Whereas the Provinces response to the 2014 UBCM Strong Fiscal Futures resolution was limited to recognition of the need for more regular, structured dialogue between the Province and UBCM to better address shared duties to ensure the delivery of effective, responsive services to citizens; And whereas local governments continue to face significant challenges in providing effective, sustainable services and infrastructure management under an outdated local government financial system and archaic revenue sources: Therefore be it resolved that the Province commit to pursuing the Strong Fiscal Futures report as a flexible blueprint for a diversified local government finance system that is both fairer and more sustainable.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Since the release of the Strong Fiscal Futures document in 2014, the Province has taken a number of tangible steps to address issues raised by local governments in that document. Most importantly, the Province has taken serious steps to support local government finances and modernize its infrastructure. In 2014, the Province renewed the federal Gas Tax Agreement for a decade, delivering 3.4 billion to BCs local governments through to 2024. The Province, in cooperation with the Federal Government, undertook a number of major capital programs for local governments, including: the New Building Canada Program, Community Culture and Recreation and the Small Communities Fund; CleanBC Communities Fund, the Rural and Northern Communities Program, the Environmental Quality Program; and the Clean Water Wastewater Fund. These programs have helped address the issue of infrastructure deficits by modernizing local government infrastructure throughout the province. The Province remains committed to continuing several core funding programs, including: Infrastructure Planning Grants, Small Community Grants, Regional District Basic Grants, and Traffic Fine Revenue Sharing. The Province provides local governments with the broadest latitude to set taxes and fees to recover service costs and build necessary reserves. As of 2018, local governments in British Columbia had aggregate net financial assets totalling 8 billion. Local governments also continue to have access to competitive financing through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC. The Ministry remains committed to dialogue and consultation with UBCM and would be pleased to dedicate ministry staff to assist with UBCMs upcoming work on Strong Fiscal Futures.