Whereas a review of the Local Government Act was intended to be undertaken after the Community Charter came in to force in 2004; And whereas, while a review of election financing rules and a statute revision that updates style and language have taken place, a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act has not been done: Therefore be it resolved that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing be requested to initiate a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act to ensure it meets modern needs and addresses the issue of equity between municipalities and regional districts e.g. scope of regulatory authority, requirements for service establishment, etc..
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing recognizes that regional districts require legislation that meets their diverse and evolving needs. After an extensive period of review and engagement, regional district legislation was substantively updated with the adoption of the Local Government Act in 2000. Subsequently, the Community Charter was adopted, and consequential amendments to the LGA connected regional district legislation to the new legislative framework, and made some of the Community Charters key innovations apply to regional districts as well. For the most part, the current framework has proven flexible enough to allow regional districts to adapt to the evolving needs of their communities, so a comprehensive review is not warranted at this time. However, the Ministry is always interested in ensuring that the regional districts legislative framework works effectively, while recognizing that legislative change has to be focused on resolving issues which matter to people. As the Resolution Committee notes, targeted amendments since 2004 have addressed particular challenges - such as cumbersome Provincial approval processes - and the 2015 revision made the legislation more accessible and comprehensible for those who work with it on a regular basis. If regional districts are facing legislative barriers to addressing specific problems, the Ministry is prepared to work with regional districts to understand those problems and, if needed, make targeted legislative amendments or use existing tools such as regulation-making powers to assist in specific situations.