2025 AVICC-UBCM Letter and Resolution: Mental Health

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Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola  Galiano  Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
 
 
 
200-1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151    Fax  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
  January 28, 2025        File: 230-20 
 
Via email:  info@avicc.ca  
 
Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities 
525 Government Street  
Victoria BC  V8V 0A8 
 
Re: 2025 Resolution 
 
Please be advised that on January 15, 2025, the Islands Trust Executive Committee passed the 
following resolution for the 2025 AVICC Annual General Meeting: 
 
EC-2025-009 
It was MOVED and SECONDED,  
that the Executive Committee direct staff to forward a resolution with 
backgrounder for consideration at the 2025 Association of Vancouver Island and 
Coastal Communities (AVICC) and Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conventions, 
requesting that the Province implement initiatives that offer mental health 
supports tailored to the needs of local elected leaders in British Columbia. 
 
Please find attached the proposed resolution and backgrounder. 
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information. 
 
Yours truly, 
 
 
 
David Marlor 
Director, Legislative and Information Services 
 
Attachment:  
1. Islands Trust Resolution and Backgrounder re: mental health supports tailored to the 
needs of local elected leaders in British Columbia. 
 

 
P a g e 1 | 2 
 
  
2025 RESOLUTION SUBMISSION TO UBCM 
 
 
 
 
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS 
 
   
RESOLUTION: 
 
WHEREAS the stresses faced by local elected officials are increasing due to a degradation in the tone of 
civil discourse; 
AND WHEREAS additional mental health supports for local elected officials would be beneficial beyond 
what is provided by Medical Services Plan and extended health plans; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to implement 
initiatives that offer mental health supports tailored to the needs of local elected leaders in British 
Columbia. 
 
 
 
Backgrounder: 
Elected officials face considerable stress due to the nature of their roles, which involve making difficult 
decisions, managing diverse interests, and being under constant public scrutiny. The rise in vitriol and 
personal attacks in public dialogue exacerbates the mental health strain on elected officials and can lead 
to significant mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. 
The mental well-being of elected officials is directly tied to their capacity for effective leadership. Leaders 
who are mentally healthy are more likely to make sound decisions, communicate clearly, and engage 
constructively with their constituents. Proactively addressing mental health challenges helps prevent 
burnout, enabling officials to serve their communities effe

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