UBCM has been monitoring and assessing the impact of COVID-19 on BC communities and local government operations and finances. Last week, UBCM reached out to a wide of range of local governments to gather information the immediate and projected long-term financial pressures…
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The provincial health officer (PHO) has issued new guidelines to support compliance with orders on business closures and gatherings, under the Public Health Act. The new guidelines for municipal bylaw officers and other compliance officers give clear instruction…
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The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has provided an update for renters and landlords on COVID-19 related policies and programs. As announced on March 25, 2020, the Province has halted evictions during the COVID-19 crisis. Also, to support renters who are facing a…
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To help reduce the risks to people who use substances, the Province has announced new clinical guidance, effective immediately, for health-care providers to stem the spread of COVID-19 and respond to the ongoing overdose emergency. The provincial clinical guidance incorporates…
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The Province has requested that businesses and organizations undertake an inventory of critical supplies in their possession, including personal protective equipment, medical supplies and cleaning. Local governments are asked to share this request with businesses and…
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The Ministry of Health designated farmers’ markets as essential food and agriculture service providers. Farmers’ markets are not currently considered a high risk setting for the transmission of COVID-19 as they are usually held outdoors. The BC Centre for Disease Control…
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Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General, announced ministerial orders today that have immediate and direct relevance of local government service delivery in relation to COVID-19 response. Minister Farnworth suspended local states of…
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The administration of provincially-funded grant programs is continuing at UBCM, during the COVID-19 pandemic, including adjudication of intakes that closed before March 15, 2020, review of final reports and processing of all payments. We are implementing a few changes to…
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Please be advised that Gas Tax Program Services is open for business and will continue to deliver programming, claims and contract management during standard business hours until further notice. We are implementing a few changes to provide additional flexibility during…
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The federal government will provide $52 billion in direct assistance to workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced today. The government also committed to ensuring that laid off workers will be able to access the benefits within 10 days of…