UBCM and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will be delivering a webinar on October 13 at 1:00 PM to discuss provincial priorities with respect to policing and public safety modernization. Local government elected officials or staff members interested in attending the webinar are asked to RSVP to Bhar Sihota, UBCM Senior Policy Analyst.
This 1-hour webinar presents an opportunity for provincial representatives to discuss the Province’s policing and public safety priorities as well as the process that will be used to gather input on those priorities. BC’s Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act is also examining public safety modernization, and is expected to present a final report by April 28, 2022. This webinar will provide insight into how the Ministry’s work relates to the mandate of the Special Committee. UBCM representatives will also provide a brief overview of a submission delivered to the Special Committee earlier this year.
The Ministry’s work significantly impacts local governments, as the Police Act provides the framework for the delivery of police services throughout British Columbia, including responsibilities assigned to the Province and local governments.
In 2020, the Province established an all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act to review legislation and deliver recommendations. As part of this process, UBCM has delivered a submission, supported by a February 8, 2021 presentation, to the Special Committee.