23 resolutions were passed at the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) conference in Prince Rupert on May 14, 2025. The resolutions were raised by different municipal governments and regional districts in northern B.C.
Streamlining licensing for healthcare professionals
Because of a significant shortage of healthcare professionals in B.C., combined with the current lengthy process for licensing out-of-province and internationally trained healthcare professionals, the City of Fort St. John submit a proposal to streamline the process.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) lobby the provincial government regarding this.
Addressing rural physical shortages
Rural and remote communities face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining primary care physicians. The City of Dawson Creek raised a proposal arguing that the expansion of the Practice Ready Assessment-British Columbia program's eligible communities and the implementation of the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model has contributed to these shortages.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to reassess these recent changes.
Mental health support for local elected officials
The Cariboo Regional District raised the point hat the local elected officials are facing increased levels of stress "due to a degradation in the tone of civil discourse," and the current supports provided by the Medical Services Plan and extended health plans."
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to implement initiatives that offer supports tailored towards the needs of local leaders. However, a point was raised that this resolution was not specific enough and did not have "enough meat on its bones."
Rural foundry centres
Youth in rural and remote B.C. are facing mental health and wellness challenges similar to their peers in urban areas and Foundry BC's in-person centres are mostly located in urban areas.
The District of Mackenzie's resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to commit to establishing these centres. However, a point was raised that this resolution was also not specific enough.
Psychiatric hospital for northern B.C.
In the face of the drug use epidemic, the rise in homelessness and increases in related crimes, the District of Vanderhoof and Village of Fort St. James argued that the region needs a psychiatric hospital.
The reasons they argued include how psychiatric patients are sometimes "either released prematurely or forced to be admitted ot acute care hospital beds causing cancelled surgeries, emergency department overcrowding, long [ER] waits and violence in [ER] rooms, and staff attrition."
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM endorse and advocate for the provincial government to work with the Northern Health Authority to open a psychiatric hospital in the region.
Regional secure psychiatric care facility
The City of Prince George raised the point that they have a role as a regional service hub for these types of facilities.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government for the construction of a standalone secure psychiatric care facility in Prince George.
Support for individuals in recovery
Individuals returning to communities after completing addiction treatment often face barriers like a lack of stable housing, employment opportunities, mental health support and community reintegration services. The absence of wraparound supports such as second-stage housing, case management, peer support and access to mental health and substance abuse services, increases the risk of relapsing.
The District of Chetwynd's resolution was passed, asking for the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to address these barriers and increase the availability of these supports, as well as work in collaboration with municipalities, Indigenous communities, health authorities and non-profit organizations to ensure that there is equitable access.
Co-op housing program and sustainable funding for housing
The City of Fort St. John argued that local governments need additional funding streams to address housing insecurity.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to provide funding streams such as proceeds from civil forfeiture, cannabis and liquor taxes, and provincial gambling revenues.
Lowering financial barriers for community housing projects
BC Housing Community Housing Fund (CHF) provides critical support to develop affordable housing projects across the province, but the significant upfront costs required to submit an application are a barrier.
The Town of Smithers' resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate to BC Housing and the provincial government to make the application process more affordable.
Funding off-site works for affordable housing
The Province of B.C. has made significant investments into housing initiatives, such as the CHF, Rapid Response to Homelessness and the Supportive Housing Fund. However, these initiatives sometimes underfund the cost to deliver the required infrastructure upgrades.
The Town of Smithers' resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government and BC Housing t complete all housing project off-site works to municipal standards or provide direct funding for municipalities to make infrastructure upgrades.
Speculation and vacancy tax
The District of Kitimat raised the issue that in the past decade, properties have been purchased by both individuals and investment firms across Canada, only to be left empty for a number of years. This causes not only a strain on the housing market but these properties are becoming nuisance properties.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate for the provincial government to grant B.C. municipalities the option to opt into the Speculation and Vacancy Tax program, specifically to target properties that have been vacant for two or more years.
Initial fire attack crew relocation
The District of Chetwynd raised the point that their initial fire attack crew base was moved away from them without proper consultation.
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to return and maintain all initial fire attack crew bases in their current locations, as well as not relocate them without significant local stakeholder consultation.
Emergency social services grant funding for capital costs
The Emergency Social Services program provides critical support during emergencies and disasters, ensuring that communities can deliver services such as reception centres, food, shelter and basic needs. However, many local governments have facilities or infrastructure in need of upgrades or renovations to improve their capacity to deliver these kinds of services.
The Town of Smithers' resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to amend the existing program to include capital or renovation costs as eligible expenses.
Release of prolific offenders in communities
The City of Williams Lake discussed in their proposal how communities across B.C. are facing unprecedented costs and public safety impacts causing by "the revolving door of prolific offenders being released into communities."
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the Attorney General for Canada and B.C. to address this issue by using GPS monitoring of offenders out on bail and how local jurisdictions cannot afford to allocate taxpayer dollars to funding the increasing policing and community costs.
Creating regional crime prevention officer positions for rural B.C.
Rural communities in B.C. face challenges related to having limited law enforcement and the absence of specialized crime prevention officers.
The City of Dawson Creek's resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM advocate to the provincial government to create and funding these positions.
Managing policing contract costs through engagement in RCMP collective bargaining
The City of Terrace's resolution was passed that in an effort to manage contract costs to municipalities, NCLGA and UBCM lobby the federal government to manually engage with provinces and territories during collective bargaining with the RCMP.
Currently, municipalities with a population over 5,000 are responsibile for providing and bearing the necessary expenses of policing and law enforcement.
Addressing RCMP staffing and contract costs
Similarly, the City of Fort St. John argued that RCMP contracted costs represent a significant portion of annual budgets for municipalities. However, there is no way to independently verify those costs.
The resolution was passed that NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to develop a method for municipalities to independently verify RCMP invoices.
Conservation officer advocacy
The provincial government is responsible for managing the BC Conservation Officer Service, which currently has around 150 officers to cover a geographically vast region.
The City of Prince George argued that the service needs additional resources to "adequately address public safety, focus on natural resource law enforcement, off road vehicle enforcement, illegal dumping, human wildlife conflicts prevention, and respond to wildlife human conflict."
The resolution was passed that NCLGA and UBCM advocate for the provincial government to provide the funding, offices and staffing to fully support the service so that they can be more active and proactive in their work.
Allocation of wildlife revenues to conservation
Licensed hunters and trappers contribute significantly to B.C.'s economy, generating over $600 million in revenue and paying approximately $12 million in fees. However, these currently go into general provincial revenue rather than directly supporting conservation efforts.
The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine's resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to dedicate all revenues form hunting and trapping licenses, fines and penalties to wildlife and habitat conservation.
Moose habitat conservation in landscape planning
Provincial moose research identified the need for intensive landscape-scale management to stem moose population decline, as well as consider vegetation composition and re-growth during forestry planning. Moose also serve as a role as a food source, and have cultural importance for First Nations.
The Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake's resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to add moose habitat as a value to all future forestry landscape planning and resource development projects where moose use as habitat.
Biodiverse climate resilient ecosystems
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechalko argued, "community based ecological knowledge, combined with scientific data and understanding is the best way to plan for climate adaptation."
Their resolution was passed that NCLGA and UBCM request the provincial government to establish and empower collaborative landscape level planning tables.
Balanced emissions policies
The Peace River Regional District and District of Taylor raised the point hat B.C.'s natural gas sector has taken significant actions to address emissions, including a 47 per cent reduction in methane emissions between 2014 and 2021.
They argued that a sectoral emissions cap would "restrict upstream natural gas production, discourage investment, and shift development to jurisdictions with weaker environmental regulations, resulting in job losses and no meaningful net reduction in global emissions."
The resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM urge the provincial government to not implement such a cap and instead, collaborate with industry to develop "balanced, competitive emissions policies that support investment while maintaining environmental progress."
Nuclear energy in B.C.
The District of Mackenzie's resolution was passed that the NCLGA and UBCM lobby the provincial government to review the Clean Energy Act, specifically to study the feasibility of a reversal on the current prohibition on nuclear energy.
However, a debate was stirred on the topic, causing the votes to be counted. The resolution passed 52-48.
Remaining resolutions
As there was no other agenda item for resolutions at the conference, it was decided that the remaining resolutions will be referred to the executive for consideration.
