Municipalities Push Back Against B.C. Government Policies

Municipal representatives from across British Columbia are preparing to confront the provincial government during the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention, scheduled for Sept. 14 to Sept. 18 in Vancouver. Local leaders plan to present three special resolutions targeting what they describe as an expanding “climate of secrecy” and the loss of critical community funding streams.

A primary point of contention is the provincial ministry’s widespread application of non-disclosure agreements. UBCM president Cori Ramsay stated that municipal employees are increasingly required to sign NDAs prior to discussing routine matters with provincial counterparts, sometimes before the subject of the meeting is even disclosed.

While acknowledging that non-disclosure agreements are appropriate at specific stages to safeguard cabinet confidentiality, Ramsay noted that current practices prevent transparent discussion on subjects of public interest. The executive’s resolution requests that the province restrict NDA requirements during local consultations to exceptional circumstances only.

Funding Reversals Cause Financial Strain

Local governments are also challenging the cancellation of $775 million from the Community Housing Fund, an intake suspended without advance warning during February’s provincial budget announcement. Ramsay indicated that 89 communities experienced lost investment on projects already underway, highlighting that developments in Parksville and Squamish had each spent approximately $1 million prior to the decision.

Wildfire preparedness represents another key area of friction. Concerns emerged early in the year when communities including West Kelowna reported diminishing FireSmart resources. The province subsequently limited the remaining $25 million by excluding fuel management and recovery initiatives, roughly six months before declaring a provincial state of emergency for wildfires. Municipalities are advocating for a predictable, long-term funding framework to enable multi-year wildfire mitigation efforts.

Upcoming Political Engagement

The upcoming convention takes place one month prior to local government elections set for Oct. 17. Despite the timing, Ramsay expects robust attendance from mayors and councillors, whether they intend to retire or seek re-election.

In addition to debating resolutions, delegates are scheduled to hear from provincial figures including Premier David Eby and B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Agenda topics also include discussion on the local impacts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and modern treaty implementation.

Conditional Discharge Handed Down in Nanaimo Court

A former Vancouver Island police officer who had a sexual encounter with a vulnerable woman following his shift will avoid a criminal record if he successfully completes an 18-month probation sentence.

Mark Tyler Hilland, 47, received a conditional discharge in B.C. provincial court in Nanaimo from Judge Reginald Harris on Friday, Sept. 11. Hilland had previously entered a guilty plea to breach of trust by a public officer in relation to a July 2, 2024 incident.

Details of the Offence and Court Findings

According to an agreed statement of facts, Hilland was completing paperwork in his service vehicle when he was approached by an Indigenous woman with whom he was acquainted. Her identity is protected by a publication ban. Unknown to Hilland at the time, she had prior involvement in the sex trade.

After Hilland left for an assignment, the woman was propositioned by another man for sex—an interaction described by Crown counsel Andrew McLean as negative and triggering traumatic past memories. Though she reported that encounter to police, Hilland was unaware of her report.

Later that evening, Hilland noticed she appeared distressed and asked how she was feeling. During their conversation, she exhibited flirtatious behavior and gave him her address, phone number, and door code, inviting him over once his shift ended. Following his shift on July 3, 2024, Hilland called her, visited her residence, and the two had consensual sex.

When they met again later, Hilland called the encounter a mistake and stated he would no longer contact her. Although she initially accepted this, she yelled an obscenity as he drove away and reported his actions to the Nanaimo RCMP.

PTSD Diagnosis and Impact

The court heard that Hilland was diagnosed in 2019 with post-traumatic stress disorder, alongside depression, mood alterations, and sleep difficulties. Before this event, he had served in high-crime or demanding posts, including Fort St. James and Gabriola Island, and responded to most critical incidents while stationed in Nanaimo.

Judge Harris determined that Hilland was suffering from PTSD during the incident, concluding that without the disorder, he would not have engaged in the impulsive and self-destructive behavior. While Crown counsel sought a suspended sentence that would entail a criminal record, defence counsel Brad Kielmann argued for a conditional discharge.

In granting the discharge, Harris noted Hilland’s lack of a prior criminal record, good character, and the severe impact a record would have on his employment. Harris ruled that a discharge was not contrary to the public interest despite the harm caused to the community and the woman’s vulnerability.

Probation Terms and Departure from Force

The victim did not submit a victim impact statement but told police she feared Hilland might return, experienced sleep disruptions, and worried about her parents’ reactions, noting it took a year to feel like herself again.

Under the conditions of his 18-month probation order, Hilland is forbidden from contacting the woman and must write a letter of apology to be delivered through his probation officer. His employment with the RCMP officially ended on Aug. 14 when he was discharged.

Expanding New Party Becomes B.C.’s Third-Largest Caucus

Richmond-area MLA Teresa Wat has joined the newly formed provincial political party established by former Opposition finance critic Peter Milobar. Wat becomes the sixth member to join the still-unnamed group, which will form the third-largest caucus in the British Columbia legislature behind the NDP and the Conservatives when the assembly reconvenes next month.

Milobar, who serves as the interim leader, stated that Wat’s addition on Friday demonstrates growing momentum for a serious right-of-centre alternative aimed at addressing concerns over government spending and sector declines under the current New Democrat administration.

Tensions Lead to Conservative Departures

The party’s membership is composed entirely of former provincial Conservatives who left the caucus in recent weeks amidst dissatisfaction with party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Nine legislators in total have resigned from the Conservatives following Findlay’s narrow leadership victory in May, with some critics suggesting the party has moved too far to the right and imposed rigid political purity tests.

Wat originally announced her resignation from the Conservative caucus on Aug. 26, pointing to unaddressed accusations made by Findlay that questioned her allegiance to Canada. Findlay later held a private meeting with Wat to apologize directly for the comments, while also characterising Wat’s departure as a betrayal of local campaign workers and supporters who backed her during the 2024 election.

Legislative Ranks Grow Ahead of By-Election

Wat, who was first elected to the B.C. legislature in 2013 as a member of the BC Liberals, explained that her decision to join Milobar’s caucus stems from a desire to offer a credible, unified alternative focused on affordability and competent governance.

Milobar and fellow defector Ian Paton initially launched the party last month after quitting the Conservatives. Their caucus expanded last week with the additions of Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and A’a:liya Warbus before Wat’s joining. These political shifts come just ahead of a Sept. 26 byelection in Abbotsford-Mission, which will decide whether Findlay secures a seat in the provincial legislature.