2025

Whereas the Emergency Social Services ESS program provides critical support during emergencies and disasters, enabling communities to deliver essential services including reception centers, food, shelter, and basic needs to impacted individuals; And whereas many local governments have facilities or infrastructure in need of upgrades or renovations to improve their capacity for delivering ESS services in emergencies and disasters including the creation of small-scale reception centers, secure storage for equipment, and training spaces for volunteers to enhance preparedness: Therefore be it

Whereas the BC Wildfire Initial Attack Crews are a critical component of the wildfire response and rapid wildfire suppression in the Province of British Columbia; And whereas Initial Fire Attack Crew Base locations are key to providing timely wildfire suppression efforts, especially in remote and rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide the necessary funding to return and maintain all Initial Fire Attack Crew Bases in their current locations, and not relocate them without significant local stakeholder consultation.

Whereas individuals returning to communities after completing addiction treatment often face significant barriers, including lack of stable housing, employment opportunities, mental health support, and community reintegration services; And whereas the absence of comprehensive wraparound supports, including second-stage housing, case management, peer support, and access to mental health and substance use services, increases the risk of relapse and reduces the long-term success of recovery efforts: Therefore be it resolved that NCLGA lobby the provincial government to develop and fund a pro

Whereas local governments across the Province of BC have declared climate emergencies and nuclear energy is a greenhouse gas free source of electricity; And whereas BC Hydro has put out a call for electricity production, the first time it has done so in over a decade: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to review the Clean Energy Act, specifically to study the feasibility of a reversal on the current prohibition on nuclear energy in support of electricity production and reduction of greenhouse gas production in British Columbia.

Whereas youth in rural and remote British Columbia are facing mental health and wellness challenges just like their peers in urban centers; And whereas Foundry BC in-person Centers are largely located in urban British Columbia and not accessible for youth in rural and remote BC communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to commit to establishing in-person Foundry Centres that meet the needs of rural and remote youth in their home communities, recognizing the unique challenges of youth living in rural and remote communities.

Whereas access to back country is an essential part of maintaining a healthy active community, particularly for rural and remote communities; And whereas the decline of forest harvesting activities throughout the province has resulted in the closure of forest service roads and decommissioning of bridges, preventing access to back country areas, which stops tourism, industrial activities such as mining, fighting forest fires: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM strongly advocate to the provincial government that local government be fully consulted and actively engaged in decision-making pro

Whereas effective communication and engagement between local government and the Province of BC is essential in facilitating collaborative discussion and resolutions that support local economies: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to ensure provincial decisions regarding the removal of crown land from current and potential resource extraction activity, impacting the local economy must first include consultation from local government prior to decisions being made.

Whereas in the face of the drug use epidemic, the rise in homelessness, and increases in related crime and the influence on mental health, Northern British Columbia communities are experiencing a critical lack of access to long-term secure psychiatric care; And whereas the closure of Riverview Hospital in 2012, the provinces only psychiatric hospital, has created an unnecessary strain on the residents of our communities, families, local police services, and hospitals; And whereas psychiatric patients are either released prematurely or forced to be admitted to acute care hospital beds caus

Whereas crime prevention and community safety are essential to the well-being of all residents, and urban centers have dedicated crime prevention resources, including specialized officers; And whereas rural communities in British Columbia face unique challenges related to limited law enforcement resources and the absence of specialized crime prevention officers; And whereas the establishment of regional crime prevention officer positions would enhance community safety, improve coordination of crime prevention efforts, and support local law enforcement in rural areas: Therefore be it reso

Whereas rural and remote communities face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining primary care physicians, leading to chronic understaffing and healthcare access issues; And whereas the expansion of the Practice Ready Assessment British Columbia PRA-BC programs eligible communities and the implementation of the Longitudinal Family Physician LFP Payment Model has contributed to increased physician shortages, excessive workloads, and frequent emergency room diversions in rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to reassess the recent change