FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – Members of City Council and staff will represent Prince George at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Victoria from September 22 to 26. The convention is an opportunity for local governments from across the province to come together and take a united position on provincial and federal policies.
City representatives are advocating for five resolutions affecting Prince George and the region:
- Adequate funding, offices, and staffing of the BC Conservation Service.
- Construction of a regional secure psychiatric facility in the Prince George area.
- Increased core provincial funding for public libraries.
- Declaration of human trafficking, gender-based violence, and intimate partner violence as an epidemic in B.C. and for an updated provincial Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
- Finalizing agreements between municipalities and BC Ambulance Service including a funding component to compensate local governments providing emergency medical services for related costs.
“We look forward to meeting face-to-face with different levels of government to ensure the City of Prince George is heard and the issues facing our community are considered,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“We know that many communities across the province are facing similar issues, in fact, three of the five resolutions the City is bringing forward have been endorsed by the North Central Local Government Association. Prince George is happy to champion these challenges for the benefit of our city and the entire region.”
The UBCM was formed to provide a common voice for local government across the province and works to develop policies and strategies to tackle the most urgent issues. The convention takes places annually and includes workshops, networking opportunities, and resolutions sessions. The resolutions, if endorsed by a majority of the membership at the convention, are then conveyed by UBCM to the other orders of government or organizations for consideration.
The week also provides an opportunity for City representatives to meet with provincial ministers, including a sit down with Premier David Eby scheduled for September 25.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca