2015 Minutes - North Central Local Government Association

Minutes of the 2015 Business Sessions North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) Convention Prince George Civic Centre ‐ May 6 – 8. 2015 1.
Call to Order The 2015 Annual General Meeting of North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) was called to order at 8:52 a.m. on May 7, 2015. 2. President’s Report President Brian Frenkel welcomed the delegates, sponsors and speakers to the 60th Annual North Central Local Government Association. 3. Adoption of Minutes Moved/Seconded that the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held May 7 – 9, 2014, BE ADOPTED. Carried 4. Financial Statements Moved/Seconded that the Financial Statements of March 31, 2015 BE ADOPTED, as presented. Carried Appointment of Accountant Moved/Seconded that KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants BE APPOINTED, as the North Central Local Government Association’s Accountants for 2015. Carried Present Budget Moved/Seconded that the proposed 2015‐2016 budget BE APPROVED. Carried 5. Nominations Committee Report Nominations Committee Chair Bruce Christensen presented the Nominations Report, explained the process whereby the new executive would be elected and, provided explanation of the voting process, the location of the voting booth and what time voting would commence if there were nominations from the floor. 6. Nominations for NCLGA Executive from the Floor Nominations for President Brian Frenkel, District of Vanderhoof, was nominated for the position of President. Nominations Committee Chair Bruce Christensen call three times for nominations from the floor; no further nominations were received. Brian Frenkel, District of Vanderhoof was declared President by acclamation. Nominations for First Vice‐President Laurey‐Anne Roodenburg, City of Quesnel was nominated for the position of First Vice‐President. Nominations Committee Chair Bruce Christensen called three times for nominations from the Floor; no further nominations were received. Laurey‐Anne Roodenburg, City of Quesnel, was declared First Vice‐President by acclamation. Nominations for Second Vice – President Shaely Wilbur, City of Dawson Creek was nominated for the position of Second Vice‐President. Committee Chair Bruce Christensen called three times for nominations from the Floorl; no further nominations were received. First Business Session Adjourned at 9:15 a.m. May 7, 2015 Second Business Session Commenced at 10:45 a.m. May 7, 2015 7. Resolutions Debate The Resolutions Debate was opened by Resolutions Committee Chair Shaely Wilbur. Shaely Wilbur extended thanks to all the communities for drafting and submitting resolutions and also provided a brief overview of the debate process prior to commencing the discussion for resolutions. 2015NCLGAEXECUTIVERESOLUTIONS
A1: Human Trafficking NCLGA Executive WHEREAS human trafficking is a real and devastating issue in British Columbia; AND WHEREAS significant work & research has been done as of late to aid in the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking throughout Canada: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and Union Of British Columbian Municipalities lobby the RCMP to work collaboratively with respective local governments in order to implement the recommendations found within the National Task Force on Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada's recent report ("’NO MORE’ Ending Sex‐Trafficking In Canada”) as well as the Province of British Columbia's "Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking." NCLGA Membership CARRIED A2: INCREASING RAIL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY WHEREAS dangerous and hazardous goods are transported by rail through communities daily; AND WHEREAS current legislation’s historical reporting does not allow first responders to develop accurate, premeditated emergency plans; AND WHEREAS derailments and container corruptions continue to happen across Canada (Lac‐Megantic, Quebec; Gogoma, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia) as newer, safer crude oil tanker design will not be fully integrated until 2025: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association, the Union of British Columbian Municipalities, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities lobby the Federal Government to create a comprehensive national strategy for the rail transportation of dangerous and hazardous goods by 2020. Key deliverables from the national strategy will include: 1. Mutual cooperation and input from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ National Municipal Rail Safety Working Group, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, as well as the Federal Government (specifically, the Ministries of Transport, Industry, Environment, and Health) and all Class 1 Rail Companies (Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, and Via Rail Canada); 2. A security‐focused, prevention‐based reporting structure to allow first responders and key municipal officials information about dangerous and hazardous goods before they pass through their community; 3. Additional funding for first responders in small, rural communities (under 10,000) to access training in order to effectively deal with dangerous and hazardous goods spills and container breaches; and 4. A strategy to allow for local governments to induce timely inquiries into infrastructure safety after rail derailments or similar failures. Background Information As development on key crude oil pipelines have slowed (Keystone XL, Enbridge Northern Gateway, Kinder Morgan Burnaby Mountain), the reasonable alternative has been to transport crude oil by railcar to its given destination. However, as the recent disaster in Gogoma, Ontario illustrates, the safety of the current freight cars is not up to the standards that post‐Lac‐Megantic planning hoped to achieve. Safer, better engineered freight cars are being designed. However, these cars will not be widely used in Canada for another decade (full implementation is set for 2025). At the same time, Canada’s infrastructure ages or becomes obsolete – such as Calgary’s Bonnybrook Bridge collapse, or Gogoma, Ontario’s multiple derailments (the third CN derailment in northern Ontario in less than a month, and the second in the same area). From the Transportation Safety Board of Canada: In 2013, 144 accidents involved dangerous goods, up from 119 in 2012 and up from the five‐year average of 133. Seven accidents resulted in a dangerous goods release in 2013, compared to 2 in 2012, and the five‐year average of 3. Five of the 7 accidents involved petroleum crude oil. This increase is concurrent with an increase in shipments of crude oil by rail from 500 car loads in 2009 to 160,000 car loads in 2013. From the Vancouver Sun, with data from Transport Canada: A total of 3,133 carloads containing 250,185 tonnes of crude were transported in B.C. during the first nine months of 2014, according to the latest Transport Canada figures provided at The Vancouver Sun’s request. With three months to go in the year, that amount was already close to the 3,381 carloads and 262,613 tonnes of oil — a record — hauled by rail in B.C. during all of 2013. As evidence of the dramatic increase in crude‐oil shipments by rail, there were just six carloads containing 251 tonnes as recently as 2009 in B.C. While rail transport of other petroleum products in B.C. such as gasoline, diesel, propane and aviation fuel by far exceeds that of crude oil, the rate of increase is not nearly as dramatic. There were 30,859 such railcars hauling 2.5 million tonnes of product during the first nine months of 2014 compared with 42,555 cars hauling 3.6 million tonnes in 2013 and 29,470 cars hauling 2.4 million tonnes in 2009. While many, large‐scale disasters have become widely publicized by the media, they are many more yet that do not become common knowledge. The social and economic threat these disasters pose are only magnified when coupled with the significant ecological and environmental damage any sort of dangerous goods spill incur. While the Federation of Canadian Municipalities partnered with the Federal Government and rail companies across Canada in order for first responders to receive yearly aggregate data, dispersed every 3 months from all Class 1 rail companies, the historical nature of this data does not adequately prepare first responders in communities to deal with an accident once it is in full swing. A variety of fire types (including crude oil spills) can be combated by a Class C dry chemical compound, however, such as the Vancouver, B.C., fire recently illustrated, not all lasting health and safety effects can be suppressed by fighting the blaze. Finally, it has been put forth that safety threats make discussing the upcoming load of freight cars unthinkable. However, the United Nations has decreed that the transport of all dangerous goods must be labeled by a four‐digit “UN Hazard Identifier.” This international number identifies exactly what dangerous compound the railcar is carrying, thus nullifying the presumption that these dangerous loads out of the public sphere’s knowledge. NCLGA Membership CARRIED A3. RAPE CULTURE IN CANADA WHEREAS sexual assaults continue to be committed across Canada, and victims are of every age, race, income and gender; AND WHEREAS sexual assaults are under‐reported, and prosecution and conviction rates are low: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association and the Union of British Columbian Municipalities petition for an intergovernmental task force be convened to determine the steps needed to erase the “rape culture” that is pervasive in schools, universities, workplaces and elsewhere across Canada. Further, that the task force be mandated to elicit testimony from victims in order to determine the steps needed to improve the reporting, arrest and conviction rates across Canada. Background Information Statistics Canada’s Crime Victimization Study in 2004, published again by YWCA in 2014, found 490,000 sexual assaults were committed that year. For every 1000 of these, 33 were reported, 12 were charged, and 3 were convicted. A similar 1993 study found that approximately 6% of victims reported these crimes. Twitter #beenrapedneverreported has become a global conversation, with over 11,000 posts within the first few days of its inception, and millions of tweets, retweets and replies to date. We understand that this is an extremely complex issue with no easy solutions, and that every level of government has some responsibility for various aspects of the solution, hence the task force recommendation with representation from all levels of government, including local government, as well as service providers, educators, and sexual assault survivors. NCLGA Membership CARRIED MEMBER RESOLUTIONS COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES B1: SUPPORT FOR THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY CARIBOO REGIONAL DISTRICT CITY OF WILLIAMS LAKE CITY OF QUESNEL DISTRICT OF 100 MILE HOUSE DISTRICT OF WELLS WHEREAS the forest industry continues to be an economic mainstay of the province, providing stable employment for tens of thousands of families, and contributing $12.4 billion to provincial GDP and $2.5 billion in taxes and fees to the three levels of government; AND WHEREAS the competitive advantage of the British Columbia forest industry has been eroded by cumulative impacts including timber supply declines, uncertainty on the land base, and delays in provincial market pricing processes; AND WHEREAS these cumulative impacts threaten the economic well‐being of communities throughout British Columbia; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA call upon the Province to deliver the full allowable cut under the BC Timber Sales program, complete a science‐based inventory of the available timber supply, and move assertively to increase operating certainty on the working forest land base. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The Union of BC Municipalities membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling
on the provincial government to undertake specific actions and policy review in order to support the continued
viability of the forest industry in BC (2012-B33, 2011-B57, 2010-B98, 2010-B104, 2010-B105, 2009-A5, 2009B47, 2009-B48, 2009-B131, 2007-B41, 2007-B42, 2007-B44, 2007-B179, 2006-B43, 2006-B148, 2005-B32,
2005-B33, 2005-B35, 2005-B125, 2005-B126, 1998-B75, 1992-B33).
CARRIED B.2. TIMBER SUPPLY DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF WHEREAS forest resource inventories of all forested areas in timber supply areas include information on species compensation, age, and ecosystem types; AND WHEREAS accurate forest resource inventories are necessary for stable fibre supplies, which is vital to many communities economic wellbeing; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia commits the funds required for accurate forest inventories. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse NCLGA Membership: CARRIED UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to undertake specific actions and policy review in order to support the continued viability of the forest industry in BC (2012‐B33, 2011‐B57, 2010‐B98, 2010‐B104, 2010‐B105, 2009‐A5, 2009‐B47, 2009‐B48, 2009‐B131, 2007‐B41, 2007‐B42, 2007‐B44, 2007‐B179, 2006‐B43, 2006‐B148, 2005‐B32, 2005‐B33, 2005‐B35, 2005‐B125, 2005‐B126, 1998‐B75, 1992‐B33). B.3 Recreation Sites VILLAGE OF BURNS LAKE WHEREAS provincial recreation sites are frequently over capacity during summer months, and have fallen into disrepair; AND WHEREAS sites are maintained by volunteer groups which are drastically underfunded: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Province of British Columbia to provide funding for the improvement and maintenance of all provincial recreation sites within British Columbia. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comment: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to provide funding for improvement and maintenance of provincial recreation sites (2010‐
B41, 2003‐B28, 2003‐B94, 2002‐B84). The most recent of these resolutions, 2010‐B41, requested that the provincial government “ensure that it provides additional funding for the maintenance and upgrading of recreation sites to enhance and promote economic development through tourism.” In its response to the resolution the provincial government acknowledged “the valuable social, economic and environmental contributions that recreation sites and trails provide to communities throughout British Columbia.” The Province highlighted as successes its leveraging of additional funding from federal and local governments; as well as the development of partnership agreements with local organizations to maintain recreation sites and trails. Ultimately, however, the provincial government indicated that “funding for managing recreation sites and trails is limited in the current fiscal environment.” NCLGA Membership: CARRIED ENERGY B4: REVIEW OF SITE C BY THE BC UTILITIES COMMISSION HUDSON’S HOPE WHEREAS the Environmental Assessment Joint Review Panel, the only independent agency to review the recently endorsed Site C project, recommended that Site C be referred to the BC Utilities Commission; and AND WHEREAS construction of this major project would: ‐
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have a major impact on electricity rates throughout the province, use up considerable provincial borrowing room, thus reducing borrowing capacity for other public infrastructure, and deny British Columbians an open, transparent, independent and expert review of the economics of the project; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request the province to follow the recommendations of its Joint Review Panel and refer the Site C project to the BC Utilities Commission for review of the need for, cost of, and alternatives to this project. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting the provincial government to refer the Site C project to the BC Utilities Commission for review. However, members have consistently endorsed resolutions supporting the role of the BC Utilities Commission in reviewing proposed power projects (2010‐B102, 2007‐B146, 2006‐A4, 2003‐B96). NCLGA Membership: CARRIED B5: BC RESIDENTIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM District of Hudson’s Hope WHEREAS demand for electricity is expected to increase in the future; AND WHEREAS renewable technologies such as small scale wind and solar are becoming increasingly feasible, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM, BC Hydro and the province of BC work together to develop a framework that would provide incentives to residential customers to install grid‐interactive renewable generation systems. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comment: The UBCM membership endorsed resolution 2009‐B166, which called on the provincial government to provide incentives to “encourage new construction to be pre‐plumbed and pre‐wired for future solar panels or other alternative energy installations.” In its response to the resolution the Province indicated that it had been working to introduce regulations under the BC Building Code that would “allow local governments to adopt solar‐ready requirements for single family homes.” At the time, the Province expected to be able to finalize the regulatory changes and adopt the new regulations in 2010. UBCM is also aware that in 2011 the Province introduced a Solar Hot Water Regulation. Communities can choose to adopt this regulation, and to date 48 local governments have done so. The regulation applies to new single family homes and new single family homes with a secondary suite. There are no incentives associated with the Solar Hot Water Regulation. NCLGA Membership CARRIED ENVIRONMENT B6: SUSTAINING CLEAN WATER RESOURCES District of Hudson’s Hope WHEREAS municipalities from time to time receive groundwater or surface water test reports from certified laboratories indicating contamination results higher than the Canadian safety standards; AND WHEREAS unsatisfactory test results typically prompt authorities to issue an advisory or restriction on use of that water, but no investigation or plan to remediate the situation, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM work with the province to establish a fund to allow local governments to identify the source of contamination and devise and implement a plan for remediation. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comment: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution proposing that the Province provide funding to enable local governments to investigate groundwater or surface water contamination and develop and implement a remediation plan. More broadly, members have consistently endorsed resolutions seeking greater protection for water sources and increased penalties for contamination (2013‐B37, 2012‐B77, 2012‐B120, 2002‐B54, 2000‐
B22, 2000‐LR2, 1998‐LR2, 1990‐A17). NCLGA Membership: CARRIED FINANCE B7: WAIVING ROYAL TIES FOR GRAVEL EXTRACTION IN FLOOD HAZARD AREAS DISTRICT OF STEWART KITIMAT‐STIKINE REGIONAL DISTRICT WHEREAS communities situated on flood plains are overshadowed by the potential threat of flooding; AND WHEREAS the significant rate of gravel aggregation in rivers adjacent to flood plains is well documented and removal thereof would reduce the flooding risk; AND WHEREAS small local governments lack the financial resources to undertake gravel extraction; AND WHEREAS there is no provincial or federal program in place for flood reduction or prevention; AND WHEREAS royalties are required to be paid on all gravel extracted that is not for Public Works use; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the Provincial Government to waive royalties for all gravel that is extracted by local governments and leaseholders from riverbeds adjacent to Flood Hazard areas. BACKGROUND: There are locations around the province where removal of gravel from a riverbed may be a simple, cost‐effective and environmentally benign method of providing flood protection to communities. However, under current policy, provincial royalties apply to this form of mining. An exemption from royalties is available to communities if the gravel is used to “Public Works Use.” But potential gravel supply from a riverbed extraction could greatly exceed public works requirements and royalty payments incurred. The intent of this resolution is to have the economic constraint of the gravel royalties removed to enable benefits from flood protection. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comment: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the
provincial government waive gravel extraction royalties when local governments or leaseholders extract
gravel from riverbeds adjacent to flood hazard areas.
Members have consistently endorsed resolutions in support of flood protection works, including the extraction
of gravel deposits from riverbeds (2012-B3, 2006-B19, 2004-A11, 2004-B18, 2003-B21, 2002-B18, 2000-B24,
1996-B69). However, UBCM would also point out the need to secure authorization from the federal
Department of Fisheries and Oceans for gravel, sand, silt and other debris extractions in waterways. While
UBCM appreciates the concerns raised by the sponsor regarding flooding, the solution proposed may not be
viable based on the fact that gravel extraction is a multi-jurisdictional issue. The multi-jurisdictional nature of
the issue may render a case-by-case approach impossible, if it is to adequately address the flood risk for all
communities.
NCLGA Membership CARRIED CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN B8: MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN PREMIUMS WHEREAS "Family First" has been identified as being a top priority for the Provincial Government, AND WHEREAS the poverty rate in BC is the worst in Canada yet medical service plan rates are charged to those individuals who have an adjusted net income of $22,001 which is a financial burden on both the working poor and seniors, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association be requested to petition the UBCM to request the Province of BC to repeal the medical services plan rate thus providing free health care to BC residents. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the
provincial government “repeal” the medical services plan (MSP) rate. However, members endorsed resolution
2012-B42, which called on the Province to end MSP premiums for seniors and to bear any associated costs. In
its response to the resolution the Province expressed reluctance to implement age-based exemptions from MSP
premiums. Instead, the provincial government suggested that income-based exemptions, with consideration for
family type, would ensure fairness in assisting individuals in need.
NCLGA Membership WITHDRAWN JUSTICE &PROTECTIVE SERVICES B9: MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS DRAIN ON POLICING RESOURCES TERRACE WHEREAS policing resources are being extensively utilized to deal with mental health and addictions issues across the Province; AND WHEREAS this drain on policing resources makes it challenging for police services to focus on their primary responsibilities of preventing and investigating crime, and maintaining peace and order in our communities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA lobby the Provincial Government to ensure that the level of resourcing and facilities for providing mental health and addiction services are increased throughout the Province to allow for improved access and treatment for those suffering from mental health issues, including addictions. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial
government to provide improved resourcing and facilities for mental health and addictions services
throughout the province (2014-B34, 2013-B52, 2010-B42, 2008-A1, 2007-B89, 2007-B153, 2006-B50, 2006B51, 2005-B3).
NCLGA Membership
CARRIED
B10. BRITISH COLUMBIA FIRE SERVICE MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS BULKLEY‐NECHAKO REGIONAL DISTRICT WHEREAS the Office of the Fire Commissioner issued the ‘British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards – Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook’ which establishes the “minimum standards of training required for fire services personnel in British Columbia” in September 2014 applicable to any fire service/department in British Columbia that provides fire services and includes municipal fire departments, volunteer fire departments, and fire departments established as a society under the Society Act of BC.” AND WHEREAS the ‘British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards – Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook’ states the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” describes local or regional government and further states that each local government must select and declare its firefighting Service Level in order for the local government to determine which set of minimum standards are to be met.” Further it is the responsibility of each local government to immediately take steps to ensure implementation of the training requirements associated to the Service Level selected. AND WHEREAS the financial cost to local government to implement the new ‘British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards – Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook’ Regulations are extremely prohibitive for rural communities and small volunteer fire departments, and may result in the closure of these departments; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province provide funding for rural communities and small volunteer fire departments to cover the additional costs as a result of the ‘British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards – Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook’ Regulations. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comments: The Union of BC Municipalites membership has consistently endorsed resolution calling on the provincial government to provide funding for fire service training for all communities, particularly small and volunteer fire departments (2009‐B68, 2001‐B46, 1996‐A2). NCLGA Membership: CARRIED LEGISLATIVE B11. HYDROELECTRIC DAM WATER USE PLANNING DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF WHEREAS hydroelectric dams affect water systems that are a vital resource to communities; AND WHEREAS many hydroelectric dams lack water use plans, or have water use plans that do not give communities input into decisions that affect local water systems, such as water flows; AND WHEREAS communities have a strong desire to be included in decisions that affect local water resources: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia require all hydroelectric dams in British Columbia to have water use plans which recognize values that give communities input into decisions that affect municipalities. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that
the provincial government require all hydroelectric dams in BC to incorporate community input into the
water use plans they develop.
However, members have consistently endorsed resolutions seeking opportunities for local government to
provide input on activities occurring in community watersheds (2014-B88, 2013-A1, 2003-B95, 2001B93, 1998-B65). The UBCM membership also endorsed resolution 2007-B147, which requested that the
Province commit to reviewing and adopting BC Hydro water use plans “in a timely manner.”
NCLGA Membership: CARRIED B12: WITHDRAWAL, DEATH OR INCAPACITY OF AN ELECTION CANDIDATE CITY OF QUESNEL WHEREAS upon the withdrawal, death or incapacity of a duly nominated candidate in a local government election, the Local Government Act does not effectively enable the Chief Elections Officer to formally notify voters of withdrawal, death or incapacity of such candidate; AND WHEREAS under the current provisions of the Local Government Act, such candidate in a local government election could conceivably receive a sufficient number of valid votes to be declared elected, thereby necessitating a by‐election; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association, though the Union of BC Municipalities petition the Province of BC to amend Part 3, Division 7, paragraph 80 (1), of the Local Government Act RSBC 1996 Chapter 325 to enable the Chief Elections Officer to post a prescribed notice inside each polling booth, or otherwise inform voters at a local government election of the withdrawal, death or incapacity of a candidate. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any votes cast for that candidate would not be counted. BACKGROUND: The purpose of this resolution is to encourage the Provincial Government to amend the Local Government Act to enable the Chief Elections Officer to place official, prescribed notices inside each polling booth or otherwise inform voters of the withdrawal, death or incapacity of a duly nominated candidate in a local government election and that any votes cast for that candidate would not be counted. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the Province amend the Local Government Act to enable the Chief Elections Officer to post a prescribed notice or otherwise inform voters during a local government election of the withdrawal, death or incapacity of a candidate; nor have members considered a request to exempt votes cast for such a candidate from being counted. NCLGA Membership:
CARRIED
B13: BOUNDARY EXTENSION GUIDELINES CITY OF FORT ST. JOHN WHEREAS the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development’s boundary extension guidelines for obtaining rural property owners' opinions can be calculated using either: 
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one opinion per property owner (regardless of the number of properties owned ) OR one opinion per parcel regardless of parcel size or assessment value, and both calculation types create inequities and unfairness, AND WHEREAS rural property owners' opinions should be calculated using the Community Charter’s local area service project formula: 50% of the property owners who have over 50% of the assessed value of land and improvements to provide consistency, fairness and equity, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA be requested to petition the UBCM to request the Province of BC to amend their boundary extension guidelines to utilize the local area service project’s calculation formula when tabulating rural property owners' opinions. UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership considered but did not endorse resolution 2014‐B100 from the same sponsor, which called on the provincial government to amend municipal boundary extension guidelines to utilize the local area service project calculation formula to gauge rural property owners' opinions. Members have endorsed resolutions in support of a greater role in the decision‐making process for residents of rural areas identified in proposals for municipal boundary extension (2013‐B3, 2003‐A14, 1991‐B62). NCLGA Membership: DEFEATED SOCIAL ISSUES B14: POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA CITY OF TERRACE WHEREAS British Columbia has one of the highest rates of poverty in Canada; AND WHEREAS the price of poverty is borne by all British Columbians through higher justice system costs, greater demands on the health care system, increased pressures on community services and reduced economic productivity; AND WHEREAS British Columbia is the only province in Canada without a poverty reduction strategy; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the Provincial Government to develop and implement a poverty reduction strategy to reduce the number of people living in poverty in BC by setting concrete targets and timelines to reduce poverty. Amendment: Michael Privot, Councillor City of Terrace suggested that the resolution be amended as follows: “THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this plan also addresses mandatory user fees for provincial services i.e. MSP that disproportionately impacts lower income earners. “ NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions calling on the provincial government to develop and implement a poverty reduction strategy or plan, including the establishment of targets and timelines (2014‐B40, 2014‐B41, 2011‐B65, 2010‐B51, 2009‐SR2). Responses have not yet been received for the 2014 resolutions. In response to resolution 2010‐B51, however, the provincial government highlighted a range of supports it already provides for low‐income individuals and families, including “subsidized housing, child care subsidies, employment programs, dental and optical care for children and programs for vulnerable seniors.” UBCM would note that it continues to be engaged in a Community Poverty Reduction Strategy with the provincial Ministry of Children and Family Development, which aims to assist families living in poverty to access resources. A forum will be held in March 2015 to discuss the strategy. NCLGA Membership: MOVED/SECONDED That the Floor accept the amendment to Resolution B14 – Poverty Reduction Strategy for British Columbia. CARRIED B.15 NATIONAL INQUIRY; INDIGENOUS WOMEN CITY OF QUESNEL WHEREAS the Legal Strategy Coalition on Violence Against Indigenous Women released a report on February 27, 2015; a study of 58 studies conducted from 1994 – 2015 regarding the over 1180 missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada and, the clear need for a national inquiry into the disproportionately high rate of murder and disappearances of First Nations women. The report outlined how such an inquiry could consolidate and update existing knowledge about the causes of violence against indigenous women, comprehensively evaluate the adequacy of existing initiatives and programs and help Canadians and policymakers understand why there has been so much resistance to action to address this issue; WHEREAS on February 28, 2015, the Federal Government, The Assembly of First Nations, Premiers from 13 Provinces and Territories and the families of the missing and murdered engaged in a roundtable closed meeting to discuss an action plan to combat violence against indigenous women and girls, prevention and awareness, community safety, policing and justice; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCLGA, the UBCM and the FCM call upon the Federal Government to establish a National Commission to initiate a fully funded national, public inquiry examining the root causes of violence against indigenous women. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution requesting that the federal government convene a national inquiry examining “the root causes of violence against indigenous women.” However, members endorsed a related resolution, 2012‐C37, calling on the Province to “implement the recommendation of the Highway of Tears Symposium by establishing and funding a shuttle bus service between northern communities.” No response was received from the provincial government regarding the 2012 resolution. NCLGA Membership: CARRIED TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS B16: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES DISTRICT OF VANDERHOOF WHEREAS many rural resource based communities do not have public transit or taxi service; AND WHEREAS the absence of local and intercommunity public transportation causes significant disadvantage to rural residents: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia provide adequate funding to support local, and intercommunity transportation in rural communities. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: Endorse UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions seeking improved and increased public transportation options, particularly for residents of small and remote communities (including, but not limited to 2013‐B15, 2012‐B38, 2012‐B115, 2012‐C37, 2011‐B22, 2010‐B21, 2009‐
B15, 2007‐A5, 2007‐B13, 2006‐SR3, 2006‐B20, 2006‐B156, 2005‐B7, 2005‐B84, 2005‐LR1, 2004‐B55, 2003‐B65, 2000‐OF). NCLGA Membership: CARRIED B17: HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE VANDERHOOF WHEREAS the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is responsible for maintaining provincial highways; AND WHEREAS the cumulative effects of climate change has caused many highways to become severely degraded, creating unsafe traveling conditions: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia provides additional funding to address the cumulative effects of climate change on highways. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution calling on the provincial government to provide additional funding for highway maintenance to address the “cumulative effects of climate change.” However, members have consistently endorsed resolutions requesting the Province to provide increased funding and improved highway maintenance (including, but not limited to 2009‐B16, 2009‐B83, 2009‐B93, 2009‐B161, 2008‐B113, 2008‐B114, 2007‐B16, 2007‐B97, 2005‐B80, 2003‐A9, 2003‐B9, 2001‐B14, 2000‐B11). NCLGA Membership: CARRIED B18: ICBC WINDSHIELD CLAIM CITY OF QUESNEL WHEREAS the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has, for some time, discontinued providing financial assistance to BC drivers for windshield rock chip repairs; AND WHEREAS road and highway maintenance contractors in the North Central and Interior areas of British Columbia regularly apply course winter road aggregate instead of finer and less destructive sand that cause damage to windshields, including cracks and rock chips; AND WHEREAS unrepaired windshield rock chips quickly develop into cracked windshields that impair the visibility of divers and thereby threaten the safety of themselves, other motorists and their passengers; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association, through the Union of BC Municipalities petition the Province of British Columbia to direct the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to resume providing financial assistance for drivers in need of windshield rock chip repairs. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comments: The UBCM membership has not previously considered a resolution asking the provincial government to direct ICBC to resume providing insurance coverage for windshield chip repairs. However, members endorsed a related resolution, 2005‐B141, which requested that ICBC apply a deductible escalation scale for windshield repair claims separate from the deductible escalation scale used for other types of vehicle repairs. The resolution also asked ICBC to “reclassify windshield replacement as part of the comprehensive package, with a $100.00 deductible” and no direct charge for repair of minor chip damage. Members also endorsed resolution 1997‐B33, calling on the provincial government to ensure that “highway maintenance contractors use aggregate that has a size less than that presently used, to reduce the substantial damage that occurs to vehicles during the winter.” NCLGA Membership: CARRIED B19: CANADA POST QUESNEL WHEREAS Canada Post Corporation is in the process of eliminating door‐to‐door mail delivery as part of their ongoing program to increase postal rates and reduce postal services including the closure and downsizing of post offices, and reduction of post office hours; AND WHEREAS door‐to‐door mail delivery is an essential utility service that positively contributes to the liveability and safety of Canadian neighbourhoods, especially for increasing populations of seniors, shut‐
ins and persons with mobility and accessibility challenges; AND WHEREAS Canada Post’s “super mail box” alternative to door‐to‐door mail delivery appears to be plagued with problems relating to criminal vandalism, theft, and general public safety; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the North Central Local Government Association, though the Union of BC Municipalities petition the Government of Canada to reverse the decision to eliminate door‐to‐door mail deliver and to properly consult with local governments and citizens in general relative to the continuation of door‐to‐door mail delivery and other levels of postal service that are expected and required in Canada. NCLGA Executive Recommendation: No Recommendation UBCM Comments: The Union of British Columbian Municipalities membership endorsed a very similar resolution, 2014‐B47. Responses to the 2014 resolution have not yet been received from the federal government or Canada Post. NCLGA Membership: DEFEATED Second Business Session Adjourned at 11:52 a.m. Third Business Session Commenced at 1:34 p.m. Bruce Christensen thanked Imperial Metals, for sponsoring this session and asked their representative Steve Robertson, to say a few words. Elections Process (Continued) Nominations Committee Chair Bruce Christensen noted that they would be the nomination process for three Directors at Large. 8. Nominations for Director at Large Bruce Christensen announced that there were three positions available for Director at Large and that three nominations had been received for the Director at Large positions. 
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Susan Scott, City of Prince George Cheryl Shuman, City of Dawson Creek Laurie Walter, City of Williams Lake Nominations from the Floor for Director at Large Bruce Christensen called three times for nominations from the floor. The following nominations were received: Moved/Seconded That Gord Clausson, City of Fort St. John, be nominated for Director at Large. CARRIED The nominations for Director at Large were closed. Each nominee was given 2 minutes to address the floor: Susan Scott, City of Prince George, Cheryl Shuman, City of Dawson Creek, Laurie Walter, City of Williams Lake, Gord Clausson, City of Fort St. John. Bruce Christensen reviewed the procedure for voting for the three Director at Large positions and the timeframe in which to do so. Resolutions Debate continued at 1:52 p.m. LATE RESOLUTIONS According to NCLGA policy, a two‐thirds majority of voting delegates in attendance must vote to consider late resolutions. These resolutions will not be considered until all emergency and regular resolutions have been considered. NCLGA Membership CARRIED LR1: FINES FOR FAILING TO STOP FOR A SCHOOL BUS CITY OF FT. ST. JOHN WHEREAS the citizens of British Columbia take the responsibility of protecting their children very seriously; AND WHEREAS under Provincial law, it is prohibited to pass a school bus that is displaying red alternating lights and drivers in both directions must stop and wait for the bus driver to load or off‐load children and for the bus driver to disengage the signal lights before proceeding; AND WHEREAS there are increased reports of drivers failing to stop for school buses; AND WHEREAS the fine for “Failing to Stop for a School Bus” in British Columbia is $167 with no graduated penalties for additional offences: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Central Local Government Association be requested to petition the Union of British Columbian Municipalities to request the Province of BC review the fine amounts for failing to stop for a school bus and to implement a progressive system of fines and stiffer penalties for infractions. NCLGA Membership: LR2: REMOVAL OF LANDS FROM AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE CARRIED PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT WHEREAS the Cabinet Order in Council No. 148 excluding land within the Site C reservoir is the largest exclusion in the 43‐year history of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR); AND WHEREAS historically, there have been other Cabinet Orders for exclusion which were subject to much more public input both for and against prior to a decision being made; AND WHEREAS and this decision was made without public input or application: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of BC be requested to rescind Order in Council No. 148 until there has been adequate public input and respect shown for the legal requirements required to apply for removal of lands from the ALR. Background Information On April 8, 2015, the Province of B.C., by Order in Council No. 148, removed lands both Permanently and under Temporary exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve. Maps showing exactly which lands have been removed, or if any of those lands are privately owned, have not been made publicly available. Order in Council No. 148: ORDER RESPECTING LANDS IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE Definitions I In this order: “agricultural land reserve” has the same meaning as in the Agricultural Land Conunission Act; “permanent exclusion maps” means the series of 8 maps labelled “Site C Permanent Exclusion ALR”, dated December 8, 2014, and with reference number ARCS ‐ 00140 ‐ 20130914F, on file with the office of the deputy minister, Ministry of Agriculture; “temporary exclusion maps” means the 2 maps labelled “Site C Temporary Exclusion ALR”, dated December 8, 2014, and with reference number ARCS ‐ 00140 ‐ 20l309l4F, on file with the office of the deputy minister, Ministry of Agriculture. Excluded lands 2 All the land shaded grey on the permanent exclusion maps is excluded from the agricultural land reserve. Temporarily excluded lands 3 All the land shaded grey on the temporary exclusion maps is excluded from the agricultural land reserve until December 31, 2024. NCLGA Membership: CARRIED LR3: REQUIREMENT OF REGIONAL DISTRICTS TO INSPECT/ENFORCE FIRE SERVICE ACT REGULATIONS IN RURAL AREAS REGIONAL DISTRICT OF BULKLEY‐NECHAKO WHEREAS the provincial government has enacted various building and fire code regulations for public buildings, including the Fire Services Act; AND WHEREAS the provincial government has, through the BC Safety Authority, and various other provincial agencies such as the Health Authorities, established regulatory regimes designed to inspect various installations and operations, such as gas, electrical, health, food safety, etc. aimed at protecting the public from potential hazards associated with public facilities, while the Fire Services Act remains without an effective regulatory regime; AND WHEREAS the provincial government is considering requiring regional districts to enforce the Fire Services Act and its regulations in the unincorporated areas of the province, including the obligation to provide for a regular system of inspection of hotels and public buildings; AND WHEREAS regional districts do not have the capacity to take on an inspection and enforcement role in the rural areas: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government retain the responsibility to inspect and enforce. NCLGA Membership: CARRIED LR4: REFORESTATION OF PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND REGIONAL DISTRICT OF BULKLEY‐NECHAKO WHEREAS the maintenance of a sustainable and vibrant agricultural sector is critically important to the province’s economic, social, and sustainable future; AND WHEREAS the loss of productive agricultural lands to tree planting by companies seeking to offset their corporate carbon emissions is an unsustainable practice which threatens the long term health and viability of the agricultural sector in the province: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia take action to stop the reforestation of productive agricultural land for carbon offset purposes. NCLGA Membership: CARRIED 9. Motion to Destroy Ballots MOVED/SECONDED THAT the Director at Large ballots be destroyed. The Third Business Session adjourned at 2:03 p.m. on May 7, 2015 The Final Business Session adjourned at 12:45 p.m. on May 8, 2015 Next Convention: The 61st Annual Convention will be hosted by ? on May ? 2016 CARRIED