2023

Whereas accessible health care is a cornerstone for providing quality of life for the residents of British Columbia and supports economic prosperity and sustainability of communities; And whereas access to quality health care without financial or other barriers is critical to maintaining and improving the health and well-being of all Canadians under the Canada Health Act: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the provincial government for an independent operational performance review of the Health Authorities to assess: the distribution and level of health care services provided, t

Whereas local area service and latecomer fees are not registered on certificates of title and this has caused issues for realtors and new home buyers who may be unaware of these costs until they receive their property tax notice; And whereas the disclosure of these costs on title provides disclosure to future property owners and protects taxpayers from unknown costs: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide local governments the ability to register latecomer fees and local area service on certificates of titles.

Whereas substance dependence is viewed as a health concern and the Province has committed to treatment and recovery services that meet the needs of people who are suffering from addiction; And whereas residents in rural and remote communities are required to travel significant distances for addiction treatment services, including detox, and these services are oversubscribed: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to further support the creation of addiction treatment capacity, including detox programs, in rural and remote communities in British Columbia.

Whereas employers in all sectors across the province are experiencing labour shortages and face challenges filling vacancies with foreign workers; And whereas the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Rural Renewal Stream enables local governments to work directly with their business communities promoting a streamlined path for skilled and unskilled workers to enter the province: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to create an economic immigration program that enables local governments to streamline application and approval to allow foreign workers to work

Whereas in 2022 the BC Government initiated a Provincial Sales Tax increase of an extra 5 to be paid on all Fossil Fuel Combustion Systems for heating homes including: central forced air furnaces, unit heaters, fireplaces, boilers, storage water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, air conditioners and all replacement parts for said heating systems or similar systems to those listed: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to exempt those who live in the northern regions of British Columbia from paying the Provincial Sales Tax surcharge of 5 on Fossil Fuel Combu

Whereas local governments are the level of government which are closest to the communities they serve and are which best understands local needs, knowledge, and opportunities of these communities; And whereas the current framework for planning, funding, implementing, and announcing broadband improvement projects excludes local governments at every stage beyond the funding application phase, particularly as projects are implemented, resulting in disconnection between projects being supported and projects being delivered: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the BC Ministry of Citizens

Whereas all levels of government in British Columbia have a role in advancing the principles of reconciliation as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; And whereas local governments have statutory obligations in relation to a number of provincial Acts and regulations, which has resulted in expectations on local government to more broadly consider the principles of reconciliation when exercising those statutory obligations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of BC to provide timely clarification, support, and involvement for local government

Whereas the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure currently does not provide policy guidance to provincial approving officers regarding criteria for determining when to engage in a process of public notification or consultation on rural subdivision applications; And whereas concerns have been expressed about lack of public consultation and consideration for sufficient water supply where a significant subdivision application is being considered by the Provincial Approving Officer in a rural neighbourhood: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Ministry of Transportation and

Whereas used vehicle sales are an economical and affordable means of attaining motor vehicle ownership for drivers of all income levels, skills, abilities, and ages, where consideration of the vehicles actual condition, previous use, and costs of functional repairs can be reflected in a final sales price; And whereas the Province has revised how Provincial Sales Tax is calculated on the sale of used vehicles, resulting in a disconnect between the real market value of used vehicles and the estimated values used to determine taxable value, making vehicle ownership increasingly unaffordable

Whereas the number of British Columbians experiencing mental health issues continues to rise while the current facilities in the North are not equipped to address the current issues surrounding mental health and addictions; And whereas the provincial government has committed to expanding new complex care, treatment, detox, recovery and after-care facilities across the province in order to provide quality care to British Columbians where and when needed: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to consider the establishment of a stand-alone mental health and addictions facility