The Union of B.C. Municipalities wants the provincial government to help local governments in shouldering the financial burden in providing support for those experiencing homelessness, addiction or mental illness.
A Cariboo Regional District resolution heard Sept. 19 said local governments are dealing with the results of homelessness without financial supports due to new provincial legislative changes by the Province of B.C. while funding mechanisms are insufficient to meet the growing demand for services.
District director Barb Bachmeier said municipalities need to tell the province the issue is the senior government’s responsibility.
“You need other pay for it,” she said. “We’re taking care of people who have mental health problems. We’re regional districts.”
Bachmeier said regional districts have other responsibilities without those downloaded by Victoria.
“We can’t do what we’re supposed to be doing,” she said.
Addiction recovery services
The resolution said there are not enough provincial supports in place for mental wellness, increased appropriate healthcare workers in communities and addiction recovery services and supports.
The resolution asks Victoria to pay for costs incurred by local governments to address the lack of homelessness support, mental health and wellness issues, and addictions recovery services and supports.
It further asked that UBCM executives engage in discussions with the provincial government to negotiate a fair and equitable reimbursement framework for downloading services related to homelessness and mental health and addictions.
Still, Sooke Coun. Tony St-Pierre had concerns about reimbursement.
“It’s going to be very difficult to get reimbursed,” he said.
Resolution notes said such a request has not been sought before.
