Squamish's Coun. Jenna Stoner has been nominated to run for second vice president at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
Stoner, who has been a councillor with the District of Squamish since 2018, has been on the UBCM executive for the last two years: first as a director-at-large, and currently as third vice president—a position she was elected to in September 2023 in a contested election.
UBCM is the peak body of local governments in British Columbia, serving as the go-between for local government and the provincial government in Victoria.
In her nomination package that can be read in the UBCM nominee report, Stoner highlights some of the steps that the executive has taken while she has been a member, such as advancing discussions with the province on local government finance reform, efforts to advocate for local governments under the provincial housing legislation changes, and networking with fellow local government elected officials from across the province.
"My time with UBCM has shown me that despite our unique contexts, many of our challenges are shared and the issues we face today extend beyond our individual boundaries," she wrote.
"I am passionate about advancing solutions on climate issues, local government financing, housing, removing barriers for diverse candidates running for local office, and ensuring a good working relationship with other orders of government no matter what end of the political spectrum they fall on."
Stoner highlighted her experience working with stakeholders to improve natural resource management practices for improved environmental and social outcomes.
The executive leads advocacy to higher levels of government and guides efforts to co-ordinate local government cooperation.
The nomination package is for consumption by fellow local government elected officials, who will vote on nominees to the UBCM executive, and motions to put to the province at the coming September 2024 convention.
While Stoner is currently the only nominee for second vice president as of the July 31 nomination deadline, additional candidates can still be nominated at the convention itself.
Should no other candidate nominate for second vice president, Stoner will be acclaimed to the position, which is held for a year.
Just the facts
The convention will take place from Sept. 16 to 20 in Vancouver, a little over a month before the province goes to the polls to elect a provincial government. The coming convention will be coloured by the politicking of higher levels of government as the NDP seeks a third term
Traditionally, elected officials who serve as third vice president of UBCM move up the executive until they serve a term as president. There are 13 members of the executive: A president, three vice presidents, five directors-at-large, one small community representative, one electoral area representative, and two representatives from Vancouver Metro.
Besides Stoner, there is currently only one other elected official from the Sea to Sky on the executive: Coun.Jen Ford, who serves as a non-voting member as past president.
No other Sea to Sky officials have been nominated for the 2024 convention.
