Vaughn Palmer: NDP intimidation of local politicians bodes ill for the future

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsPoliticsOpinionColumnists Vaughn Palmer: NDP intimidation of local politicians bodes ill for the future Opinion: Departing head of Union of B.C. Municipalities decries provincial secrecy and attacks from two cabinet ministers Author of the article: By Vaughn Palmer Published Sep 18, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation Cori Ramsay has been president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities for the past year. PHOTO BY SCOTT MCALPINE /UBCM Article content VICTORIA — While the New Democrats are celebrating their much-improved prospects for re-election, they took a beating this week in a speech by the departing head of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. Article content UBCM President Cori Ramsay used her exit speech to recount the frustrations of dealing with an NDP administration that is secretive in its own dealings, slow to respond to concerns from other levels of government, and hostile to criticism. Article content Article content Article content “If I were to characterize how our members are feeling right now, the word that comes to mind is frustration,” Ramsay told delegates to the organization’s annual convention in Vancouver on Wednesday. Article content Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “Frustration with the number of people with untreated mental health and addiction issues who have no other option than to live on a street or in a park. Article content “Frustration that our business leaders are impacted by vandalism, theft and random acts of violence. Article content “Frustration that the supply of detox beds, treatment facilities, and mandatory care are nowhere close to meeting the level of need. Article content “And it is frustrating to have the province strong-arm local governments about housing targets when the province exempts itself on its targets for non-market housing.” Article content Those frustrations explain why the UBCM executive “has become much more forthright in sharing our concerns about provincial legislation and services with the public,” according to Ramsay. She revisited last year’s showdown over the NDP makeover of legislation governing archeological and other heritage sites. Article…