Post Event Report -- 2021 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention

As is my usual practice after attending a local government seminar, conference or convention -- you can review my Post Event Report respecting my attendance at the 2021 UBCM/Union of BC Municipalities Annual Convention

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Williams Lake Council Sees Successful Resolutions and Discussions at UBCM Convention

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

At the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Virtual Convention held this week, two resolutions submitted by the City of Williams Lake were endorsed, with a third being considered post-Convention due to time constraints.

Two health-related resolutions addressing the general physician shortage and shared access to medical records among health professionals were included in the Resolutions session. 

“Increasing the number of medical school graduates to meet the needs for general physicians in British Columbia is absolutely critical,” said Williams Lake City Councillor Sheila Boehm. “We are encouraged that the resolution to lobby the provincial government to engage or support our universities to increase seats for medical students in BC was passed, and look forward to seeing real action on this call that affects the entire province, particularly rural communities.”

A resolution urging health authorities in the province to grant online access to health records for allied health professionals in BC (including physiotherapists, psychologists, chiropractors, and other professionals) will be considered post-Convention. 

A third resolution calling for stronger sentencing and consistent use of electronic monitoring for prolific and repeat offenders being released into the community was successful. 

“Council continues to push for a review of the judicial process to impose sentences that will keep criminals off the streets, and to help alleviate the burden on the RCMP by using electronic monitoring for prolific and repeat offenders released on conditions,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. 

In a virtual meeting between Council and Hon. David Eby, Attorney General & Minister Responsible for Housing preceding the UBCM Convention, discussion included the call for a public enquiry to determine why so many prolific offenders with serious charges are released into our community with ineffective deterrents to re-offend, as well as opportunities for supportive housing to help address underlying mental health and addiction issues. 

“We understand that this is a complex issue, and we are holding the Province accountable for taking concrete action to address these significant threats to community safety,” said Williams Lake City Councillor Scott Nelson. “This is not just a Williams Lake issue – it affects communities across the province, and I am pleased that our resolution received support from the UBCM member local governments.”

Following the results of the recently adopted Central Cariboo Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis Report, which clearly identifies the urgent need for an additional 800+ new units in the region, Council also attended a virtual meeting with Hon. Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services; Hon. David Eby, Attorney General & Minister Responsible for Housing, and Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, to discuss opportunities for housing in Williams Lake. 

“With the School District undergoing a land disposition process for some of its former school sites, and with identified opportunities for possible Crown land development, the City continues to urge the Province to consider creative ways to expedite housing development to address the housing crisis in our community,” said Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb.

The City will continue to communicate with the Province to ensure follow-up and an action plan for these initiatives

2 Cariboo RD UBCM Resolutions pass at 2021 UBCM Convention

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Two motions from the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) -- highlighting a need for improved broadband access and regulatory changes to assist independent fire halls, have passed at the 2021 Union of BC Municipalities convention.

Resolution EB47 (Ensuring Access to Broadband and Cellular Services in BC) directs the UBCM to “lobby the federal and provincial governments to directly invest in the ownership and development of the needed capital infrastructure to facilitate effective, efficient and cost-effective broadband services in rural and remote communities where a private sector business case does not exist.”

Resolution NR9 (Funding for Independent Fire Services) will see the UBCM “lobby the provincial government for specific legal and statutory measures designed to remove any and all legal or financial risk from local government for providing financial or other supports to independent fire services.”

“The CRD’s motions reflect the challenges we face in the region,” notes Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner. “But there are countless small, rural communities in British Columbia with similar concerns. It is our hope that lobbying efforts by the UBCM will help higher levels of government better understand the challenges faced in rural British Columbia and spur a timely, effective response.”