The annual gathering of the Union of BC Municipalities is an opportunity to speak directly with cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats on issues of prime importance.
The City of Penticton is taking a focused approach, intending to raise the need for provincially operated, financially sustainable Car 40 program.
Councillors have confirmed appointments with Solicitor General and Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson. As well, the City has asked for a meeting with Health Minister Adrian Dix and is awaiting confirmation.
The City of Penticton’s resolution asking the Provincial Government to end the scattergun approach to funding this type of mental health support – which pairs a nurse with a police officer – is expected to be debated on Wednesday.
UBCM is an opportunity for elected representatives from councils, regional districts and First Nations to discuss issues and share possible solutions.
City of Penticton representatives will attend workshops on: investigating public safety reform, housing futures and solutions, decriminalization and harm reduction and health care reform, amongst others.
Six members of council, along with one staff member, are attending the meetings, which begin on Monday morning. The total expected cost is $25,000.