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| Original News Release |
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| Original News Release |
New Provincial and Local Government Relations
· The community charteris the most empowering local government statute in Canada. It goes further than any provincial legislation in recognizing municipalities as an order of government.
· The charter transfers provincial authority to where it belongs: with local municipal councils who can best reflect the wishes of their citizens. Municipal councils will report to their citizens instead of the provincial government.
· The charter means municipalities will not need provincial government approval on decisions of concern to their communities. For example, municipalities will be able to decide on road closures without going to the province.
· The provincial government will continue to have authority over the economy, environment, wildlife and public health to protect the broad interests of provincial taxpayers.
Greater Autonomy to Better Meet Community Needs
· Municipalities will have greater authority in areas of community interest. These areas include: · Bylaws and regulations · Activities in a public place · Road closures · Nuisances · Animals · Trees
· Municipalities will also be able to work with other local governments to co-ordinate regulations. For example, business licensing could be harmonized throughout a region, making it easier to apply for licensing within a larger area. Building a Stronger Economy
· The community charter will cut red tape, reduce regulations and give municipalities new tools to develop public-private partnerships.
· The charter will give municipalities the tools to create a strong local partnership with the business sector and local citizens, thereby helping to promote local economic development.
· Municipalities will also have broader powers to negotiate land developments and the use of open spaces to reflect the views of local citizens.
Greater Accountability
· Enhanced municipal powers are balanced with increased public accountability. Councils will be required to promote public participation in local decision-making.
· The charter provides new accountability tools, such as mandatory annual reports and public meetings. Councils can also go to an alternative approval process or referendum.
· The charter establishes tough new ethics requirements, providing guidance for council members and increased public confidence in municipal officials and the local democratic process.
Protection Against Downloading
· Downloading is defined as an action by the provincial government that assigns responsibilities to local government without providing requisite resources.
· The community charter ensures that before new responsibilities are assigned to municipalities, there must be resources to fulfil the responsibilities. This is a new level of protection for B.C. communities.
· However, the province is responsible and will be held accountable for managing provincial services responsibly.
· Over the last few months, some have interpreted the ban on downloading as a ban on change. The province cannot commit to insulating communities from change.
· It is equally important that there be no uploading. As local governments have pointed out, there is only one taxpayer. The province has specific responsibilities and will manage those within existing resources. Local governments also have explicit responsibilities and will have to manage within their financial means.
The charter and further information are available online.
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