File photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

UBCM 2022

Kamloops councillors to meet with four ministers at annual UBCM convention – but Dix declines

Sep 6, 2022 | 4:04 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) is holding it’s annual convention next week in Whistler. It’s the first in-person meeting since the pandemic began.

At UBCM, mayors, councillors and regional district area directors gather to pass resolutions aimed at supporting British Columbians across the province.

While the City of Kamloops is not sponsoring a resolution this year at the convention, there are several important motions that Kamloops mayor Ken Christian is keeping is eyes on.

“There are a number of them in and around environmental topics, which are always prevalent on their agenda. Some of the ones that are more important to me are in and around health care, mental health and addictions and the [RCMP],” said Christian.

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Along with passing resolutions, UBCM provides an opportunity for local governments to meet with the sitting provincial government and ministers to discuss challenges specific to their communities. This year, Kamloops requested a meeting with five ministers, including housing, mental health and addictions, and transportation.

“In June, I brought forward a report in my mayor’s report that talked about five meetings that we were hoping to hold. All of them have been approved, except the Ministry of Health — which I’m profoundly disappointed in,” said Christian. “But, I do have an opportunity to meet with the premier next week. And a number of other organizations that are important to Kamloops like BCLC (BC Lottery Corporation), like the TMX (Trans Mountain) project and others.”

Christian noted that the City found out Tuesday (Sept. 6) that its meeting with Adrian Dix had been declined and they are still deciding if they should meet with health ministry staff instead.

Different councillors will be leading the various meeting’s next week. Dale Bass will lead a meeting with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Bill Sarai will tackle BC Housing, Mike O’Reilly will speak with Tourism Minister Melanie Mark, while Sadie Hunter will speak to Minister Rob Fleming about Transportation.