Announcements
PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, CLEANBC
Applications now accepted for the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program!
The Province of British Columbia’s CleanBC Go Electric programming is making clean transportation more affordable and accessible for British Columbians. CleanBC Go Electric includes programs focused on electric vehicle public awareness, rebates for zero-emission vehicles and chargers, targeted investments in public charging, hydrogen fueling stations, zero-emission fleets and commercial transport, as well as jobs training and economic development.
The recently announced CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program (the Program) is a sub-program of the CleanBC Go Electric initiative and is intended to increase the number of public direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations throughout B.C. to support the growing number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road. The Program aims to target current gaps in the public DCFC network in B.C. such as Indigenous communities, rural and northern areas, and city centers experiencing long queues for DCFCs due to high ZEV uptake.
The Province and its delivery partner, the Fraser Basin Council Society, are pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the Public Charger Program! Successful applicants may be eligible for incentives of up to $80,000 per DCFC, with enhanced incentives of up to $130,000 per DCFC for Indigenous communities. Go to pluginbc.ca/publiccharger for more information and to apply. Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis and reviewed regularly.
MINISTRY OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Guidance for Open Meetings & Electronic Meetings
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has developed a guidance document for local government meetings and public hearings. In accordance with current PHO Orders and Ministerial Order 192, the public is now restricted from attending all local government meetings and public hearings in person. Download the guidance document here. (PDF)
MINISTRY OF LABOUR
Temporary Layoff Variance Process: Variance Application Deadlines
May Be Approaching
A version of this announcement has been sent to Chief Administrative Officers and local government HR Directors by the Local Government Management Association of BC.
The Ministry of Labour has noted that many employers requested four-month variances which will expire near the end of December 2020.
In Summer, 2020, a “COVID-19 Emergency Layoff” period was in place to extend the temporary layoff period under the Employment Standards Act to 24 weeks, expiring August 30, 2020. All variances have an expiry date, and when you are within 30 days of that expiry you will get an email from the Employment Standards Branch of B.C. notifying you that if you wish to seek a renewal to a later date, you must take action before your variance expires.
It is a simple, online process so employers and workers in non-unionized workplaces can jointly apply to the Employment Standards Branch to extend a temporary layoff period and renew a Variance. The online form, employee informed consent tool and additional resources can be found here: https://www.gov.bc.ca/covidlayoffs
B.C.’s Ministry of Labour recommends that employers submit their variance applications early to avoid the potential of permanent staff layoffs and compensation for length of service to eligible workers upon the expiry of the employer’s Temporary Layoff Variance.
The Employment Standards Branch reviews the application. Employers will be notified once the variance is decided. Employers are encouraged to submit their variance application at least 5 days before expiry of their current Variance and earlier if possible, for processing.
Questions? Call the support line at 1-833-236-3700 or email [email protected].
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
Local Government Certificates Awarded
Several local government employees have been recognized for their education and work experience while working in the local government field in BC, and are being awarded a Certificate by the Board of Examiners. Congratulations to the following individuals:
Certificate in Local Government Service Delivery
Jennifer Bruns, Director of Corporate Services, District of Houston
Pamela Martin, Council Secretary, City of Victoria
Alisa Thompson, Corporate Administrator, City of Terrace
Certificate in Local Government Administration
William Brown, Director of Development Services, Township of Esquimalt
Certificate in Local Government Statutory Administration
Sharon Froud, Deputy Legislative Manager / Deputy Corporate Officer, District of Saanich
Alisa Thompson, Corporate Administrator, City of Terrace
RECONNECT PEOPLE, LAND AND WATER IN ALTERED LANDSCAPES
The Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, the non-profit society responsible for delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan, has reached the 10-year milestone. To mark the moment, the Partnership published Celebration of Our Story: Genesis / First Decade / What Next. Structured in two parts, “Our Story” first sketches an outline of many ideas and nuances about the work of The Partnership. The second part is a deeper dive into the story behind the story. It paints a picture that stretches over three decades. The strokes are broad-brush. The reader will learn that the combination of a guiding philosophy, committed team members and timely actions built the foundation for The Partnership’s record of success. The Partnership’s mix of program initiatives are building blocks for reconnecting people, land and water.
AUDITOR GENERAL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
TWO PERSPECTIVES BOOKLETS RELEASED
“Primer on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: Considerations for Local Government Council and Board Members”
This Perspectives booklet is written mainly for elected officials; however, it also contains a number of sections which provide a level of detail that may prove useful to senior management and staff. The booklet aims to highlight the importance of capital project governance and outline the fundamental concepts of capital project management. We hope it will help local governments enhance their capital project management practices.
“Sustainable Financing in Drinking Water Management: Considerations for Local Government Administrators”
This Perspectives booklet is the last booklet in a four-part series that addresses local governments’ role in supplying drinking water. This fourth booklet provides an overview of concepts that local governments should have an awareness of to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of drinking water provision. We hope it will help local governments develop strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of their drinking water systems.
CLIMATE ACTION PLANNER
The Community Energy Association has created a simple and interactive tool that allows any community in BC see their current GHG emissions, their future emissions without action, and the results of high-impact actions to reduce emissions. The Climate Action Planner is an excellent way for local governments, elected officials, and other stakeholders to see in real-time how implementing different actions will impact their path to meeting climate targets.
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