Feedback requested on provincial responses to COVID-19
On March 16, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced an independent review of the provincial government’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The review is intended to find ways for the provincial government to be better prepared for the next event, whether a pandemic or other emergency. Local governments are invited to participate in virtual engagement sessions on May 31 or June 2 (morning and afternoon sessions available). Read more
Legislative Committee delivers policing recommendations

Last week, the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act released its final report, Transforming Policing and Community Safety in British Columbia. In preparation for the release of this report, UBCM has appointed local government representatives to a Roundtable established to work with the province on policing modernization. Read more
Province releases intentions paper on single use and plastic waste prevention

The Province has released an intentions paper on single use and plastic waste prevention, and is running an engagement period on the proposed waste prevention regulation. Local governments, along with the public and other stakeholders, are invited to fill out a survey and submit comments before June 21, 2022. Read more
Second round of funding announced to support Women in Leadership
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Canadian Women in Local Leadership (CanWILL) project has launched its second round of applications for Inclusive Community Initiatives (ICI). This is an opportunity for 10 to 12 communities to receive up to $10,000 each for initiatives that support women’s participation in local leadership. Read more
Community Energy Association upcoming events
The CEA is hosting two upcoming events on climate action. On May 11, CEA will offer a session on youth perspectives in co-creating climate action at the local government level; and from June 8-10, the Climate Leaders Institute (CLI) conference will provide an opportunity to discuss and share climate action solutions. Register now for the youth perspectives and CLI sessions.
Local Government Awareness Week - May 15-21

Local Government Awareness Week is an annual initiative aimed at building public awareness of local government roles and responsibilities, and encouraging public participation in local government processes. Read more
Resolutions submission deadline - June 30

As a reminder, local government and First Nations members can submit their resolutions directly to UBCM by June 30th for inclusion in the 2022 Resolutions Book. Resolutions must be endorsed by your Council or Board. Please submit your resolution along with any background information to Jamee Justason, Resolutions and Policy Analyst.
RCMP contract management committee update
On February 24, 2022 the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) met with provincial government and RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article. Read more
Strategic Priorities Fund intake underway

UBCM is now accepting applications for the Canada Community-Building Fund Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF). The SPF program will see an investment of up to $100 million for local government capital and capacity building projects in BC outside of the Metro Vancouver region. Read more
Funding & resources update

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