Kahtou 0004
Nov. 2000

The 97th Annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Convention has come and gone and there will be one personal sad memory that'll always remain with me. From October 22nd - 27th, the Victoria Convention Centre was humming. Those six days were busy ones for the local government politicians. Many resolutions, over forty, were endorsed by the delegates, during the three days of discussions. Nearly 80% of the delegates were experiencing bad times for a number of reasons;

1. poor state of health care in rural communities, o shortage of doctors and nurses and low wages. o government downloading and

2. financial reduction in the form of grants. They were causes for evaluating municipal operations at the local level.

3. poor economy - Services are difficult to deliver for many local governments when the economy is taking a severe beating.

4. costly environmental impacts, studies and assessments.

Coming to this UBCM annual meeting is important for many struggling municipal politicians. At the UBCM they can at least tell their story to others inheriting similar negative setbacks. It's their venue to share their stories, share their new information and hopefully lobby together for help from Victoria through the UBCM.

Mayors are concerned over the fact we have a shortage of professionals. The UBCM must advocate to BC government - a mandatory education to grade 12 for all citizens under twenty-one, because it's important to earn a graduation certificate to get a job.

There was a health forum held at the UBCM. It was well attended by many concerned politicians at the low cost of educating Students here in B.C. After attending university in B.C. and earning a degree, they are lured away to the United States for higher pay and benefits. Especially, technicians, accountants, doctors, nurses and school teachers are leaving rural B.C. for places like Texas and New York at our cost. UBCM has to find a way to keep our youth here in B.C. One angry mayor said, "The brain drain has to stop."

The UBCM is our municipal vehicle to get our local governments' issues to Victoria, to be heard and responded to in a positive way. We need Victoria's assistance to enhance and revive our communities to be healthy and safe for all citizens. What's good for Sechelt could surely help another Village, Town, District in the north or wherever. Unfortunately, finances are scarce in rural local government, so it brings a concern to all local governance circles. We are at a critical crossroad in time - the economy is poor, very little employment, citizens are demanding direct, meaningful participation in public decision-making, a principle enshrined in the Local Government Act. Is it a practical principle? Is it to our benefit? Where is this leading to? Will we be voting in another political party to government?

Local governments want leadership in Victoria to fix the problems, not do it for political gains.

1. UBCM must be proactive and daring when dealing with government.

2. UBCM must encourage new ideas, like our theme says, "New Ideas 2000!"

3. UBCM must initiate government to enhance its mandate on land claims, not more discussions as the Interim Measures consultation agreement with local government suggests.

For me, the 97th Annual UBCM convention, was a time to reflect on really what definitely has changed since I began in local government, over twenty years ago. I enjoy meeting new friends and sometimes a few political enemies. On the negative side, we have created more bureaucracy in our province or did we just let it happen?

One major suggestion was made by the past President; Mayor Steve Thorlakson, at the UBCM. It would be a great challenge to shape BC Communities for a better 21st century and an opportunity for all local governments to adapt to the diversities they will face in the next few years.

We talk about common goals and a common vision, we discuss province wide objectives that can be a powerful tool leading to success, as well, we acknowledge that our elected officials have a strong unified local government voice through the UBCM to government. Those voices have to unite. Presently there is a split in our circle of officials; those for development, and those against any development. There are those for resource extraction and those against it. And then there are those who want to follow Gordon Campbell and hold a referendum on land claims. Others want good faith negotiations and resolve the land claims.

Our UBCM representatives have to walk their talk, because attitudes have to change. We need to direct those who we have elected into the UBCM circle. It must drive and control the political agenda. Action on specific issues must be the key to bring our province wide objectives a step closer to success. The new millennium DEMANDS it. It's been fun attending all these AGM's over the years but I have yet to see any move toward a positive resolution to the big issue facing every citizen in this province.

The big challenge for local governments and the province - is facing the Aboriginal facts. It cannot be denied. British Columbia would be recognized throughout the world if all municipalities unite and resolve the Aboriginal Land Claims. It is the issue and yes it's time for change.