Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
The Province has introduced regulations for local authorities, which have been added to the Emergency and Disaster Management Regulation. Most of the new regulations for local authorities will not come into effect until January 2027, consistent with local government requests for additional preparation time.
Organizations representing local government and business in British Columbia are refusing to sign non-disclosure agreements related to the Province’s proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA).
UBCM recommends pilot projects to tap expertise of local governments, archaeologists, industry and First Nations
UBCM is pleased with the Province’s decision to rescind Bill M216, the Professional Reliance Act. We are also grateful to all of the local governments and professional organizations that took the time to share comments on the potential impacts of this Bill.
Local governments are here as partners to address the pressing issues that face communities across BC. In this spirit, we look forward to continued engagement with the Province on improving housing, public safety, and long-term sustainability of services.
The Province has introduced legislation that would establish a standard Code of Conduct for elected officials in BC. UBCM members have endorsed several resolutions calling for additional resources to support responsible conduct, including a mandatory Code of Conduct. The legislation also sets out a standard process for handling Code of Conduct complaints and strengthens the sanctions available to local governments.
The Ministry of Forests has released a Technical Policy Paper on the evolution of proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). This paper reflects the next phase of engagement on proposed changes to the HCA as the Province moves towards legislative amendments in fall 2026.
Five years after a devastating wildfire destroyed 90 per cent of the Village of Lytton, the Office of the Auditor General has released its review of the Province’s role in the recovery efforts. A key finding is the lack of local government capacity and funding to address large-scale recovery operations and legislatively mandated duties.
The webinar with Ministry of Forests staff to update UBCM members on proposed legislative changes to the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 2, 9:00 – 10:30 am.
UPDATE as of March 18: This webinar has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 2, 9:00 - 10:30 am. Those registered for March 20 have automatically been registered for April 2. The same registration link will be used.