UBCM and the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions are pleased to extend a call for expressions of interest for local government staff to join a working group on the role of local governments in supporting BC’s plan to decriminalize people who use drugs. Interested staff can submit their names and a biography to UBCM by September 16^th.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has issued a statement re-iterating its request, consistent with UBCM’s position, that the federal government absorb all retroactive costs associated with the 2017-2023 RCMP Collective Agreement. The federal government recently advised contract partners that it has paused the billing process until a decision is reached regarding this request.

A university-based initiative, with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, has developed a free map-based tool that provides an overview of environmental equity in more than 150 local governments in Canada. The HealthyPlan tool is a publicly-available resource that shows where vulnerable populations are experiencing below average environmental conditions.

The Province has issued a memorandum advising local governments that, effective October 3, 2022, the Ministry of Attorney General’s Tribunals, Transformation and Independent Offices Division (TTIOD) will assume all responsibilities for the Bylaw Adjudication Program. Previously, duties were shared with the Court Services Branch.