Throne Speech; Climate Action; Accessibility Legislation; Funding Update

Throne Speech Highlights

Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivered the Speech from the Throne yesterday to open the next session of the Legislature. The speech, which focussed on initiatives by the government over the first years of its mandate, included some forward-looking items of interest to local government, further details on which will likely be made available in the Budget next week.

Update: Special Committee on Climate Action

The UBCM Special Committee on Climate Action held its fifth meeting on January 30th, which focussed on mitigation and adaptation efforts at the local level. Representatives of the Climate Action Secretariat provided presentations on regional approaches to adaptation, as well as communication strategies for mobilizing public awareness and support of climate action. Read more

Reminder: Grant Program & Asset Management Workshops

The Union of BC Municipalities will be hosting workshops across the province this spring, focusing on grant programs delivered by UBCM - including the Gas Tax Fund, and Local Government Program Services - and Asset Management in British Columbia. This learning opportunity will be of particular interest to senior staff, but could also be of interest to staff involved in grant program administration, delivery, and/or asset management. Read more

Summary on Marine Debris Consultation

Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Sheila Malcolmson, has published a report summarizing the feedback from stakeholders on marine debris. The consultations took place through the summer and early fall of 2019. Read more

Accessibility Legislation Consultation

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction released a summary report for the consultation on the proposed accessibility legislation. UBCM participated on the Minister's Accessibility Legislation Consultation Advisory Committee and provided a written submission based on UBCM policy. Ministry staff are now proceeding to develop draft legislation.

Funding and Resources Update

Each month, we provide an update on the UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations. Read more

EAD Forum Evaluation & Presentations

Presentations from last week's EAD forum are now available on the UBCM website. Delegates are asked to complete the forum evaluation by February 21, 2020.

February 12, 2020