The provincial government introduced temporary changes to B.C.’s property tax framework to provide financial support for businesses and local governments earlier today. Among the changes introduced, local governments will have the ability to borrow, interest-free, from…
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To help B.C. businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province and the Government of Canada have partnered with Small Business BC (SBBC) to launch an online support service to answer pressing questions about the support available to businesses. The dedicated …
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The federal government has announced that it is expanding eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to include seasonal and part-time workers, such as volunteer firefighters. Seasonal workers, those who have exhausted employment insurance benefits, and those…
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The B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development has published two fact sheets on the Modernized Land Use Planning Initiative. The Ministry acknowledges local governments’ important roles and perspectives in the process and commits to…
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A Provincial Orders Support Team and Call Centre has been established to support local authority staff (e.g. municipal bylaw officers and equivalent local officials) that are supporting compliance of Provincial Orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is the central point…
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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…