Written by: Anna Lilly, Katie Shaw + Anita Zaenker
The annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, the largest gathering of local government representatives in British Columbia, takes on extra significance in 2024. This year’s event will be held just days before the provincial election is called, officially launching the campaign that culminates on October 19, election day. This timing makes UBCM an essential platform for municipal and provincial leaders alike to discuss key issues affecting communities across the province.
Here are the top three things to watch for at UBCM 2024:
1. Election year dynamics: How will the BC NDP show up?
Premier David Eby and his cabinet will have a significant presence at UBCM, due to provincial cabinet members’ commitment to meet with local government officials from across the province during the annual convention. However, the upcoming election means that many BC NDP MLAs will prioritize local campaigning, making it unclear how visible the caucus will be at the convention. Premier Eby’s speech scheduled for Thursday, September 19, will be a key moment, as will the cabinet town halls on Housing, Emergency Preparedness and Stronger Public Services (i.e. health, education and childcare) taking place Wednesday, September 18.
Meanwhile, what was once a race between the BC NDP, BC United and BC Conservatives is now shaping up to be a two-party contest with the rise of John Rustad’s Conservatives. As the new “it” figure in BC politics, Rustad has made waves with increasing support, particularly in rural areas. His speech on Friday, September 20, could mark a critical turning point in his campaign to be the next Premier, as the Conservatives aim to solidify themselves as the only alternative to the BC NDP. With BC United leader Kevin Falcon suspending that party’s campaign, Rustad has a real opportunity to take centre stage at UBCM, especially among municipal leaders who align with his party’s platform.
2. The impact of the BC NDP’s housing legislation: What are municipal leaders saying?
Premier Eby’s government has introduced sweeping housing reforms aimed at speeding up approvals and mandating municipalities to accommodate new housing development. These policies, which remove some powers from municipalities to control housing supply, have sparked tension between larger cities that support increased housing supply and smaller municipalities that feel pressured to comply.
Expect sharp debate among municipal leaders on the convention floor, particularly around resolutions related to housing and urban development. The UBCM Resolutions Book includes several housing-related motions, such as calls for better coordination between local and provincial governments on housing policy. These discussions will be crucial in understanding how the province’s housing strategy is playing out across BC communities.
3. Small towns vs. big cities: Who will lead the discussion?
As always, UBCM brings together leaders from BC’s diverse communities, from urban centres to smaller, rural towns. Their priorities often diverge, and UBCM is the forum where these differences are negotiated. While bigger cities may focus on transit, housing, and climate change, smaller towns are more likely to discuss economic revitalization and resource management.
A notable resolution this year attempts to address the tension between urban and rural communities, by seeking to harmonize policy frameworks that support economic development in rural areas while maintaining urban growth strategies. This resolution speaks to the broader challenge of balancing BC’s future growth across its many regions.
What else to watch for?
Premier Eby’s recent announcement that BC may scrap its consumer carbon tax if the federal government removes its backstop has caused a stir. This move is seen by some as an attempt by Eby to recapture centrist voters who feel squeezed by the rising cost of living. With the BC Conservatives positioning themselves as staunch opponents of the carbon tax, this policy shift is Eby’s way of appealing to voters who might otherwise be swayed by Rustad’s platform.
John Rustad has criticized the announcement as a political “flip-flop,” accusing Eby of pandering to voters ahead of the election. Rustad’s message of scrapping the carbon tax entirely, regardless of federal policies, is resonating with many rural voters, making this a key issue in the election.
With UBCM happening just before the election is called, the convention will provide a window into how these dynamics will play out in the weeks leading up to election day.
Be sure to connect with our team from Earnscliffe during the convention, to find out their views on the dynamics at play and insights into what’s happening behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more analysis following the convention.
