www.ubcm.ca | September 16, 2026 | View in browser

President Cori Ramsay notes frustration among local governments

UBCM President Cori Ramsay addressed delegates at the 2026 UBCM Convention, noting 

the growing frustration among local governments over issues including public safety, housing and provincial decision-making. She outlined UBCM’s firmer approach to advocating for local governments and ensuring local voices are heard in provincial policy and legislation.

Understanding DRIPA: 2026 Plenary Session

Tuesday’s plenary session drew together perspectives from local leaders, legal experts, provincial representatives and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip to discuss the current context and pathway forward of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in BC. The full session is available in six segments on our YouTube channel.

Understanding DRIPA: Opportunities, Challenges and Implications for BC Communities



1. An Explainer of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act 
2. A History of Indigenous-Crown relations  
3. Legal Perspectives 
4. What does DRIPA mean for BC communities?
5. BC Attorney General Niki Sharma reflects on next steps 
6. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip on the future direction of DRIPA  

Green Party of BC: Emily Lowan

Green Party of BC's leader, Emily Lowan, addresses UBCM delegates at the 2026 Convention.

Endorsed Resolutions

UBCM membership endorsed three resolutions this morning, including one which will amend the term length for certain positions on the UBCM Executive Board, amend the population threshold for the small community representative and reassign one of the Vancouver metro area representatives as an urban community representative. These changes will be implemented over the next term. Two special resolutions, sponsored by the UBCM Executive, were endorsed which call on reinstatement of the Community Housing Fund and for long-term sustainable funding for the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program. Resolutions debate will continue on Thursday from 8:55am. 

Recognizing UBCM’s Executive Director, Gary MacIsaac 

Gary is retiring after this Convention, his 19th! If you’d like to share a memory or a note with Gary, please contribute to the online comment board.

We’ll compile all the comments and photos into a memento book for Gary to take with him. 

Minister Anderson

Thanks to Brittny Anderson, Minister of State for Local Governments and Rural Communities for taking the time to address delegates. 

The leader of the Conservative Party of BC, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, will address delegates at 8:35am in Exhibit Hall A, VCC East. 

The UBCM Trade Show will be open Thursday from 10am to 3pm. 

How Modern Treaties Support Common Good: George Abbott, Spencer Chandra Herbert, John Jack and other speakers will discuss how treaty relationships can support regional economies, collaborative stewardship, coordinated service delivery, and enduring relationships between neighbouring governments. A moderated Q&A will follow. 2:30pm in Meeting Rooms 1, 2, 3 in VCC East.

Join us for the Annual Banquet and long service awards in VCC East; reception begins at 6:30pm.