Local government leaders see how mental health crises are handled in their municipality or regional district. Their input into provincial system changes is imperative to ensure that new systems meet the particular needs of their communities. 

In May 2022, Network Chair Stacy Ashton met with local leaders at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA) annual conference. The conference created an opportunity for the Network to speak with municipal government leaders about the integration of crisis lines with 9-1-1, funding the integration and upgrades to the emergency response services through the 9-1-1 wireless call levy, and the creation of a mental health crisis response system.

At the Union of BC Municipalities Convention held in September 2022, the membership of UBCM put forward resolution EB42: New Provincial Mandate and Funding for 9-1-1, asking the Province for an equitable funding solution for BC’s crisis response services. 

The BC Crisis Line Network launched a province-wide campaign, engaging with all local government leaders to inform them of the critical work being done by the Network’s members and encouraging them to vote in favour of resolution EB42. “A vote for Resolution EB42 is a vote towards ensuring every British Columbian, regardless of where they live in the province, has the right to equitable and easy access to mental health crisis support - the kind of support BC crisis lines have been delivering for over fifty years,” stated the Network's appeal letter. 
​
The resolution passed and following the 2022 municipal elections, the Network approached the newly elected counsellors and mayors to garner more detailed input through a survey. The goal of the survey was to collect feedback from the local government leaders on aspects of the proposed mental health crisis response system, as well as hear from the leaders about what would work best for their particular communities.
​
Throughout 2023, members of the BC Crisis Line Network attended Local Governance Association conferences on Vancouver Island, in the Kootenay & Boundary region, the Southern Interior region, the North Central region, and the Lower Mainland.

Materials Presented to Municipal Governments​.

Title: BC Crisis Line Network - LGA Brief
Date delivered: April-May 2023
Presented to: Local Government Association Conventions 
(AVICC) Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities 
(AKBLG) Association of Kootenay & Boundary Local Governments
(SILGA) Southern Interior Local Government Association
(LMLGA) Lower Mainland Local Government Association
(NCLGA) North Central Local Government Association 
LINK TO THE PDF VERSION

Title: AKBLGA 2023 Crisis Line Network Presentation
Date delivered:  April 21, 2023
Presented to: (AKBLG) Association of Kootenay & Boundary Local Governments Convention
LINK TO THE PDF SLIDES
​
Title: NCLGA Crisis Line Network Presentation 
Date delivered: May 11, 2023
Presented to: (NCLGA) North Central Local Government Association Convention
​LINK TO THE PDF SLIDES

Title: BC Crisis Line Network - City of Duncan Presentation
Date delivered: January 16, 2023
Presented to: City Council of Duncan
LINK TO THE PDF SLIDES

Title: BC Crisis Line Network - Village of Gold River Presentation
Date delivered: February 6, 2023
Presented to: City Council of Gold River
LINK TO THE PDF SLIDES

Title: LMLGA Issues Brief
Date delivered: May 1, 2022
Presented to: (LMLGA) Lower Mainland Local Government Association
LINK TO THE PDF VERSION