New funding for Next Generation 911 preparedness

UBCM is administering $60 million to support local preparedness for the implementation of Next Generation 911, and to provide funding to eligible recipients to support the transition of existing 911 services to NG911.

The BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is undertaking policy work to support possible Fall 2023 legislation to regulate the use of drugs in certain public spaces. Local government elected officials and senior leadership staff are invited to participate in one of two virtual engagement sessions on July 13 and 19, or to submit written comments.

Input Requested: Monetary Penalties under the Water Sustainability Act

In recognition of the increasing challenges facing water resources and the need for more effective and efficient means of enforcing the Water Sustainability Act, the Province is developing a new regulatory tool: Administrative Monetary Penalties, to better protect BC’s freshwater resources. Local governments are invited to provide feedback and comments on the proposed regulation by July 14.

Collective bargaining for second RCMP Collective Agreement in final stages

The national Contract Management Committee, of which UBCM is a member, has been advised that the RCMP’s second Collective Agreement could be finalized by the end of this year. Bargaining between the National Police Federation, representing RCMP members, and the Treasury Board of Canada are in the advanced stages, with only monetary items left to be negotiated. When finalized, the agreement will have financial implications for local governments.

UBCM Executive nominations

A reminder to all UBCM member elected officials: Monday July 31, at 4:00 pm is the deadline to respond to the Call for Nominations to serve on the 2023-2024 UBCM Executive.

The Call for Nominations provides information about the positions open for nomination, the procedures, Executive member responsibilities, as well as a nomination form. For those who miss the advance nominations process, there will be an opportunity to be nominated from the floor at specified times during the week of the 2023 Convention.

For further information please contact Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Chair of the Nominating Committee.

Emergency Management Legislation Delayed to fall 2023

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) revised its timeline for the introduction of new emergency management legislation from spring 2023 to fall 2023. In the meantime, the Ministry will use the remaining time to discuss the legislation with communities.