Politicians from across B.C. gather in Whistler next week for the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference, a chance for officials from all levels of government to address issues impacting the province and its people.
This year’s event marks the last time Premier John Horgan will address the gathering as the province’s leader as he prepares to stand aside for a new, yet-to-be-picked leader.
“We appreciate the hard work we’ve done with him,” outgoing UBCM president Laurey-Anne Roodenburg said. “He’s been very responsive to our issues.”
This year’s convention is the first full, post-pandemic event and is expected to draw about 600 delegates from cities, towns, regional districts and First Nations across the province.
Delegates can expect the full provincial cabinet to be in attendance, Roodenburg said.
For some elected officials, this year could also be the last time they attend as they face voters next month.
The event itself has major session themes such as housing, safety, mental health and addictions and climate change. Roodenburg said many of those issues have been exacerbated during the pandemic.
“A lot of these issues have become larger and bigger during COVID,” she said.
She said the opioid crisis in one needing a comprehensive approach.
“We have a health-care issue that is being dealt with by protective services,” Roodenburg said. “This is not working.”
