News

Joint Webinar: Strategizing for UBCM Minister Meetings

Held on August 27, 2026, this webinar provided timely information on how to best prepare and strategize in advance of Ministers Meetings at UBCM. Participants learned principles and practical strategies to prioritize and align their ask with current government and Minister priorities. They learned how to effectively focus and shape their presentations, to best communicate their ask and get to a “yes” from Ministers. Participants had opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A portion of the webinar.

Webinar Resources:

Presentation Slides

Webinar Recording

Co-hosted in partnership with the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC), Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA), Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA), and Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments (AKBLG).

About the Speakers:

Shirley Bond Shirley Bond has spent her life working to improve the lives of people who live in Northern British Columbia. Her public service includes three terms on the Prince George School Board, more than two decades as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and a passionate community volunteer. She has more than 16 years of Cabinet experience, including serving as Deputy Premier and the first female Attorney General and Minister of Justice in BC history. She has served as Leader of the Official Opposition and in several Opposition Critic roles.

Aileen Machell With more than 15 years of senior government, communications, and media experience, Aileen is a leading public-affairs strategist in Western Canada. Her public service includes work across two provincial governments and three premiers, including as Communications Director to Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry during the COVID-19 pandemic. She most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Premier David Eby. Before entering government, Aileen worked as a broadcaster and anchor with CKPG News. She remains a regular political commentator, including on BC’s Political Capital Daily podcast. Through her consulting work, Aileen advises clients on government relations, media training, and communications strategy.

This webinar is sponsored by: