Convention plenary focus on
Truth and Reconciliation

UBCM’s plenary session will address the urgent question of how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities might walk further along the path towards truth and reconciliation, and will provide guidance for local governments seeking direction on how to act on the TRC Calls to Action. The panel will feature the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), former City of Vancouver Councillor Andrea Reimer, and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Chair John Jack. 
Jody Vance to guide keynote interview
Delegates to the 2021 Convention will have a front row seat as current affairs host Jody Vance brings her unique talents to a ‘fireside chat’ with political satirist Rick Mercer. With the federal election underway, and an array of vexing issues facing the province, there will be much for both to explore. 

Housing Prospects, Trends and Key Issues
Please join us in a 2021 Convention workshop exploring some of the major trends and key issues impacting housing and affordability in British Columbia in coming years. This workshop will feature a diverse panel spanning the private sector, non-profit housing and academia. 

Virtual networking at Convention  
The 118th Annual UBCM Convention is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the province who will join together online, September 13-17th. The 2021 UBCM Convention is your opportunity to access timely and relevant local government knowledge, insight, and best practices from wherever you are in BC. We're gearing up to deliver #UBCM21 with an action-packed Program, including our first ever Kick-Off Networking Night in an online environment.
RCMP members ratify collective agreement
RCMP reservists and members below the rank of inspector have ratified a collective agreement that was tentatively reached earlier this summer. The six-year agreement (April 1, 2017- March 31, 2023) covers numerous key issues impacting local governments, including base compensation for affected members.
Province considering cannabis consumption spaces
Following a September 2020 announcement regarding the development of farm-gate and direct delivery programs for non-medical cannabis, the Province is examining the possible introduction of cannabis consumption spaces. The BC Cannabis Secretariat plans to engage broadly with key stakeholders, including UBCM’s Cannabis Policy Technical Working Group, in the fall, with formal public and stakeholder engagement in 2022. 
Connectivity documents sought
Working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and supported by UBCM, CivicInfo BC is seeking connectivity planning documents from local and Indigenous governments, in order to build a freely available online repository.