Andrew Wilkinson, Leader of the Official Opposition, opened his address to UBCM delegates by criticizing the NDP decision to call an election in the midst of a pandemic, suggesting that his party was “sideswiped by the ambitions of John Horgan and the NDP," who have “embarked on…
On the opening day of convention, delegates had the opportunity to hear three distinguished panelists discuss leadership during a time of crisis. The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC; Kim Baird, former Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation, and; Dr. Bonnie Henry…
In a departure from the conventional podium speech, UBCM’s President Maja Tait sat down with 1st Vice President Brian Frankel, on camera, to review and discuss the organization’s past year. Councillor Frankel will inherit Mayor Tait’s presidential responsibilities at the…
Earlier today, delegates heard perspectives on how transit can recover and rebuild from the ridership and financial impacts of COVID-19. Representatives from transit agencies and local government addressed how the recently announced Safe Restart funding will help them recover,…
With the call of the provincial election today, there will be an added dimension as we welcome addresses from the three main party leaders at our annual convention. These speeches will be more closely watched than ever and will provide an early window into the direction of each…
UBCM is very pleased to welcome an address by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, to delegates attending the 2020 Convention on Thursday September 24, 9:00 am (Pacific time).
Minister Wilkinson has served as the Member of Parliament for…
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are working together to contribute close to $540 million in funding to support local government operations. Today’s announcement also includes details on an additional $418 million for community infrastructure, along…
Plan partners of the Municipal Pension Plan are proposing changes to update the Plan. The proposed changes have been guided by an approach focused on: improving equity for members; aligning benefits with how the majority of members use them; setting a strong foundation for…
The provincial government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to licensing of first responders (FR) to ensure that all emergency medical assistants (EMAs) are examined to the same standards. Currently, training institutions or fire departments can administer the practical…
On September 11th the Province announced the release of A New Future for Old Forests: What we Heard. The report by panel members Al Gorley and Gary Merkel, outlines a four-phased process that the Province should undertake to develop and implement an old…