2026

Whereas anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, and timely access to epinephrine auto-injectors commonly known as EpiPens is critical for saving lives; And whereas the current cost of EpiPens in British Columbia ranges between 100 and 150, creating a significant financial barrier for individuals and families who require this essential medication, particularly those without comprehensive drug coverage: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to implement a program to provide

Whereas since 2020 an approximately 20 percent inflation rate has contributed to a cost-of-living crisis that has particularly impacted students, and post-secondary food banks are seeing dramatically increased use, including a tenfold increase in visits to the University of Victoria Students Society UVSS food bank from Spring 2020 to Spring 2024; And whereas local businesses and the broader community regularly support campus food banks with donations, but student societies require stable funding for student part-time staff positions in order to operate and expand food bank programs to meet

Whereas post-secondary students are facing greater cost-of-living challenges, due to a variety of factors including a lack of affordable housing options, longer and more expensive commutes, a lack of food security and underfunded food banks, and a range of other cost increases, resulting from a university funding model thats over reliant on international students; And whereas student advocacy organizations have put forward a Student Issues Backgrounder 2025 with policy solutions that can help make life more affordable for students on campus, help bring down housing and transportation costs

Whereas rural and northern communities in the Cariboo North Central region face significant labour market shortages across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, skilled trades, and emerging natural resource industries; And whereas the region has experienced substantial economic disruption due to mill closures and contraction within the forest sector, increasing the need for retraining and workforce transition opportunities; And whereas access to locally delivered post-secondary and skilled trades training is essential to workforce development, economic resilience, and the lon

Whereas British Columbias forest sector requires timely, predictable access to economic fibre, improved cost structures, and a reliable log supplyincluding more efficient permitting, reduced administrative and regulatory burdens, transparent and competitive BC Timber Sales volumes, and strengthened support for First Nations through capacity, tools, and revenue sharing mechanisms to participate fully in stewardship, consultation, tenure, and manufacturing opportunities; And whereas proactive, science based forest management is essential to climate adaptation and wildfire mitigation, and too

Whereas reliable cellular service is essential infrastructure for public safety, economic activity, and everyday communication in rural and remote communities; And whereas many rural and remote regions in British Columbia continue to experience persistent cellular service gaps and service disruptions that affect access to emergency services and the ability of residents and businesses to operate reliably; And whereas unreliable cellular connectivity creates barriers to local economic development by disrupting business operations, limiting remote work opportunities, and affecting tourism an

Whereas municipalities in British Columbia rely on effective bylaw enforcement to protect public safety, environmental values, community livability, and municipal assets; And whereas the maximum fines that municipalities may impose for bylaw offences under provincial legislation, including the Community Charter, have not kept pace with inflation, development pressures, or the economic benefits that may be gained through noncompliance: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the Province of British Columbia to amend relevant provincial legislation, including the Community Charter, to incre

Whereas local governments in British Columbia are not currently required to adopt a code of conduct, and there remains no provincially mandated, independent mechanism to support local governments when ethical concerns are raised or standards are breached; And whereas many local governmentsparticularly smaller and rural municipalitiesare under-resourced and lack the capacity, independence, or specialized expertise to address conduct concerns without incurring significant financial and administrative burdens: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM requests that the Province of British Columbia

Whereas local governments have primary responsibility for land use planning and decision-making and rely on timely, clear, and consistent engagement from the Province of British Columbia when decisions or discussions affect lands within local government boundaries; And whereas significant and precedent-setting court decisions related to land use in British Columbia, together with the provincial implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Heritage Conservation Act, have created uncertainty for property owners and local governments regarding provincial e

Whereas local governments in British Columbia are democratically elected, and the successful implementation of provincial initiatives is strengthened by early, structured, and respectful consultation with local governments; And whereas recent provincial legislation and regulatory initiatives including housing-related reforms and proposed changes to development approval processes have not provided for meaningful local government input: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia to establish a formal provinciallocal government consultation framework for po