WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia is undertaking a Local Government Revenue Sources Review and a Business Taxation Review, both of which have a significant relationship to the local government tax structure and the ability of local governments to provide quality and comprehensive services to their citizens; AND WHEREAS the Community Charter Sections 276 and 277 lays out a framework for meaningful consultation and negotiation between the Province and the Union of BC Municipalities, as the voice for local government in BC: THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia provide a significant opportunity and role for the participation of the UBCM and BC local governments in the Local Government Revenue Sources Review and a Business Taxation Review, in the assessment of any arising results and recommendations, and in seeking local government consent for any future implementation of the finding of these review processes.
Ministry of Finance The Minister of Finance appointed an Expert Panel on Business Taxation, which was tasked with generating ideas and providing recommendations for a business taxation system that balances the principles of competitiveness, fairness and simplicity. The review included an examination of municipal property taxation of business and its impact on business competitiveness and investment. The guidelines for the Panel stated that recommendations must address issues of affordability and sustainability for local governments within the framework of the Community Charter. Interested individuals and organizations, including UBCM and local governments, were able to make submissions to the Panel for consideration as part of this review. In accordance with the Community Charter, the relationship between local governments and the Province is built on the principle that consultation is needed on matters of mutual interest. Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development The work of the Municipal Revenue Sources Review has been completed. This was primarily an information gathering exercise and did not make any recommendations. The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ministry reviewed the information gathered during the review and shared it with UBCM. In keeping with the framework for consultation, the Ministry will discuss possible outcomes and objectives that may follow from the research with UBCM.