2025

Whereas recognizing housing as a human right fundamentally shifts government motivations by adding critical urgency and responsibility to ensure access to affordable housing meaning housing costs are aligned with income through policies that prevent homelessness, address the escalating housing and homelessness crisis, eliminate discrimination, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations; And whereas the Government of Canada affirmed the right to housing as a matter of international law and enshrined it domestically through the National Housing Strategy Act 2019, re

Whereas a majority of British Columbian households include at least one dog or cat, and that companionship imparts various wellbeing benefits to mental and physical health; And whereas housing insecurity is exacerbated by the limited availability of pet-friendly rental units often resulting in higher rents, and restrictions on pet-friendly housing often result in renters being forced to surrender their pets to avoid homelessness, a burden that disproportionately affects lower income households; And whereas British Columbia is lagging other jurisdictions: No-pet clauses in Ontario are spec

Whereas Section 215 of the Local Government Act requires annual elections for Regional District Board Chairs and Vice Chairs; And whereas annual leadership changes can be disruptive to a Regional Boards operational and strategic decisionmaking: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to amend the Local Government Act to allow for twoyear terms for Regional District Board Chairs and Vice Chairs.

Whereas the existing funding structure of the 911 emergency communications system does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies, meaning that cellular users do not pay for the 911 services available primarily through cell phones: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of BC to work with local governments and telecommunications service providers to implement a 911 levy on cellular devices, to address current and future financial challenges associated with the delivery of 911 services.

Whereas the Local Government Act, Section 644 2a, specifies that a utility company defined as an electric light, electric power, telephone, water, gas or closed-circuit television company is to be taxed annually by municipalities not including Regional Districts or First Nations at the rate of 1 of its revenue from subscribers; And whereas the legislation does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province that this outdated section of the Local Government Act be updated to better reflect contempo

Whereas the Province of British Columbia recognizes the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, as outlined in the Constitution Act of 1982, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNDRIP; And whereas meaningful collaboration and engagement between municipal governments and First Nations are essential for fostering mutual respect, understanding, and shared decision-making in matters affecting local communities; And whereas the lack of a consistent and formalized framework for intergovernmental relations has led to challenges in communication, resource shari

Whereas there is a significant shortage of healthcare professionals in the province, which impacts the availability and quality of healthcare services; And whereas the current process for licensing out-of-province and internationally-trained healthcare professionals is lengthy and inefficient, resulting in delays filling critical positions and exacerbating the workforce shortage: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to streamline the licensing process for out-of-province and internationally-trained healthcare professionals, ensuring a more efficient pathway f

Whereas the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving due to geopolitical shifts that are redefining energy security, trade, and competitiveness for decades to come; And whereas British Columbia must position itself as a leader in responsible natural gas development to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen its role as a secure supplier of low emission Liquified Natural Gas LNG, recognizing that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy cannot occur overnight: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to develop an integrated natural gas value

Whereas communities across the province are actively seeking solutions to support people experiencing homelessness, as permanent housing is a fundamental need for stability and well-being; And whereas local governments require additional funding streams to address housing insecurity, and the province collects revenue from civil forfeiture, cannabis and liquor taxes, and provincial gambling revenues: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide local governments with additional funding streams, including proceeds from civil forfeiture, cannabis and liquor t

Whereas RCMP contracted costs represent a significant portion of local governments annual budgets; And whereas all contracts contain a method to independently verify their accuracy: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop a method for local governments to independently verify RCMP invoices.