Monday Study Sessions

Implementation of ambitious federal and provincial housing agendas over the past year has seen far reaching consequences for local planning and development.  Even as local governments respond to significant legislative changes brought into effect to-date, further changes are on the horizon: policy development at all orders of government and across sectors continues to evolve in response to the crisis in affordability. This session will bring together diverse voices to consider trends and policy shifts that are likely to shape housing dynamics going forward.

Last November, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) received royal assent. Although the Province intends to take a phased approach to implementation, the 2024 hazard season presents an early test for the new Act. This session will look at how the provisions in the new legislation are impacting local governments, who are on the front lines of emergency management, facing disasters and emergencies that in recent years have increased in scope and frequency.

BC’s natural resource sector is in a state of transition and transformation.  The impacts of climate change, volatile international markets, evolving land use policies and provincial planning processes have all contributed to the uncertainty facing this sector.  As provincial, First Nation, local government and industry leaders search for certainty and solutions; coordination, collaboration and communication are paramount.

This session will examine the state of BC’s natural resource sector, reflect on the economic impact that industries, such as forestry, have on communities and discuss what actions are needed to keep the resource sector and communities alive and vibrant as this transformational shift continues. 

As the impacts of climate change come into focus, many local governments are grappling with the costs of adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Unchecked, these impacts are likely to command an increasingly larger share of the limited resources available to maintain valued services, operate critical infrastructure, and advance community priorities. This session will explore the financial costs of climate change for local governments, emerging and innovative approaches to adaptation, and key considerations to effectively and efficiently build resilience to current and future climate change.

Last year’s Convention, UBCM held a Women in Politics session where participants identified the barriers that women face in the political arena. We are excited to continue the transformative dialogue by identifying actionable solutions at this year's Women Elected Talk (W.E. Talk) session.

Using the World Café style of facilitation, this session will be dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive. The World Café format is designed to foster open and creative conversations where every voice is heard. Through small group discussions, participants will have the opportunity to explore innovative ideas and practical strategies that address the challenges that were identified last year.

Why attend? Because your insights, experiences, and perspectives are vital to driving change. This is more than just a discussion—it's a chance to shape the future of women's leadership in politics. Let’s work together to dismantle barriers and create pathways to success for current and future generations of women leaders.