Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Sooke Council has returned from the 2025 Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) convention in Nanaimo with positive energy, strengthened regional connections, and advocacy momentum for the community.
One highlight of the convention was the unanimous support for a District of Sooke resolution calling on the Province to address the backlog of complaints before the BC Human Rights Tribunal. The resolution urges the Province to implement Recommendation #12a of the From Hate to Hope report by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner—ensuring adequate funding to the Tribunal to improve the timely resolution of discrimination complaints.
“When someone brings forward a human rights complaint, they should be met with a timely, fair and respectful response,” said Deputy Mayor Jeff Bateman. “The current 18-month turnaround is too long and the Province needs to fund additional Tribunal staff. We’re encouraged to see this call for enhanced service backed unanimously by local governments across the Island and coastal regions.”
This resolution will now proceed to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in September, where Council will also bring forward an additional advocacy item that calls for updates to outdated taxation provisions under the Local Government Act.
Currently, Section 644 only allows municipalities to collect a 1% tax on subscriber revenue from utilities like telephone and cable—omitting internet and mobile services despite these being dominant modes of communication today.
“As municipal expenses rise, tax revenue from traditional utilities is shrinking—leaving fewer financial resources available to provide the local services people rely on,” explained Deputy Mayor Bateman. “Modern communication infrastructure should be reflected in modern tax legislation.”
The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) represents local governments across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and other coastal regions. AVICC is one of five area associations under the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), creating a strong collective voice to advocate on shared challenges—from transportation and housing to infrastructure funding and climate resilience.
The annual convention brings together elected officials to network, learn, collaborate, and vote on resolutions that help shape provincial advocacy efforts. When AVICC endorses a resolution, it is submitted to UBCM for further consideration and provincial action.
Why Does Council Attend Conventions Like AVICC and UBCM? – Frequently Asked Questions
These conventions are important forums for building relationships, gaining insight on best practices, and influencing senior levels of government. They allow Council to raise local issues, gain support from peers, and push for legislative or funding changes that benefit the community.
Resolutions passed at these events can lead to direct improvements in how the Province supports communities like Sooke—through funding, updated legislation, or program adjustments. For example, Sooke’s successful resolution on the BC Human Rights Tribunal could improve access to justice for residents across the province.
Three resolutions by Sooke Council, at present, are as follows:
1. BC Human Rights Tribunal – Timely Complaint Resolution:
WHEREAS the BC Human Rights Tribunal plays a critical role in upholding and addressing human rights by delivering the “just and timely resolution of discrimination complaints under the British Columbia Human Rights Code” (Tribunal Annual Report, 2023/24);
AND WHEREAS a large backlog of complaints and a growing volume of new submissions has led to extensive adjudication delays;
AND WHEREAS additional provincial funding committed in 2023 has improved timelines but remains insufficient;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that AVICC and UBCM request the Province of British Columbia act immediately on Recommendation #12a of the From Hate to Hope report: “The Attorney General should take steps to enable the BC Human Rights Tribunal to be more responsive to hate, including by:
a. Ensuring adequate funding to the Tribunal to effectively process complaints.”
2. Update Outdated Utility Taxation in the Local Government Act:
WHEREAS Section 644(2)(a) of the Local Government Act limits the 1% utility tax to revenues from services like telephone, water, and cable;
AND WHEREAS internet and mobile services now dominate but are not included in the current definition of taxable utilities;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this outdated section of the Act be updated to reflect modern consumer habits and reverse the trend of declining municipal revenues from the 1% utility tax.
3. Funding for 911 Services:
WHEREAS the legislation does not account for internet and cellular revenues flowing to telecommunications companies or provide funding for the 911 services available primarily through cell phones;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the cost of 911 services be shifted to those benefiting from these services.
The cost of registration, travel, and accommodations is budgeted as part of Council’s annual operational budget and subject to financial oversight. The annual budget for all of Council to attend conventions such as AVICC and UBCM is currently set at $50,000.
The return on investment is notable: each year, Council brings forward concerns that result in provincial engagement, improved policies, or strengthened grant opportunities. These advocacy efforts can influence hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in funding and improvements for Sooke and similar communities.
Yes. Attending these conventions is part of Council’s mandate to represent and advocate for residents. The resolutions process is one of the most effective tools available to local governments to influence change at the provincial level.