The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is one of eleven permanent committees of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The Committee holds an annual public consultation on the provincial budget.
We were again invited to present to the Committee at the end of July and the Committee’s Report on the Budget 2026 Consultation was released on August 12th.
You can read the full report and accompanying media release on the Committee’s webpage.
BCCGA’s presentation included the following: (Page 71)
In relation to ground disturbances, the BC Common Ground Alliance emphasized the importance of streamlining communication and coordination between ministries, municipalities, and non-profit organizations working with underground infrastructure. The Alliance indicated that the ground infrastructure sector requires better coordination between the various ministries and emphasized its role in supporting municipalities and other stakeholders.
During Committee discussions following the presentations, (page 73)
The committee noted the work of the Common Ground Alliance in relation to ground disturbance prevention and highlighted how this work can reduce costs related to damage repairs and service outages by encouraging coordination between government and stakeholders and adoption of best practices.
and made the following recommendation to government in their report: (page 74)
Recommendation to Government
71: Invest in enhanced communication and coordination between ministries, municipalities, and non- profit organizations working with underground infrastructure to protect provincial and municipal assets.
We look forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to advance their interest and investment in worker and underground infrastructure safety.