UBCM reputation

Their reputation isn't great.

Seems more and more people are noticing that.

         "Many UBCM issues are

          just for media attention"

Political observer, Norm Ruff, explains not all of this year's 200+ resolutions will actually be considered, says a story by Jesse Johnston.

"Ruff says the convention is often more about gaining public support for an idea than swaying the BC government to take action," notes Jesse.

So we'll take a look at the IDEAS that are being presented by North Okanagan elected officials in Victoria this week....in between lavish dinners and taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation.

Resolutions submitted by our area:

Regional District of North Okanagan, 4 resolutions: 

• B12 SUPPORT FOR PROVINCIAL COMMUNITY RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING PROGRAMS; 

• B53 REQUIREMENTS TO EXEMPT NECESSARY WATER WORKS PROJECTS FROM ELECTOR APPROVAL;

• B63 PROVINCIAL FUNDING FOR CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE; 

• B150 TAX BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Vernon, 5 resolutions: 

• B31 USE OF RECLAIMED WATER; 
• B124 WILDLIFE TRAPPING;
• B129 SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR CLASS 6 BUSINESSES;
• B138 BUSINESS CLASS EXEMPTION;
• B145 BUILDING REGULATIONS - NON-POTABLE WATER.

Spallumcheen, 1 resolution:

• B102 COMMUNITY WATER SERVICING.

Lumby...to their credit, they sent neither representatives, nor a resolution to the UBCM!

 

Coldstream, 1 resolution:

• B35 BUY BC.

The full UBCM document (183 pages) of 200+ resolutions, by number, is available here:

So let's have a look at what Coldstream's Mayor and Council have decided to send to delegates for their consideration:

     "B35 BUY BC Coldstream

WHEREAS the former BUY BC program has been the most successful food and beverage advertising

program every jointly undertaken by the provincial government and private industry;

AND WHEREAS the current economic climate has created challenges for our agricultural sector:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government of BC reinstate and fund the BUY BC

program for agricultural products.

ENDORSED BY THE SOUTHERN INTERIOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Endorse

UBCM RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE COMMENTS:

The Resolutions Committee notes that the UBCM membership has consistently supported the promotion of local BC agricultural products (i.e. tree fruits) as well as the promotion of BC products, generally (2007-B175, 2002-B98, 2010-B100). In 2011, members endorsed resolution B56, which called upon the Province to honour its commitments from the BC Agriculture Plan, “Growing a Healthy Future for BC Families”, to invest $2 million annually in an industry-led marketing program that would increase public awareness and branding of BC grown and processed food; and increase support for agricultural extension services by $500,000 annually. In response to the 2011 resolution the provincial government stated (in part):

“The Ministry of Agriculture (Ministry) recognizes the benefits of increased promotion and marketing of local production, both to producers and the public. The BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) and the Ministry have extended the current Buy BC licensing agreement to 2015. In addition, the trademarks associated with this program have also been re-registered for another 15 years. The Buy BC licensing program forms the foundation of the branding program and clearly demonstrates government’s commitment to this initiative. Ministry staff are currently reviewing options to re-instate this program.”

The Province has highlighted promoting BC products abroad as one of the elements of its recently released BC Agrifoods: A Strategy for Growth as part of BC’s Job Action Plan. (March 2012)

Conference decision: __________________________________________"

Yawn!

Why "yawn"?

Because right here at home...not 400 km away from the UBCM meetings, someone is actually DOING something.  The Armstrong Food Initiative Society is hosting a Food and Farm Celebration Tour this Saturday.

Not lobbying bureaucrats and officials on the Coast!

They're promoting local farms!

"This is a chance for residents and visitors to see where our local food comes from," states AFIS rep Lisa Scott.

Today's Morning Star reports: "Among the farms slated to take part in the tour are the Armstrong Community Garden, Village Cheese, Chocoliro Finest Chocolates, Armstrong Farmers' Market, Maw's Orchards, The Tree Farm, Pilgrim's Produce, Roger's Foods and the Pumpkin Patch.  Also included will be stops at Hullcar Hall for an old-fashioned breakfast, followed by the North Okanagan Ploughing Match.

Each stop is free and tours are self-guided.  In addition to the Food and Farm Celebration Series, AFIS hosts two community gardens in Armstrong, facilitates its Food Exchange Program and Gleaning Program and offers an almost-monthly Speakers Series."

Now that's being effective at promoting farming, not asking for a marketing program to be resurrected, as Coldstream's elected officials are doing!

Congratulations, AFIS, on your efforts to promote farming!

Back to the UBCM Resolutions:

Other resolutions that may be of interest to local residents are:

• A2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN MUNICIPAL TAXATION
• B8 EXPERT PANEL REVIEW OF BUSINESS TAXATION
• B11 LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS
• B12 SUPPORT FOR PROVINCIAL COMMUNITY RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING PROGRAMS
• B13 INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING CRITERIA
• B14 FLOOD PROTECTION INFRASTRUCTURE

So these are the resolutions our elected officials are contemplating during the annual UBCM, as well as ministerial meetings.

"They're spending our money schmoozing on the Coast," sniffs Kia.

Coldstream's Mayor and Council are good at that.