Whereas local governments recognize the importance of fostering respectful and constructive dialogue within the community; And whereas personal and defamatory attacks on local government leaders, including both senior staff and elected officials, undermine the integrity of the democratic process and create a hostile working environment; And whereas current legislative and legal frameworks, including those of WorkSafeBC and Workers Compensation Act, do not provide adequate protection against such attacks, thereby hindering the ability of local government leaders to carry out their duties effectively: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial and federal governments for legislative changes that address the issue of personal and defamatory attacks by members of the public on local government leaders; And be it further resolved that these changes should aim to strengthen protections for local government leaders against unfounded, defamatory and malicious accusations by members of the public while also upholding principles of freedom of speech and transparency; And be it further resolved that UBCM is encouraged to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, including legal experts and advocacy groups, to develop comprehensive proposals for legislative reform.
