Convention 2023

Thursday, September 21

Leader of the Opposition address

Kevin Falcon came out swinging for the NDP provincial government during his address to UBCM members. He zeroed in on the decriminalization trial, saying the NDP rolled it out “without guardrails.” The BC United party recently stated it would cancel decriminalization, until such time as adequate supports are in place, including ensuring police have the tools and authority they need to respond. 

He expressed frustration that the NDP has struct a task force to review the 2023 wildfire season, instead of learning from past years. Falcon’s party released its wildfire strategy this week at Convention, including a plan to establish a full time provincial wildfire force. 

We spoke with Falcon after his address to learn more.

Resolutions debate from Thursday

Between yesterday and today, delegates have worked through the bulk of the 210 resolutions. Results of the votes from both days are available here. 

One resolution (NR14) calls for financial support for firefighting crews that respond to medical emergencies. Specifically, buying medic trucks so that when crews are at medical calls, the fire truck is still available for possible fire emergencies.

In many BC communities, fire fighters supplement ambulance services that have not kept pace with the population growth. 

The sponsor of the resolution, Mission Coun. Mark Davies spoke of the extra strain the insufficient paramedic staffing has placed on the city’s fire crews and equipment. 

Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart voted for the resolution, but commented on the “Con” mic to say, BC local governments should not have to ask for funding to cover a provincial responsibility. 

The resolution passed with a strong majority.

Second and third vice presidents elected; remaining elections ongoing

The next UBCM second and third vice presidents have been chosen by UBCM members. 

Wes Graham, Cranbrook Councillor, was elected as second Vice President and Squamish Councillor Jenna Stoner was elected as third vice president.

Elections for remaining positions are ongoing, online. Voting closes at 8:30am, September 22. 

Three new candidates were nominated from the floor, meaning there is an election for each of the remaining positions: directors at large (5), small communities representative, electoral area representative, and Vancouver Metro area representative (2). 

Travis Hall (Central Coast RD), was nominated from the floor as a director at large, a position he currently serves in. There are seven other candidates for director at large, and only five seats. 

Lori Mindich (Lumby) was nominated as a small community representative, challenging Sarah Fowler (Tahsis) who currently holds the position. 

Jerrilyn Kirk (Fraser Fort George RD) was nominated from the floor as an electoral area representative, challenging Ian Morrison (Cowichan Valley RD), who currently holds the position. 

Coming Up

The closing segment of UBCM Convention, the Premier’s address, will take a different form this year: UBCM President Jen Ford will facilitate a question period with Premier David Eby. Members can vote for questions they would like to put to the Premier via Slido. Session begins at 11am, immediately after an address from Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson. 

UBCM in the News

Northern Beat News captured a range of perspectives from elected officials at the convention. CBC’s Justin McElroy shared his observations on the lobbying that takes place at UBCM and asked the important questions about BC’s municipal flags. The Black Press wrote about next-generation 911. Glacier Media took at a look at the Ministers’ comments shared during yesterday’s housing town hall.