2025

Whereas food insecurity remains a critical issue in British Columbia, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, and supply chain disruptions, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, Indigenous communities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged regions; And whereas a resilient and inclusive food system requires sustained investment, cross-sector collaboration, and policies that integrate infrastructure development, technological innovation, cultural food systems, and community-driven approaches to ensure equitable access to nutritious food, economic resilience, and reg

Whereas provincial funding for agriculture in British Columbia as a percentage of the sectors contribution to Gross Domestic Product GDP is the lowest in Canada; And whereas an increase to the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods budget would demonstrate the provinces commitment to food security and the sustainability of agriculture: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the provincial government to raise agriculture funding in BC to the national average to support much-needed investments in the agricultural sector.

Whereas there is a disproportionate presence of correctional facilities that varies with each community across the province; And whereas local governments are faced with individuals who are leaving correctional facilities and who require a continuum of resources and supports for integrating into local communities: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocates that the Province provide expanded targeted transitional supports such as: affordable housing options and holistic services including; mental health and wellness, education and life skills for communities with individuals leaving

Whereas thousands of British Columbians and tourists visit provincial parks each year; And whereas roads to provincial parks are often accessed by and connected to local government roads resulting in increased maintenance and road building costs to local governments: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocates that the Province provide road funding for the maintenance and building of local government roads that connect to and provide access to provincial parks, to ensure the continued, safe access of those provincial parks; And be it further resolved that the Province also provide r

Whereas the stresses faced by local elected officials are increasing due to a degradation in the tone of civil discourse; And whereas additional mental health supports for local elected officials would be beneficial beyond what is provided by Medical Services Plan and extended health plans; And whereas elected officials arent covered by mental health provisions afforded to local government employees: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to implement initiatives that offer mental health supports tailored to the needs of local elected leaders in Bri

Whereas local governments are seeing the need for next stage housing for vulnerable residents and those transitioning from homelessness beyond supportive or transitional housing; And whereas there is a need for building a broad spectrum of housing supply and supports in rapidly growing communities such as in the Lower Mainland region: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocates that the Province work with not for profits to further build next stage long-term independent, supported housing units.

Whereas the provincial government establishes the legislative framework under which all local governments in British Columbia deliver local government and school trustee by-elections; And whereas the provisions in the School Act related to the timelines for setting a general voting day for a by-election differ from those in the Local Government Act, with the latter providing more flexibility; And whereas a certain degree of flexibility is needed in setting a general voting day for a by-election in order to address timing challenges and minimize potential conflicts for candidates and vote

Whereas the Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act provides for an efficient ticket and adjudication process that local governments have successfully implemented through the issuance of bylaw notices to obtain compliance with a variety of bylaw violations; And whereas the administrative burden and cost of the Municipal Ticket Information system prevents the practical use of municipal ticketing to obtain compliance with local government bylaws; And whereas the development industry may not be in compliance with local government bylaws related to the well-being of the neighbourhoods a

Whereas the Government of BC introduced the Housing Supply Act in 2022 and Bill 44 in 2023, setting housing targets for specified municipalities and mandating increased density for many local governments; And whereas these new requirements place undue financial pressure on those local governments due to the corresponding infrastructure upscaling requirements: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM work with the Government of BC to establish and provide long-term, stable and predictable infrastructure funding for local governments to support new housing supply.

Whereas Health Canada has stated that they share the concerns of parents, educators, youth and public stakeholders regarding the increase of youth vaping in Canada; And whereas the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch oversees provincial liquor and cannabis regulations, including licensing and monitoring of private cannabis retailers: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask that the Province of BC to include retail stores used primarily for sale of electronic nicotine or e-cigarettes under the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch and thereby include restrictions that regulate where and h