2026

Whereas there is a need to improve emergency communication infrastructure, including radio repeaters, for ambulance communication and cell tower expansion to address substantial coverage gaps in the Robson Valley Region; And whereas an increased number of repeaters and cell towers would improve communications for BC Emergency Health Services, improving timely access to emergency health care and increasing safety during emergency transportation: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government and Regional Health Authorities to develop and expand emergency communication in

Whereas team-based primary care is widely recognized as an evidence-based approach that improves patient access, continuity and comprehensiveness of care, and health outcomes, while increasing clinic capacity and improving the efficiency of primary care delivery; And whereas the Province has identified team-based primary care as central to British Columbias primary care strategy, but widespread implementation continues to be hampered by systemic barriers, including physician-focused funding structures, limited funding for nurses and allied health professionals, lack of local flexibility to

Whereas team-based primary care is widely recognized as an evidence-based approach that improves patient access, continuity and comprehensiveness of care, and health outcomes, while increasing clinic capacity and improving the efficiency of primary care delivery; And whereas the Province has identified team-based primary care as central to British Columbias primary care system, but widespread implementation continues to be hampered by systemic barriers, including physician-centred funding structures, limited funding for nurses and allied health professionals, lack of local flexibility to r

Whereas team-based primary care is widely recognized as an evidence-based approach that improves patient access, continuity and comprehensiveness of care, and health outcomes, while increasing clinic capacity and improving the efficiency of primary care delivery; And whereas the Province has identified team-based primary care as central to British Columbias primary care system, but widespread implementation continues to be hampered by systemic barriers, including physician-centred funding structures, limited funding for nurses and allied health professionals, lack of local flexibility to

Whereas individuals facing severe mental health and addiction challenges require comprehensive and coordinated care, and the current resources in BC are insufficient to meet the growing demand for detoxification, rehabilitation, and supportive housing; And whereas communities in British Columbia have experienced a significant increase in the street population, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, community well-being, and the challenges associated with mental health, substance abuse, and public disorder: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM be asked to urge the provincial and

Whereas mental health and substance use challenges affect individuals, families, workplaces, and community safety, and rural and remote communities often face barriers to care, including limited counselling and psychiatric services, wait times, travel requirements, and challenges in crisis response; And whereas evidence-informed prevention, early intervention, and community-based supportscoordinated with schools, primary care, Indigenous partners, social services, and law enforcementcan improve outcomes and reduce pressure on emergency services: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby th

Whereas local governments experience increasing pressures on emergency services, policing, bylaw enforcement, homelessness response, and community safety systems associated with gaps in timely and accessible mental health services; And whereas access to counselling and other mental health supports is often dependent on private insurance coverage, employer benefits, session limits, or out-of-pocket costs, creating barriers to equitable access, particularly in rural and northern communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia take steps to impro

Whereas private long-term care providers are contracted by the health authority who is responsible for setting direct care hours to each resident; And whereas the current requirement for direct care hours is 3.00 3.36 hours per day, per resident which can include care from regulated professionals: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province of British Columbia to review staffing levels and resident care by increasing the standard to 4.0 hours of direct care to create the funding and contractual framework needed to hire additional staff and better meet the growing complexity

Whereas there is a significant and ongoing shortage of health care professionals in the South Cariboo and across communities within the Northern Central Local Government Association NCLGA region; And whereas access to reliable and timely health care services is essential to the effective treatment, recovery, and overall well-being of residents in small rural, and remote communities throughout British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM advocate to the provincial government for increased and sustained support for the expansion of the Nurse Practitioner Services as a means to addre

Whereas many rural and remote British Columbians living in regional catchment areas travel long distances and incur significant financial expenses to access both routine and specialized health care services that most Canadians take for granted; And whereas neither the financial expenses or health and well-being outcomes endured by British Columbians who experience geographical gaps in health care services has been studied at a provincial level: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to undertake a review of the health care services not available locally to rural and remote B