr. Carter:

On behalf of the Project Committee, I would like to submit this final report entitled, "Collaboration for Local Economic Development: The Role of Public Educational Institutions". In conveying this document and its recommendations to you I would like to emphasize three things:

Firstly, the Committee members represent an extremely diverse cross-section of interests all of whom are deeply concerned about local economic development as a part of the overall recovery of the B.C. economy.

Secondly, the institutional representatives have consistently spoken for a positive and cooperative relationship between public sector institutions and the private sector.

Thirdly, the recommendations are intended to invite the Ministry to take action to support the local economic development activity of colleges and school districts through fiscal formula recognition of the educational component of these efforts.

The prospect for innovation in this area of endeavour is especially high. The pressure of economic difficulties has caused people to invent new strategies for business development and employment generation through extensive local collaboration. The separation of public and private sectors has been removed in many instances to the greater benefit of both. The excitement of inventing our way out of hard times is infectious and inspiring. I hope the Ministry will be able to help the field institutions to realize the considerable potential that this report suggests.

Yours sincerely,

900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 5S5 * Telephone (604) 753-3245