Latest News
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Anticipating RCMP unionization costs
January 20, 2021
As collective bargaining between the federal government and National Police Federation continues, the confidential nature of these discussions has created uncertainty regarding financial implications for contract partners. In anticipation of increased RCMP policing costs, UBCM has undertaken a broad review of recently concluded collective agreements as a means to better understand potential financial impacts.
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Local Government grant opportunities
January 20, 2021
Funding streams within the Emergency Preparedness and Poverty Reduction programs have approaching funding deadlines. Both programs are administered by UBCM.
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UBCM Advocacy update
January 13, 2021
UBCM president Brian Frenkel and members of the Executive have been meeting with Cabinet Ministers to discuss issues identified in our election platform and the Minister’s mandate letters. Thus far UBCM has met with Minister of Municipal Affairs Josie Osborne; Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin; and Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Katrine Conroy.
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Electoral Area Directors’ Forum deadline
January 13, 2021
The Electoral Area Directors’ Forum will be held virtually on February 2 and 3. Registration is open until January 25. The Forum will include Honourable Josie Osbourne, Minister of Municipal Affairs; a panel on rural broadband; a discussion on transit in rural areas; and a presentation on the Future of BC’s Food system report and recommendations. The full agenda is posted on the UBCM website.
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Deadline for RCMP contract feedback
January 13, 2021
Article 22 of the 2012 Provincial Police Service Agreement calls for a review of substantive issues at five-year intervals. As the second five-year period will conclude in April 2022, the Province has asked local governments to submit issues related to the Police Service Agreement for consideration by February 26, 2021.
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Final preparations underway for LGLA Forum
January 13, 2021
With the Local Government Leadership Academy Forum only three weeks away, it is time to book your virtual ticket and join the conversation. The Forum sessions will be held February 3-4, following the opening of the virtual space on February 1st to allow time for delegates to get oriented, interact and explore the on-demand content. Check out the impressive line up of speakers on the event page of the LGLA website.
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Province to administer homeowner grant program
January 13, 2021
The Province is taking over full administration of the homeowner grant program, effective 2021. Homeowners in all municipalities will now submit their applications directly to the Province instead of through their municipal office.
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Federal Gas Tax Fund annual expenditure report
January 6, 2021
UBCM has prepared its annual expenditure report on the federal Gas Tax Fund. This program is distributing over $3 billion for local government infrastructure and planning priorities during the current 10-year administrative agreement. The report analyzes how B.C.’s local government are using these funds; highlights feature projects from around the province; and provides a complete list of the 983 projects funded in 2019.
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Procedure bylaw guide
January 6, 2021
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs, in partnership with Local Government Management Association, has released a procedure bylaw best practice guide. The resource highlights the ways in which procedure bylaws support effective meetings and council and board decision making. Local governments that are amending or reviewing their procedure bylaws may use this information to develop a shared understanding of meeting rules and processes.
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Funding & resources update
January 6, 2021
Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events, and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.
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