UBCM endorses Saanich resolutions

The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Executive recently endorsed five resolutions submitted by Saanich Council in 2021 and 2020 for consideration. Actions within the resolutions are implemented by UBCM accordingly.

UBCM Executive endorsed in February 2022:

Declaring the overdose crisis a national public health emergency

UBCM requests the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia declare the overdose crisis a national public health emergency and develop appropriate comprehensive, holistic Pan-Canadian overdose action plans that include the legislative and funding frameworks for decriminalization, de-stigmatization, free and safe supply, suitable medical treatments and thereby function to holistically address the opioid crisis, mental health issues and their connections to homelessness and overdose deaths in local governments across Canada.

UBCM convention endorsed in September 2021:

Black Lives Matter

UBCM requests the Prime Minister, the Premier of British Columbia, and all federal and provincial ministers responsible for education, employment, housing, mental health, and policing to review and report on elements of institutional racism that may be found to exist in the areas of education, employment, housing, mental health, policing and other sectors.

Implement Early Childhood Education Provincial Wage Grid

UBCM ask the Province to support the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia and the coalition of Child Care Advocates’ proposal to implement a competitive, publicly funded Early Childhood Education Provincial Wage Grid made possible by a significant increase in operation subsidies for child care facilities, as a step towards their plan for a universal child care system.

Increase Supported Child Development Funding

UBCM lobby the provincial government to increase the Supported Child Development funding.

Creating One Planet Communities

UBCM share with local governments who wish to take steps to engage their citizens in reducing their ecological footprint to utilize a “One Planet” or similar model for a sustainable future.

You can read the full correspondence on these items and learn about more important advocacy work at saanich.ca/advocacy.