Running from today Mon Sept 14th to Fri at noon, UBCM provides invaluable opportunities for local government elected officials to learn, connect and decide on policy initiatives for the future. The learning aspect is done through keynote speakers, seminars and panels on current issues relevant to local governments. There’re also opportunities to meet with provincial ministers and various ministry staff. UBCM is an incredible opportunity for the newly elected to *start* to get up to speed as well as a venue for more seasoned politicos to refine their understandings and even contribute to leadership on these provincial directions. #SalmonArm has been active in all these aspects!
In terms of policy direction, there are 229 resolutions up for debate/adoption. They can be found here https://www.ubcm.ca/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026%20UBCM%20Resolutions%20Book.pdf One aspect that is often unclear to the public is that voting on these resolutions is based on those who actually attend the conference resolutions sessions. It’s not a function of what any local government table may have supported or not.
The procedural process for dealing with these resolutions is too lengthy to detail here but it works. The process culminates with UBCM reporting back to the membership the responses from higher levels of govt to the adopted resolutions.
The full UBCM program schedule is here. https://www.ubcm.ca/2026/program For me, UBCM has been the most valuable learning tool I’ve had!
