2024

Whereas a recent report by the Office of the Seniors Advocate highlights the significant challenges faced by seniors aged 65 or older living in rural regions of British Columbia BC, including limited access to healthcare, lower incomes, and inadequate options for long-term care and affordable housing; And whereas rural seniors constitute a significant portion of BCs population, with projections indicating a further increase in their proportion by 2032; Whereas the resilience of rural seniors is admirable, but it is evident that they face substantial barriers due to the lack of resources a

Whereas regional hospital districts are empowered to direct capital funding grants only to hospitals and hospitals facilities named by the Ministry of Health; And whereas rural, remote and Indigenous communities often rely upon community health clinics for medical care in the absence of any nearby health-authority owned and operated facilities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of BC review the Hospital District Act to provide enhanced authority to regional hospital districts to direct capital and operational grants to non-profit community health clinics and ce

Whereas health care in British Columbia is inadequate to meet the needs of the population as shown by closures of beds in local hospitals and closures of emergency rooms at times when no qualified staff are available to work; And whereas since 2001, Health Authorities have governed the provision of health care in their respective areas but are not held accountable for poor policy decisions and the negative impact those decisions have on local communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the provincial government to consider augmenting Health Authorities with Regional Hospital

Whereas there has been a noticeable increase in delays in treatment and testing for all British Columbians, with a particularly significant impact on residents in rural areas; And whereas there is an expectation of a standard of practice that every individual should be able to rely on, ensuring that test results are promptly reviewed; however, delays in testing and review processes are causing undue stress and potential health risks, especially in rural communities; And whereas the discrepancy in wait times for test result reviews, such as heart halter monitors, between urban and rural lo

Whereas the number of people in BC, including in rural and remote communities, experiencing mental health and addictions issues continues to increase and there is a distinct lack of resources and treatment options for such individuals; And whereas the provincial government has committed to expanding complex care, treatment, and aftercare across the province to provide quality care to British Columbians where and when needed but there appears to be a disconnect in how regional Health Authorities are advancing this commitment in rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM encourage the

Whereas Acquired Brain Injury traumatic and non-traumatic casts a profound impact on the cognition, personality, and overall well-being of British Columbians and there are over 1.5 million Canadians grappling with this condition; And whereas in British Columbia alone, more than 180,000 individuals are affected, with brain injuries often serving as a catalyst for mental health challenges, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, violence, and suicide and a staggering sixty people in British Columbia will acquire a brain injury today: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM endorses the co

Whereas the Province of BC was granted an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs for a trial period beginning January 31, 2023 until January 31, 2026; And whereas communities have seen increased pressure on RCMP and first responders since the implementation of the decriminalization pilot program; And whereas no statistics or reporting dashboard has been provided to support the continuation of the program or demonstrate the decrease in harm associated with decriminalizing the possession of small amounts

Whereas it has been eight years since the declaration of the toxic drug crisis as a public health emergency; And whereas local governments need their provincial partners to move from reaction to action by developing and implementing a holistic plan that brings into balance all four pillars: prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, and enforcement: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province develop and implement a balanced holistic plan, based on these four pillars prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, and enforcement for resolving the toxic drug crisi

Whereas local governments are dealing with the results of homelessness without financial supports due to new legislative changes by the Province of BC and funding mechanisms are insufficient to meet the growing demand for services in our communities; And whereas not enough supports have been put in place by the Province of BC for mental wellness, increased appropriate healthcare workers in communities, and addiction recovery services and supports: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of BC pay for costs incurred by local governments to address the lack of homelessness support, ment

Whereas the City of Langford acknowledges the vital role of health care, mental health care, and social services in building a resilient and safe community; And whereas the Provinces failure to meet its commitments in these areas has unfairly burdened local governments, straining local resources and compromising public safety, thus exacerbating social inequity through heightened property taxes: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM strongly urge increased provincial funding and support for health care, mental health care, and comprehensive housing initiatives to alleviate the strain on local