March 17, 2021
UBCM advocacy update

UBCM President Brian Frenkel and members of the Executive have been meeting with Cabinet ministers to discuss a range of local government priorities as well as minister mandate letters. In the last two months, UBCM met with the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Sheila Malcolmson; Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Rob Fleming; Minister of Citizen Services, Lisa Beare; Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, George Heyman; Minister of Municipal Affairs, Josie Osborne; and Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation, Ravi Kahlon. Read more
Internet speed study

Local and Indigenous governments, particularly those with rural and remote populations, are invited to participate in a study of broadband Internet speeds experienced in BC. Communities across British Columbia have voiced concerns that federal data on broadband Internet speeds, which is used to determine eligibility for connectivity funding programs, may not accurately reflect the broadband Internet speeds experienced in homes, businesses, and other locations at the community level. Read more
FireSmart BC Symposium

Registration is now open for the inaugural FireSmart BC Symposium: Our Shared Responsibility. Join in to learn about the future of FireSmart in BC and across the country, hear a live panel share FireSmart community success stories and much more. Read more
New firearms legislation introduced

On March 3, the Province introduced the Firearm Violence Prevention Act (Bill 4), aimed at reducing gun violence. The proposed legislation incorporates recommendations made by the Illegal Firearms Task Force, and largely targets the purchase, transportation and possession of illegal and imitation firearms. Read more
Small Communities Travel Fund

In support of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) invitation for board nominations, UBCM would like to remind local governments of UBCM-FCM Small Communities Travel Fund. This fund provides financial support to local government elected officials from BC attending FCM Board and Standing Committee meetings. The travel fund is intended to ensure that smaller communities are represented at FCM and have the financial means to participate. Read more
Policing Contract Management Committee

On February 3-4, 2021 the Contract Management Committee (CMC), which includes representatives from provinces, territories and local governments, met with federal and RCMP representatives to discuss matters related to the RCMP Police Services Agreements. Issues relevant to local governments are summarized in this article. Read more