2013 UBCM Report

The following report provides an overview of activities of the Islands Trust Executive Committee and senior staff while attending the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention in , September 16-20, 2013.

Chair Sheila Malcolmson and Vice Chairs Ken Hancock and Peter Luckham attended the convention on behalf of the Islands Trust Council, Trustee Jan Hagedorn attended on behalf of the Gambier Island Local Trust Committee, and Municipal Trustee Andrew Stone attended the convention on behalf of the Bowen Island Municipal Council. Chief Administrative Officer Linda Adams also attended the conference.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

A SNAPSHOT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT – FIRST NATIONS LANDSCAPE (PL)

A panel discussion hosted by Mr. Justice Murray Sinclair. Panellists were: • Chief Robert Joseph • Grand Chief Edward John • Minister • Assistant Deputy Minister Colleen Swords • Huu-Ay-Aht First Nation Councillor John Jack (also Alberni Clayoquot Regional District director).

Panellists were asked four questions by Justice Sinclair:

1. What do you think about reconciliation? 2. What is the most important lesson learned from residential schools? 3. Why is reconciliation important to local government? 4. What can we (all) do in light of what we know?

The session began with Councillor John Jack: “reconciliation is like couples counselling on a grand scale".

The following are the messages taken from the panellists’ answers to the questions:

• We need to do things differently; we need to understand the inequities of the past and those of the present. • There are social barriers that are limiting the ability for all of us to reach our full potential. • We cannot force reconciliation, but we do need to embrace it. • Finally, the real messages were: we need to get to know each other, embrace our differences, it starts with each of us, and we can build relationships one by one.

UBCM’s review of the session is available here: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news- archive/2013-archive/session-panel-explores-the-meaning-of-reconciliation.html

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

FORUM CLINICS

RESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE (LA) This session was presented by Robyn Durling, Director, BullyFree BC (http://bullyfreebc.ca/) and Councillor Michelle Bell from the City of Duncan (who is also a Director of BullyFree BC)

In 2011, BC enacted Bill 14, (Workers Compensation Amendment Act) which expands the coverage of injuries to include mental disorders arising from workplace bullying, harassment and other workplace stressors. Bill 14 imposes new duties for employers which will be in effect as of November 2013. This session explored the impacts of the new legislation on local government, reviewed recent labour decisions and discussed the negative economic, organizational and social impacts of workplace harassment. The introductory part of the clinic consisted of a PowerPoint presentation that outlined what bullying is (and what it is not) and described some of the impacts it has on workplaces and worker productivity. In the UK, an estimated 18.9 million working days are lost each year due to the impacts of bullying. The session also included several small group sessions, with participants asked to discuss their experiences with bullying in the BC local government setting. Participants discussed experiences such as bullying of elected officials by other elected officials and the public, and bullying of staff by elected officials and the public. The session concluded with a legal review of the topic. It was noted that employers must treat a bully in the workplace like any other workplace hazard (i.e. an unshielded saw blade): they must take steps to prevent or minimize the hazard, and develop policies and procedures regarding prevention and management of the hazard. A toolkit will be available to assist organizations in responding to the new requirements.

CHANGES TO THE FISHERIES ACT (PL/SM) Presented by Brad Fanos and Jason Hwang, staff with the Fisheries Protection Program of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). They presented the proposed changes to the federal Fisheries Act that will come into effect in 2014. Changes will not affect the present levels of enforcement. There are now fewer area offices, having already changed from having area-based habitat biologists to a focus on centralized referral management. There is limited coordination with the BC government. DFO’s role in Environmental Assessments has changed; it is no longer the lead agency, and won’t screen projects, but now focuses on giving advice (presumably to other agencies, because the speakers also said “DFO can’t provide advice and support to project proponents as in the past. Proponents can read the website instead e.g. Working near Water is a publication proponents can read”). It was also noted that the Minister would retain the right to override the regulations if it was in the "public interest"; “Nothing can fetter the Minister’s discretion, and this might not favour the fishery”.

UBCM’s review of the session is available here: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news- archive/2013-archive/dfo-pledges-to-maintain-bc-fish-habitat.html

SMALL TALK FORUM (KH) The Small Talk Forum is an opportunity for discussion amongst the elected representatives of small communities with populations below 5,000 people. The program was focussed on presentation of three small community success stories interspersed with discussion on challenges to small communities. Moderator Dan Rogers (former Mayor of Prince George and broadcaster) opened by stating that, in his opinion, local government is the most effective form of government with its ability to see and respond to change more quickly than regional, provincial and federal governments. He said that what he hears frequently from senior governments is that “due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off”. He gave some communications advice to the attendees, including the importance of having clear objectives and seeking out opportunities to educate and use the art of persuasion before using legislative authority and that when dealing with media to remember that the question is not nearly as important as the answer. 2

Highlights of Local Government Presentations The Village of Fruitvale's success story was presented by Mayor Patricia Cecchini, who told about their Senior Outreach Project, funded by two UBCM Age Friendly Planning Grants of $10,000 and $20,000. The project began with the use of focus groups in consultation for review of the OCP which included organizations and individuals with an interest in seniors’ issues. Part of their work included creating an inventory of services, facilities and programs oriented to seniors. Some of their process included hosting ‘meet and greets’ for members of their community and neighbouring communities to which all ages were invited. These meetings, now mainly social in nature, continue on to this day, providing opportunities to pay respect to seniors, combat social isolation and connect seniors with services.

As a result, the community has developed programs (passive and active) and publishes a seniors’ calendar, and a handy-person resource list with pre-screened contractors and volunteers to help seniors remain in their homes. They have also created a “buddy system” to match seniors with other seniors who check in on each other's wellbeing and assist with errands. The town council also sponsors monthly “thanks for being our seniors” luncheons with school kids and town councillors serving the lunch.

All of this is coordinated by a part-time seniors’ coordinator at a total cost of $22,000 a year. Other programs include a volunteer community garden and beautification project, a school-based intergenerational crafts program and computer education classes. They have volunteer driver program which uses a toll-free number and a Gatekeepers Training project which works on prevention of senior abuse and neglect.

The Village of Sayward discussed issues involving infrastructure and Gas Tax funding, including their inability to raise adequate matching funds for important, much needed infrastructure projects.

The Town of Chetwynd had similar issues with Gas Tax funding for sewer, water and roads and a concern that a UBCM decision to support broadening eligible project categories including solid waste, airports, short line, railway, broadband, short rail and tourism infrastructure will dilute the ability to focus on core infrastructure needs. UBCM is currently surveying local governments on the question and the feedback is that senior governments should not be directive. Note was made of some possible provincial pushback to restrict funding to core infrastructure.

The Town of Queen Charlotte spoke to their profound concern about continuing cuts to BC Ambulance Service funding. They presented a compelling case that remote areas are at risk and suffering from an urbanized approach to providing service. Some of the challenges are a result of splitting ambulance crews apart into different communities which are air and ferry trips apart which has resulted in huge delays. They also asked the question as to how do communities even know if they are adequately staffed? Some of the potential solutions presented included aide training and making needed changes to allow paramedics to work and stay in the community. They acknowledged that community- funded and volunteer first responders are trying to fill the gaps but were never intended to replace BC Ambulance paramedics. They stated that there appears to be no long term or short term sustainable plan to deliver the service of BC Ambulance and that the very low “on call pay” contributed to the service being not reliable or sustainable.

The Town of Stewart shared a success story about improving and promoting their port facilities with their “World Port Project” promoting Stewart as Canada's most northerly ice-free port.

The District of Taylor raised issues associated with remediated sites and brownfields and the roles that provincial and local governments can play in site remediation and redevelopment.

The Town of Telkwa spoke to concerns emanating from a recent hazardous materials spill in their area. Concerns included Transport Canada supported secrecy around substances being transported and the need for provincial spill response to better coordinate with local government emergency response services. 3

The District of Similkameen’s success story was about working with Destination BC and BC Community Partnerships to do a regional tourism marketing plan. A key message was the importance of thinking and marketing regionally through effective partnerships between suppliers, stakeholders and communities. According to Destinations BC, direct employment in tourism 2011 amounted to 126,000 jobs which are 405 more than in resource-based industries.

The Village of Chetwynd spoke about their concern that the Provincial Office of the Fire Commissioner is downloading industrial fire inspections as a result of mill fires to local fire departments, instead of using provincial inspectors. The province says they will provide the needed training but many affected local governments say they don't want to take on an on-going provincial responsibility, whether training is provided or not.

The District of Wells spoke about the need for better emergency evacuation routes in communities where there is only one highway providing access and egress. They are asking for provincial assistance with creating and maintaining alternative routes including upgrades to already existing forestry roads.

Minister’s Remarks , the new Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development opened by stating that small communities have a "significant" impact on BC. She stated that she was very pleased that the government's new team includes several "ladies" from local government and that she is excited about age-friendly communities like Fruitvale and Stewart's World Port Project. She stated that she will be a champion for small communities and that she understands that issues like sharing traffic fine revenues are important. She explained that the changes to provincial legislation regarding local elections have been delayed and that they have decided on a phased approach to changes, partly due to using a “small community lens”.

Minister Oakes noted that the next local election date will be November 15, 2014 and that the date is expected to change to October for the 2017 local elections. She stated her firm belief that LNG will be a one-time overwhelming opportunity for the province and that she will make sure that small community voices will be heard at the LNG table to make sure they get it right. She closed by saying, “It's crazy how I got into this, I was so surprised I got elected!” She told about a call from Premier Christy inviting her to a 15 minute meeting about her role. She said she wondered what she would say, but that said she made a Strategic Plan, which is “how she rolls”. She closed by saying, “That 15 minutes changed my life!”

MID-SIZED COMMUNITIES FORUM (PL)

Highlights of Local Government Presentations This session had a number of presentations from communities such as Castlegar, Smithers and Kitimat. The focus was on community and economic development, describing successful projects in each of these communities. Kitimat as a relatively new community (60 years) emphasised the need for planning for future projects and development of infrastructure.

Minister’s Remarks Minister Coralee Oakes addressed the group, highlighting her past experience as an elected official at the community level, and pleasure at being appointed as Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. She looks forward to serving the communities which are so important to the well-being of the province. A few take away messages from this session were that the pace of change is accelerating and that the populations in our communities are aging faster than the Canadian average. Know your strengths and "you can be more resilient when you know who you are, your strengths and who your partners are.”

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ELECTORAL AREA DIRECTORS FORUM (LA) This is an opportunity for discussion of Regional District issues, which can have relevance to Islands Trust issues. Highlights of provincial presentations included:

Recruitment and Retention of Health Care Professionals in Rural and Remote Areas This was an interesting presentation provided by: • Dr. William Cunningham, President, BC Medical Association • John Mabbott, Health Match BC http://www.healthmatchbc.org/ • Dr. Stuart Johnston, Rural Coordination Centre of BC http://www.rccbc.ca/

Presenters highlighted the challenges of recruiting and retaining health care professionals, primarily doctors, in rural and remote parts of BC and indicated some of the strategies used by successful communities. They also outlined some of the efforts that are being made at the provincial level to attract doctors and other health professionals to BC and highlighted some of the tools available to communities through Health Match BC and the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc). They stressed the need for rural and remote communities to make themselves attractive to health care professionals on a continuous basis, providing social support networks to physicians and their families. Gabriola Island was noted as an example of a successful community in this regard, due to its construction of a community health care facility. The PowerPoint presentations were useful and are due to become available on the UBCM website at http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/convention/past-conventions/2013-convention.html

Natural Resource Road Act Don Gosnell, Manager of Tenure Operations with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, outlined the Natural Resource Road Act, which applies to Crown lands in BC.

Off Road Vehicle Management Framework Vera Vukelich, Manager of Land Policy and Programs with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, outlined the ministry’s comprehensive framework for changing legislation and policies for managing Off Road Vehicles. Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, plans are to change the requirements for Off Road Vehicles to address issues such as safety and ecosystem damage. For example, there are plans to require vehicle licensing and to restrict operation to those with driver licences.

Minister’s Remarks Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development noted her background in business in rural BC, stressing the importance of the provincial jobs plan. She indicated the need to grapple with the provincial skills shortage and the province’s priority to balance the budget, to protect its Triple A credit rating. She applauded the recent UBCM report on local government finance and introduced the new Deputy Minister, Rebecca (Becky) Denlinger.

REGIONAL DISTRICT CHAIRS MEETING WITH MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND PREMIER (SM)

In conjunction with the Coastal Regional District Chairs group that’s been advocating for fair ferry fares, Chair Malcolmson met with new Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Premier and was glad to hear both say fares are as high as they can get, that ferry users are already paying more than their share, and ferries are an essential service for the coast. Chair Malcolmson made the following points to the Premier on behalf of the group:

• Goods move on and off the islands via ferries and coastal community economy is 100% ferry- dependant • The coastal settlement pattern was predicated on ferries and the province made commitments it must honour 5

• Tipping point on fare affordability was reached several years ago. Users haven’t asked for fancier or better service, just more affordable. Rising costs are not the fault of users but users are paying dearly. • Ferry users have put in $5 billion (vs. the Province’s $1B) over ten years, and are already paying 85% of operating costs in fares; to call the provincial contribution a subsidy and to say ferry users aren’t paying their own way is unfair and untrue.

Sunshine Coast and Cowichan Valley Regional District Chairs made especially compelling arguments that local spending on tourism and economic development was neutered by fare hikes depressing travel to their communities. The Minister noted Hornby and Denman’s MLA Don McRae is an important ferry advocate in Cabinet, and MLA Stillwell (Parksville) will be too. The Minister said the three pillars of ferry service are: affordability of service, sustainability of service over the long term, and basic service levels to connect communities. He said PT3 is set, so the ability to affect fares is in PT4. The Premier said vessel replacements represent a change in service levels (arguing Chair Malcolmson’s point that ferry users are paying more for the same service). She said as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) wanted coastal communities to support themselves but that’s not her view. The Premier asked Sea to Sky MLA (parliamentary secretary for MoTI) to head up a task force with the Coastal Chairs group to get the best ideas on how to assure affordability of service, sustainability of service, and basic service levels. Chair Malcolmson is concerned that local government will get blamed for service level reductions, depending how our input is characterized. There was no discussion about the fall Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure process on service cuts. The ferry resolution B12 was supported at the convention:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM continue to request the Province to: • Work co-operatively with coastal communities on implementing a long term strategy for the ferry system that supports the strengthening and sustainability of island economies and the coastal ferry service; • Implement legislation that recognizes the ferry system as an extension of our highway system and ensures fiscal fairness between the marine and terrestrial components of our highway system; and • Freeze ferry fares and service levels at 2013 levels until such time as the legislation and strategy are implemented.

The Coastal Regional District Chairs group met before and after the Minister’s meeting, with varying ideas about how to participate in the provincial process, but with agreement that this year’s UBCM resolution should be the focus, and that all local governments will write to Minister Stone asking that there be no fare increase this spring.

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PROVINCIAL POLICY SESSIONS

Local Government Elections Reform (LA) This session outlined the province’s plans to reform the legislation that guides local government elections in BC. Changes are expected to be introduced in the legislature in the spring of 2014, and to take effect for the next election, scheduled for November 15, 2014. The session was presented by: • Sandra Sajko, Executive Director, Integrated Policy Branch, Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development • Nola Western, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer (Funding and Disclosure), Elections BC The presentation focused on the changes recommended by the joint provincial-UBCM Local Government Elections Task Force, which are being implemented in phases. The panel introduced the recently released White Paper on Local Government Elections Reform (http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/LocalGovtElectionReform/docs/White_Paper_on_Local_Government_Elec tions_Reform(Sep_2013).pdf) and identified the changes for election participants and local governments that are planned for 2014. Significant new campaign financing rules are proposed to address the regulation of third party advertisers, banning of anonymous contributions, shortening the time for filing campaign disclosure statements and other changes to enhance transparency and accountability. Another significant change will be a new role for Elections BC, which will replace local government staff and chief elections officers for those matters related to the enforcement of campaign financing rules. Rules similar to those that apply to provincial elections are being considered. Assuming the legislation is enacted in the spring of 2014, new informational materials for election participants and local government staff will be released.

BC's Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan (PL) This session began with brief presentations from Minister Rustad, Chief Edward John and members of a provincial co-ordination teams that support off reserve aboriginal populations. These presentations concluded with round table discussions that focused on building better relationships between local government and first nations. The presentation was mostly factual; the round table discussion was a very informative opportunity to share experiences in small groups. Some take away messages from this session were: • We will never be as great as we think we are until we resolve the aboriginal issues. • We need to walk together. • "You need to find peace in your life; if you cannot find peace, you cannot share it".

MEETING WITH MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE RE SEAWEED HARVESTING (SM) The Regional District of initiated the meeting and invited the Islands Trust. The Minister of Agriculture was asked about the lack of referrals or consultation with local government about beach seaweed harvesting. (Although Islands Trust bodies had written letters to the Ministry in April and August 2013, further licenses were issued in mid-September without consultation). The minister said he can’t consult on everything, and will ask his scientists whether the NGO science is accurate on this issue. The related resolution B34 was supported at the convention:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be required to inform local governments and allow them the opportunity to comment and ensure local government zoning is in place prior to issuing licenses for activity to take place on lands within or adjacent to any local government

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Keynote Speaker Stephen Lewis (PL/SM/KH)

Mr. Lewis's presentation was truly remarkable, spanning his contributions to helping those in the world that suffer from AIDS/HIV to the greatest threat to the planet and the human race second only to nuclear war, that being climate change.

UBCM’s review of Mr. Lewis’ remarks is available here: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news- archive/2013-archive/lewis-keynote-links-local-global-efforts-for-change.html

Closer to Derelict Vessel Solutions? Clinic Islands Trust and Bowen Island Municipality hosted a well-attended clinic on derelict vessels, with Sean Herbert, Deputy Director, Land Tenures Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Ryan Greville, Navigable Water Protection Officer, Transport Canada presenting what’s changed since coastal communities raised the problem at 2010’s convention. The long-awaited fact- sheet that answers commonly asked questions about abandoned and derelict vessels wasn’t released at the clinic, as we’d expected, but was made available on October 2 (http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news-archive/2013-archive/derelict-and-abandoned-vessels-draft- manual.html) The federal representative reported seeing increased political openings at the federal level.

Meeting with Minister Thomson re Derelict Vessels Islands Trust led a re-run of our 2011 meeting with Minister Steve Thomson (Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) on derelict vessels; we’d invited AVICC members to join us and it was powerful having 17 local governments represented around the table, with standing-room-only. The minister indicated that he will elevate the issue back to a priority level, and promised to meet with his federal counterparts. The Minister had surprisingly little to suggest given his predecessor ’s commitment to have the problem solved by Christmas 2010. Resolution B30, sponsored by Bowen Is- land Municipality and Islands Trust, was supported by the convention:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM again request the provincial and federal governments to increase their efforts to work together to create a permanent solution to the issue of abandoned and derelict vessels that includes sustainable funding sources.

The following local government elected officials expected to attend this meeting, but no final participant list was created:

Islands Trust Corporation of the District of Oak Bay Chair Sheila Malcolmson Mayor Nils Jensen

Bowen Island Municipality Cowichan Valley Regional District Councilor Cro Lucas Director Lori Iannidinardo Councilor Alison Morse Director Mary Marcotte (AVICC Executive) Councillor Tim Rhodes District of North Saanich Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Mayor Alice Finall Director Penny Cote Councillor Conny McBride

City of District of Sooke Cindy Solda, Councillor (AVICC Executive) Mayor Wendal Milne Member and Alberni-Clayoquot RD Chair) District of Tofino City of Victoria Councillor Ray Thorogood Councilor Chris Coleman 8

Regional District of Nanaimo Powell River Regional District Director Bill Veenhof Director Merrick Anderson Director Patrick Brabazon Sunshine Coast Regional District Chair Garry Nohr Town of Ladysmith Director Lorne Lewis Mayor Rob Hutchins Councilor Steve Arnett Town of Gibsons Councilor Daniel Bouman Town of Sidney Councilor Steve Price

Town of View Royal Councilor John Rogers

Meeting with Minister Thomson re Howe Sound Management Plan (SM/LA) The Sunshine Coast Regional District arranged a meeting with the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to advocate for a Howe Sound Management planning process. Trustees Jan Hagedorn and Andrew Stone spoke of the ‘massive natural asset’ of Howe Sound, emerging conflicts, the need for stability and that no one local government could manage the range of uses and discussions necessary. Other participants suggested that a process like the Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) would be helpful. The Minister said he was unwilling to consider a moratorium on industrial approvals in Howe Sound, and would not stymie appropriate development. He agreed a holistic approach is helpful, and doesn’t want harm to come to the ecological recovery Howe Sound has experienced lately. The Minister said a LRMP process might not be the best vehicle, since the process was regarded as long and expensive. He will talk with MLA Sturdy and think about the best way forward. The late SCRD resolution (LR9) was accepted for debate and approved by the convention: That UBCM urge the provincial government to support the development of a Comprehensive Management Plan for Howe Sound that facilitates a coordinated land and marine use planning process between First Nations, senior and local governments, and other local bodies to ensure ongoing recovery and responsible land use planning within Howe Sound. .

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PANELS

Responsible Resource Government (SM) Minister Bennett (Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review) said BC will do a better job of letting local governments know where the province is in the process of mine approvals; there will be public discussion and notice of applications. He said the exploration stage often raises alarm but most exploration projects don’t become mines.

Minister Pimm (Agriculture) said the up-coming ALR review will look only at how to look after agricultural families, succession planning, and how to get younger farmers involved. In response to a question, he stated that he had previously heard that ferry fares were a challenge to farmers in coastal communities. Meat inspection is being turned over to BC.

Minister Coleman (Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing and Deputy Premier), who answered for absent Environment Minister Polak) said the BC oil spill response report was coming soon, and that no one got appointed to the provincial cabinet if they didn’t support extensive LNG development.

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Strong Communities Minister Todd Stone (Transportation and Infrastructure) said "Powering the economy means moving people and goods". He was quite vocal about his serious concerns regarding the tipping point for fares and the capital ferry debt in the near future.

The Walrus Talks (PL/SM)

This session consisted of five, seven-minute presentations by incredibly thoughtful speakers Jim Hogan Samantha Nut, Chief Clarence Louie, Shauna Sylvester and Michael Ingham. The title of the presentation was "The Art of Conversation". The spectrum of topics spanned the use of language around climate change and the problems with oil, to crises in First Nations communities that would be unacceptable in other communities. To quote a few remarks:

• Jim Hogan: "Speak the truth, but not to punish", “Strive to understand with whom we disagree” (he’s about to publish a book “Polluting the Public Square” about how language is being used to discourage public participation (e.g. “ethical oil”)

• Samantha Nut:, "Avoid Psychopaths", "not all evidence is created equal", “Reasonable people are not enough heard”

• Chief Clarence Louie: "First Nations are not stakeholders, we are rights holders", “we are held responsible for what we do not say”

• Shauna Sylvester: "Through dialogue we can resolve our differences", “walk toward the opposition”

• Michael Ingham: “Religion and science need to become partners; they need each other”.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Islands Trust Breakfast for Electoral Area Directors and MLAs

In addition to members of the Executive Committee, Trustee Jan Hagedorn and CAO Linda Adams, this breakfast was attended by:

MLA Gary Holman, Saanich North and the Islands MLA Nicholas Simons, Powell River Sunshine Coast MLA Don McRae, EAD David Howe, Capital RD – Southern Gulf Islands EAD Wayne McIntyre, Capital RD – Salt Spring Island EAD Bruce Joliffe, Comox Valley RD – Denman/Hornby EAD Merrick Anderson, Powell River RD – Lasqueti EAD Maria Harris, Metro Vancouver RD – Bowyer/Passage Councillor Allison Morse, Bowen Island Municipality

Chair Sheila Malcolmson welcomed everyone and identified some of the Islands Trust Council’s initiatives at UBCM, urging support for specific resolutions of significance to the Islands Trust. Participants were also advised of the proposed session at December Trust Council regarding economic sustainability, to which Electoral Area Directors will be invited. She asked each Electoral Area Director in attendance to comment on the draft session outline and to indicate whether they would be willing to attend. Those indicating a willingness to attend included EADs Anderson, Howe, Joliffe, and McIntyre. They also suggested themes and other invitees. This information will be forwarded to the Trust Programs Committee for consideration.

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Conflict of Interest Workshop (LA) This workshop focused on the recent BC Court of Appeal decision in Schlenker v. Torgrimson, which has brought the issue of conflict of interest to the forefront again. The decision has led to many concerns and questions arising from local elected officials across BC.

Presenters were representatives from four law firms that work with local governments in BC, plus Justice Anne Rowles, Chair of the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and a former judge with the BC Court of Appeal. It was as ‘standing room only’ crowd with many concerns related to the decision and its effects on the operations of BC local governments.

After an outline of the decision in Schlenker v. Torgrimson, participants broke into four groups, and legal counsel circulated through the groups, providing information about various scenarios related to:

• Pecuniary/non-pecuniary conflicts and defenses • Gifts • Inside and outside influence

The session concluded with a plenary where further questions were asked and answered. Participants indicated a significant level of confusion about the decision, with many indicating that they were still participating in various societies and in votes to fund those groups (or to give permissive tax exemptions). Potential consequences of these actions and potential legislative solutions were discussed. Groups such as the Fraser Basin Council and the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition were identified as examples of societies established to carry out collaborative work with numerous local elected representatives on their boards.

A related resolution was endorsed by the UBCM convention:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province work with UBCM to identify a remedy that clarifies the responsibilities and suggested conduct of local government elected officials who serve on the boards of non-profit organizations as appointed elected officials, so that they may continue to serve in both positions concurrently, without fear of disqualification from local gov- ernment elected office due to conflict of interest.

RESOLUTIONS Working from Trust Council’s direction given at the September Council meeting on Lasqueti Island, notable resolutions which the convention supported included: Trust Council/BIM’s resolution B30 on derelict vessels, PRRD’s resolution B12 on ferry fares, having BC fund and enforce RAR (B70), making BC GMO-free (B72), and modernizing the Mineral Tenure Act (B80). Several resolutions viewed as weakening the ALR and ALC were defeated. A surprise: 60% of the convention supported increasing local government terms to four years (this is B94, which Council voted to oppose).

Results of the resolutions debate can be viewed at: http://www.ubcm.ca/assets/Resolutions~and~Policy/Resolutions/Resolutions%20Disposition%202013 .pdf

General convention news is listed here: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news-archive/2013- archive.html

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THROUGHOUT

Informal Meetings The UBCM Convention provides an opportunity for members of the Executive Committee and senior staff to have informal conversations with other attendees.

MLAs/Ministers Don McRae (who was Agriculture minister last term and a supporter of the ALC) said not to worry about the ALC review, and he’s a supporter still.

MLA Gary Holman re potential approaches and concerns re derelict vessels. (LA)

Minister , Small Business, said come meet anytime about ferries and local economy.

Provincial Government Staff Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development staff re local elections reform and conflict of interest legislation.

Bowen Island Municipal Council Councillor Alison Morse and Kathy Lalonde, CAO re upcoming meeting between Bowen Island Municipal Council and Executive Committee, and upcoming staff meeting to discuss the Bowen Island contribution to the Islands Trust.

Other Agencies and Individuals Ruth Simons, Future of Howe Sound Society re Howe Sound Management Plan

Various UBCM and AVICC staff re derelict vessel issues

Agricultural Land Commission Chair Richard Bullock re the ALC review.

Kinder Morgan representatives said they won’t file with the National Energy Board until December. After they file their documents must be translated and formatted, so will take time to be public.

Vancouver Truth and Reconciliation Commission On September 17, Trustee Hagedorn and Chair Malcolmson joined thousands to welcome First Nations canoes bringing residential school survivors to the opening of the Vancouver Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Thursday, along with Vice Chairs Hancock and Luckham, they witnessed residential school survivor testimony, and Friday, Chair Malcolmson returned to witness with MP Jean Crowder.

Trustee Luckham reported: “This was an incredibly moving experience which took some time to assimilate. What I think I learned through this opportunity was that I need to listen more and share my own experiences in order to build relationships, putting our/my business agendas aside until we know each other better.”

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