A new online education course will help local elected officials explore responsible conduct principles. The resource, developed jointly by UBCM, the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, explores the themes of integrity, respect, accountability, leadership and collaboration, and how each of these is essential to effective governance by B.C.’s Councils and Boards.

Compass sign-up for newly elected officials

As new Councils and Boards are being sworn in, we encourage senior administrative staff to share the portal to subscribe to the Compass with newly elected Mayors, Chairs and Area Directors. The subscription portal is available in the footer on any page of our website.

Applications are being received for the Regional Community to Community Forum. The aim of this program is to deepen understanding and relations between First Nations and local governments. Forum events bring together elected officials and senior staff of First Nations and local governments to promote dialogue; support reconciliation efforts; resolve issues of common responsibility interest and concern; or advance tangible outcomes. The application deadline for 2022-2023 funding is December 2, 2022.

Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has released an update to the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. The federal map tracks reported internet speeds and utilizes the data that determines eligibility for government connectivity funding. The last update to the map was made in February 2021.

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.

Small Housing is inviting municipal planning staff and elected officials from across British Columbia for a ‘Gentle Density Local Leaders’ Summit’ in Downtown Vancouver on November 22 and 23.

UBCM members are invited to attend a webinar on November 17 by the BC Injury Prevention and Research Unit that will summarize evidence-based information and research regarding truck lateral protection devices, or side guards, as a safety countermeasure to reduce fatal crashes with vulnerable road users.