Strait Talk – Union of BC Municipalities
By Donna Shugar, chair Sunshine Coast Regional District
The Local
October 14, 2010

Civic leaders from across BC gathered in Whistler during the last week of September for the annual conference of the Union of BC Municipalities. UBCM is the interface between local governments and the provincial government. The annual conference is the opportunity for members to network, attend workshops, meet with provincial cabinet ministers, and to put forward and vote on resolutions that set policy for the organization. Virtually 100 per cent of local governments in BC are members of UBCM, making it a very powerful voice at the provincial level….

A total of 195 resolutions were brought forward for consideration by various municipalities and regional districts. These resolutions form the basis for UBCM policy and each one recommends UBCM work with or lobby’s the provincial government to achieve the goals of the membership. A number of resolutions addressed funding shortfalls for important community services: ferries, transit, libraries, arts and culture, school districts, early childhood education, legal aid, youth outreach, and victims’ services….