Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has proposed a new regulation to encourage more food processing in the Agricultural Land Reserve on land that is not well suited for primary production. UBCM has provided a submission to share local government perspective and requests.
The Province is seeking feedback on a proposal that could expand food processing activity within British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has released a discussion paper proposing a new “5% rule” that would allow certain food processing facilities to be developed on lower-capability ALR lands without Agricultural Land Commission approval, provided at least five percent of the product being processed is grown or raised in B.C.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has announced amendments to the Authorizations Concerning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Regulations that will take effect on October 15, 2026. Local governments with public works projects that may require Fisheries Act approvals should review these changes.
Consultation is now under way to develop the regulations and policies to implement the Construction Prompt Payment Act (CPPA), starting with a Discussion Paper. The Act aims to ensure contractors and subcontractors will be paid on time for future construction projects.
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.