Engaging Northern and Remote Communities on New Programs

Whereas northern and rural communities need to be included in meaningful consultation when provincial greenhouse gas reduction programs are developed, in order to maximize success of the programs in those communities and prevent barriers to implementation; And whereas program requirements can create barriers for community participation when resources are not available at a local or regional level such as Energy Step Code requiring certified Energy Advisors to ensure compliance, and if programs are not scaled to suit small communities such as offering fuel-switching incentives only for very large commercial and multi-family residential buildings; And whereas when provincial programs are implemented without an adequate allocation of resources to northern and rural communities, the responsibility to overcome barriers is shifted to local government and contractors, each already facing challenges of limited organizational capacity: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to ensure that it consults with residents and local governments regarding the unique culture, remoteness and low density of northern and remote communities when designing and implementing new provincial greenhouse gas reduction programs, including grants, and to ensure that such programs are designed in a way that allows them to succeed in our communities.