The annual Union of B.C. Municipalities conference for community leaders to discuss issues for government lobbying can be held electronically, according to a ministerial order.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth issued Ministerial Order 168 May 22. It allows participation in the convention or annual general meeting by phone, by electronic means or in person.
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/mo/mo/2020_m168
As such, the convention is not required to have a physical location in the province.
The rules for attendance are to be established by the UBCM executive, the order said.
UBCM president Maja Tait said the organization has countered adversity before.
“We found ways to hold our annual meetings during the great depression and two world wars, and we will find a way to do so in 2020,” she said. “We look forward to the challenge and the opportunity of delivering a high quality event that works for all of our members.”
Tait said while many details remain to be ironed out, “one thing we will promise is that the convention will be much more than a Zoom meeting.”
She said B.C. communities face many challenges while working to uphold health and safety orders in addition to supporting the economic recovery.
“There will be much to discuss at this year’s meeting,” Tait said. “We are engaging with all of our members and partners to make the annual meeting a success, and will be releasing more details in June.”
The annual convention is an opportunity for municipal, provincial and other officials to meet and discuss issues of importance regionally or to the province as a whole. Delegates debate and vote on resolutions to take to other levels of government.
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