UBCM Resolutions are an essential part of local government advocacy in BC. Each year hundreds of issues are raised for debate at the UBCM Convention. The volume is an indicator of the wide range of issues that communities deal with – but the sheer number poses some challenges. UBCM Executive is proposing a new framework to streamline the process.
“With hundreds of resolutions to consider, there is a tendency to rush through debates. Many end up being dealt with in a batch, and many resolutions are similar year after year,” UBCM President Trish Mandewo said.
To sharpen UBCM’s advocacy, the Executive Board is proposing a new framework to evaluate submitted resolutions. The framework will ensure resolutions that make it to the floor are:
- Focused on new issues,
- Relevant for local governments across the province, and
- Involve the core services that local governments provide.
Resolutions that meet the framework will have more time for thoughtful debate. The outcomes of our debates will also provide a clearer indication of the critical issues facing British Columbia’s communities.
Of the 270 resolutions submitted this year, 121 would have been cut under the proposed framework, mostly for repeating previously endorsed resolutions. A background policy paper provides more context, and includes a table of this year’s resolutions with the framework applied. We encourage delegates to review the proposed changes and implications in advance of this year’s Convention.
The new framework requires a change to UBCM’s bylaws, which requires a 3/5 majority vote on the proposed Extraordinary Resolution. The Extraordinary Resolution will be considered on the floor at Convention on Wednesday, September 24 at 10:30am.