News Archive

Bill 17 – 2026 House and Municipal Affairs Statutes (Codes of Conduct) Amendment Act, 2026 The LGMA welcomes the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs’ efforts to strengthen the responsible conduct framework for local elected officials. Feedback from local government staff, including through the LGMA-UBCM discussion paper, "Potential for Change: Responsible Conduct Framework for Local Government Elected Officials," has highlighted the need for greater clarity and consistency in conduct expectations. A provincewide code of conduct, supported by transparent complaint, investigation, and sanctions processes, will help enhance accountability, support healthier governance relationships, and strengthen public trust in local decision‑making. These amendments represent an important step in aiding local governments that serve communities across British Columbia. As the sector prepares for these changes, the LGMA will continue to provide education and resources for implementation. This includes hosting a pre‑conference workshop “Beyond the Code: Operationalizing Responsible Conduct in Local Government” at our 2026 Annual Conference, at the 2026 Corporate Officers Forum, and developing additional tools and knowledge sharing efforts to assist local governments in adapting to these amendments. Read the full announcement from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.

Records and Information Management Month, 2026 Records and Information Management (RIM) Month, is celebrated worldwide in April each year. Many records and information managers in local government organizations use this opportunity to raise awareness and educate staff and leadership about the importance of information management through creative, unique promotions within their organization. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively. ______________________________________________________________________ Robyn Biggar, Manager of Information Governance, City of Maple Ridge Let the Record Show the Importance of Information Governance Every local government employee creates, uses, and manages information—and plays a role in ensuring it is governed responsibly and in compliance with legislated standards. To keep staff informed about requirements and expectations, the City of Maple Ridge has launched “ For the Record” , a quarterly staff newsletter. It features archive stories, privacy and legal updates, and practical records management tips. Beyond the “what” and “why,” it uses storytelling to show how strong information governance preserves our civic identity and strengthens community through shared history. This communication is especially important as the City adopts large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI tools . While these technologies can improve local government work, they can also introduce risk if not implemented and used carefully—impacting accuracy, reliability, accountability, integrity, and compliance. Ongoing staff awareness (including through the newsletter) is a practical way to reduce organizational risk and support responsible use.  On April 1 , staff will also release an “Off the Record” edition to mark April Fools’ Day and celebrate Records and Information Management Month , using humour to boost engagement. Sample headlines include: “HEARTBREAKING: Long-anticipated time capsule full of expired A&W coupons” and “Records Centre revealed to be portal to Paper Realm.”

Member Spotlight on Lisa Spitale

Local Government Advanced Elections Workshops Online Tuesday, April 14: 1-3PM (Registration is closed) Thursday, April 23: 1-3PM (Registration is closed) Wednesday, April 29: 10AM-12PM If you are responsible for, or supporting your local government election, this advanced workshop is for you! The LGMA will be holding a series of Advanced Elections Workshops for local government and school officials in advance of the 2026 General Local Government Elections. Representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Elections BC, and the LGMA Elections Advisory Committee will be leading the workshops by Zoom. These workshops are designed to supplement the 2026 BC Local Elections Manual helping to prepare employees with all the tools, skills, and confidence needed to hold a successful local government or school trustee election. If your local government has not yet purchased the new manual, order your copy today . Format: The workshop will be held virtually using Zoom, facilitated by LGMA Elections Advisory Committee members, representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and Elections BC. Fees: $385 + GST (members), $440 + GST (non-members) Participants only need to register for ONE workshop date; they will each cover the same content. Review the brochure . Please select the workshop you would like to attend: Register online for April 29, 2026 (registration closes April 15, 2026) Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be provided after registration closes for each workshop.

Focus on your management skills and develop your career in local government through a two-week reciprocal exchange with a partner manager in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our thoughts are with Tumbler Ridge We at the LGMA are deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place on February 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, to those who were injured, and to everyone in the community who has been impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with the residents of Tumbler Ridge as they navigate this profound loss. Our hearts are with the District of Tumbler Ridge, first responders, emergency personnel, mental health providers, and all those who are caring for the community during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that you are not facing this tragedy alone. Local governments across the province are holding you in their thoughts, grieving alongside you, and hoping for healing in the days ahead. We also recognize the trauma experienced by survivors, school staff, and all those supporting the community’s response and recovery. For local and First Nations government staff who may be personally affected or involved in response efforts, mental health resources can be found on our website . Our thoughts are with Tumbler Ridge.

Winter 2026 Exchange Magazine - Overwhelm and Burnout: Prioritizing Wellness The winter 2026 issue of Exchange magazine, " Overwhelm and Burnout: Prioritizing Wellness ,” is now available. This edition explores the important skill of learning how to manage stress before it leads to burnout. Instead of the usual case studies you see in Exchange, three experts share their deep insights into the many facets of mental health. You’ll hear from a former local government leader with firsthand experience of harassment and bullying and the toll it took on their mental health. Executive Coach Barry Forward shares insights into the challenges facing leaders across B.C. and strategies to support personal mental health in a high-stress environment. And HR specialist Denise Lloyd discusses why leaders need to commit to long-term, ongoing mental health support strategies in the workplace and how to do it. We have a packed edition to add to your winter reading list.

2026 BC Local Elections Manual Now Available for Purchase!

Aotearoa New Zealand Exchange Report Last year, Linda Glenday, CAO for the District of Squamish, was selected as the successful applicant for LGMA’s 2025–2026 Overseas Exchange Program . Representing British Columbia, she attended the Taituarā Conference in Aotearoa New Zealand in September 2025. In June 2026, she will host her exchange partner, Jenni Cochrane, Group Manager Customer Experience, Matamata-Piako District Council. Linda’s full report on her experience is now available on the LGMA website.