Premier David Eby’s new cabinet includes two designated roles relating to local government. Ravi Kahlon has been appointed Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs and Brittny Anderson has been tapped for Minister of State for Local Government and Rural Communities in the Office of the Premier.
The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs will have oversight for housing and local government infrastructure needs, as well as local government policy and legislation. The government also announced that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and local government relationships will be a priority of the Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat in the Office of the Premier.
“The issues local governments are grappling with are complex and challenging. The infrastructure needed to sustain a growing population; climate change; community safety; and the need for greater provincial investments to support those dealing with homeless, mental health concerns, or addictions all pose unique challenges,” said Councillor Trish Mandewo, UBCM president.
“It was good to speak with Minister Kahlon after his swearing in, and I look forward to working with him to address the challenges facing communities. I also look forward to learning more about the new local government focus for the intergovernmental relations secretariat in the Premier’s office and working with Minister of State Brittny Anderson.”
In addition to Councillor Mandewo’s conversation with Minister Kahlon, UBCM Executive Director Gary MacIsaac has also received a preliminary briefing from Shannon Salter, Deputy Minister to the Premier, on the new structure for local government within the Executive Council.
Mandewo also extended her thanks to Anne Kang, the former Minister of Municipal Affairs who has moved to the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills.