Whereas the provincial government does not currently have the obligation to meaningfully consult with municipalities andor regional districts regarding provincial policy changes or decisions that impact employment for people that live in those municipalities andor regional districts; And whereas the recent provincial policy changes and decisions have and will continue to negatively impact resource sector-based employment that disproportionately impacts rural, northern, and remote communities; And whereas rural, remote and northern communities local tax bases are dependent on a strong resource sector in order to provide services to those that live there: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to engage in meaningful consultation with the municipalities andor regional districts whose peoples employment in the resource sector may be negatively impacted by those provincial policy changes.
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation In alignment with the mandate of the Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities, the Province remains committed to ensuring that local government advice inform government initiatives. Economic development services for rural, northern, and remote communities are provided by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation JEDI. The ministry has specialized economic development staff on-the-ground throughout BC to provide free and accessible economic development services to local governments, Indigenous communities, businesses and economic development agencies. The Ministry also offers responsive, in-community services when a rural area is experiencing an economic disruption, such as a mill closure. Community Transition CT services are effective in supporting workers, businesses, and communities experiencing significant job loss, especially when combined with other government programs i.e. skills training designed to offset economic impacts. The Ministry works closely with other ministry partners, such as Post Secondary and Future Skills and Social Development and Poverty Reduction to ensure skills training and career support is available.