Whereas the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, is responsible for establishing the standards for drinking water quality as codified by the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality; And whereas the Province of British Columbia has adopted the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as the standard for drinking water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which community water systems are required to meet: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia to provide ongoing, long-term, and stable funding for local governments to upgrade community water distribution and treatment systems to enable compliance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality and all subsequent amendments thereto.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province continues to advocate the federal government for bilateral funding programs to support local government infrastructure needs related to meeting regulatory requirements and improving resilience, with programs like the federal-provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - Environmental Quality Program now fully allocated. The Infrastructure Planning Grant Program can provide support in planning for future needs and preparing for future capital programs. The Province recognizes the value of ongoing, long-term, and stable funding to local governments. The Province is pleased to work with Canada and with the Union of BC Municipalities on the renewed 2024 to 2034 Canada Community-Building Fund, which provides consistency and flexibility that allow local governments to determine their infrastructure priorities within eligible categories, including for drinking water.