2026 MIABC Risk Management Conference - Schedule

• Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Pre-Conference)

  9:00AM - 4:30PM	Building Resilience: Business Continuity Planning for Local Governments Clive Lunn, Acredo Consulting Member Local Government: $250, additional staff from same member $50 Non-member Local Government (if space allows): $400, additional staff from same member $50 Sign up for an optional pre-conference workshop to join Clive for an engaging overview on business continuity leading practices and program lifecycle. He will lead discussions on implementation opportunities, challenges, and solutions.  You will receive pre-conference instructions to gather essential information and materials to bring with you. Participants will use provided resources to create tailored documents, including: A draft program framework Impact metrics A strategic Business Impact Analysis (BIA) A Crisis Management Plan A roadmap for operationalizing the business continuity program A high-level Crisis Management Plan and A Scenario Playbook. Ensure you bring the pre-workshop information using the forms and templates provided to ensure you maximize the workshop’s effectiveness. Attendance is initially limited to members only, with a maximum of 10 local governments to ensure a productive experience with Clive (multiple attendees from each local government are welcome). This workshop will help you kickstart your business continuity journey and move closer to complying with the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA).  After this session, attendees will be able to: Develop a tailored business continuity program for your local government. Learn how to measure impact and plan for a crisis. Create an operational roadmap for continuity.
  3:00PM - 5:00PM	On-Site Insight: Loss Control Inspection Workshop (Vancouver) Location: False Creek, Vancouver – Meet at MIABC Offices 429 West 2nd Avenue  In this in-person workshop, MIABC staff will conduct a live inspection of a local government property, demonstrating the identification of potential liability and property risks. Participants will gain practical insights into recognizing and mitigating risks associated with public properties, facilities, and operations. Through this interactive session, attendees will not only observe but also engage in the inspection process, learning essential techniques and best practices to integrate into their existing inspection processes. By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to: Identify common hazards and liability exposures on local government properties. Understand the steps required to conduct thorough and effective loss control inspections. Leave with questions you can add to your existing inspection and maintenance checklists. This workshop is open to all levels of local government staff; this event is FREE OF CHARGE. Travel expenses can be claimed through your local government’s MIABC Risk Management Grant account, provided sufficient funds are available.
  4:00PM - 6:00PM	Registration Complete your conference check-in by picking up your attendee badge at the MIABC Office.  For those attending the Wednesday morning pre-conference breakfast session, Risk Management 101, we highly recommend registering on Tuesday to avoid being late for the session.
  4:30PM - 6:00PM	Join Us for a Pre-Conference Early Registration Pizza Social! Location: MIABC Office - 200-429 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver Heading to the conference? Start the experience early by joining us the day before at the MIABC offices for a casual networking event. Enjoy delicious pizza while you: Meet the MIABC team and learn more about the resources available to local governments.  Connect with colleagues from across BC in a relaxed setting.  Pick up your conference badge so you are ready to go on event day.  Build relationships that will make your conference experience even more valuable. Do not miss this chance to kick off the conference with great food, friendly faces, and meaningful conversations. Register now and come hungry!

• Wednesday, April 8, 2026

  7:30AM - 9:00AM	Attendee Check-In / Breakfast Complete your conference check-in by picking up your attendee badge at the registration desk. Look for directional signage on the Confernece Level of the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre guiding you from the elevators to the registration area.  After checking in, grab a plate, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy the most important meal of the day. Alternatively, take your breakfast along with you to the 'Risk Management 101' session, where you'll lay the groundwork for your understanding of risk management.
  8:15AM - 8:45AM	Risk Management 101 PT 1 Lynda dos Santos, Insurance Services Representative & Broker, MIABC Josh Brocklebank, Program Specialist & Broker, MIABC Are you attending the MIABC Risk Management Conference for the first time or are you new to risk management? Have you ever found yourself questioning what risk management entails and how you should approach it? Perhaps you're unsure if it's even a part of your job responsibilities. In this session, Join Lynda and Josh as they introduce you to risk management  its definition, evolution, principles, and common (mis)conceptions. Throughout the presentation, she will present key considerations and offer practical strategies for local governments to consider when confronted with a potentially "risky" situation. After this session, attendees will be able to: Define and understand risk management.  Address common misconceptions about risk management Develop practical risk management strategies. Download Presentation Takeaway
  9:00AM  - 9:15AM	Welcome and Opening Address  Sandra Mayo, Manager of Risk Management Services, MIABC Join Sandra as she set the stage for a conference filled with insightful sessions, collaboration, and valuable connections, marking the beginning of an exceptional conference experience! She will highlight the key themes and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
  9:15 AM - 10:15AM	Leading Without Authority: Thriving in Today's Leadership Landscape Dr. Marvin Washington, Dean Beedie School of Business, SFU The 2026 MIABC Risk Management Conference begins with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Marvin Washington, Dean of the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. Leadership today is more complex than ever. With multiple generations in the workforce, competing priorities, and a relentless pace of change, many leaders are expected to influence without the traditional authority that once defined leadership roles. In this dynamic session, Dr. Washington will share practical strategies for leading yourself and others effectively even when formal authority is limited. Through real-world insights and a touch of humor, you’ll learn how to build trust, foster collaboration, and create impact in local government. Start the conference energized and equipped to lead in today’s challenging environment. After this session, attendees will be able to: Explain why leadership today requires influencing without traditional authority to identify strategies to success in this environment. Apply practical techniques to build trust and foster collaboration across multiple generations and competing priorities. Implement approaches for creating impact in local government even when formal authority is limited. Download Presentation Takeaway
  10:15AM - 10:30 AM	Break Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
  10:30AM - 11:45 AM	Rethinking Risk: Making Space for Outdoor Play in Canada Mariana Brussoni, PhD, UBC  Aron Bookman, Partner, Carfra Lawton LLP Join Mariana and Aron as they provide a multidisciplinary session regarding the importance of facilitating and encouraging outdoor and what is now referred to as "risky" play in Canada.  Local governments are essential to providing access in the form of parks and programs.  The impact of regulation and litigation has been seen as having a chilling effect on what is made available to children and the day to day decision making of persons who are supervising children while playing.  Mariana will share her research on the developmental importance of outdoor and risky play, bust common myths, and provide practical strategies for change. Aron will focus on the implications of the "duty of care" and how a claim for damages can result from injuries due to access to play spaces and during programs provided by local governments. Aron will include an explanation of the case law which has evolved to instruct local governments and front line staff of what they ought to consider. After this session, attendees will be able to:  Explain why providing access to and facilitating outdoor and risky play is essential Describe why the risk of injury in outdoor and risky play is quite low. Identify helpful guidance provided by the courts regarding outdoor and risky play. Download Presentation Takeaway
  10:30AM - 11:45 AM	Rising Waters: Managing Flood Claims and Municipal Risk Jeremy Poole, Partner, Alexander Holburn Beaudin and Lang John van der Eerden, Vice President – Water Resources, Associated Engineering Sean Strang, Director Flood Recovery and Mitigation, City of Merritt  Flood risk is evolving fast which creates challenges for local governments to adapt. Events once considered “1in500year” are now being reclassified as “1in200year” reshaping floodplain mapping, infrastructure design standards, and expectations for local government response. At the same time, communities are seeing more complex flood-related claims and, in some cases, class actions that challenge traditional understandings of local government liability and policy decision-making. This session equips you to explore the shifting criteria behind flood event classification, examine recent legal and insurance trends affecting local governments, and discuss practical strategies to reduce exposure while supporting resilient community planning. Attendees will gain insight into where liability risks emerge, how to navigate claims effectively, and what proactive steps can help align policy, communication, and mitigation practices in a changing climate landscape. After this session, attendees will be able to: Recognize how changing flood event classifications impact municipal planning and standards. Identify key points of liability and exposure in flood-related claims and class actions. Apply practical risk reduction measures to strengthen policy, communication, and preparedness. Download Presentation Takeaway
  10:30AM - 11:45 AM	Fire Department Liability: Standards, Risk & Resilience in Municipal Practice Scott Twining, Partner, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers Brandon Piva, Associate, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers Stefanie Gladders, Associate, Twining, Short and Haakonson Barristers Ernie Polsom, Chief Executive Officer, FireWise Consulting Ltd. In the evolving landscape of municipal liability, fire departments face scrutiny over standards of care, operational decision making and special risk scenarios.  This session equips you to explore legal risks surrounding fire service operations.  We will examine the standards of care expected of volunteer and professional fire departments and address special risks unique to fire response and fire safety including procedural errors, building inspections, the role of fire departments in new construction, and overlapping jurisdictions. After this session, attendees will be able to: Distinguish between legal standards of care for volunteer and professional fire departments. Identify high risk operational areas that expose municipalities to liability. Apply practical strategies to reduce fire service liability. Download Presentation Takeaway
  10:30AM - 11:45 AM	Insuring the Future: Innovative Coverage Solutions for Climate-Ready Communities Sergio Metallo, Vice President, AON Reinsurance Solutions Canada Dennis Chua, Senior Vice President Cat Management, AON Youssef Abdul Baki, Senior Client Manager and Structurer, Swiss Re Aaron Michel, Vice President Public Sector Solutions, Swiss Re  As climate change drives more frequent and severe weather events, traditional insurance models are under pressure. How can local governments protect assets and budgets when floods, wildfires, and infrastructure failures occur? Join MIABC’s reinsurance partners for an interactive session exploring emerging insurance innovations. Learn about parametric triggers, natural asset coverage, and climate adapted underwriting strategies designed to strengthen resilience and close protection gaps. You will have the opportunity to share input and help shape next-generation coverage solutions tailored to the realities of BC’s local governments After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand climate as one of many risks that need management Utilize a risk matrix to compare and prioritize risks Understand how to access training and tools through AMBC Download Presentation
  11:45AM - 12:45PM	Lunch Recharge and refuel with a delicious meal while enjoying the company of your fellow attendees. Whether you're discussing the morning's insights or making new connections, our lunch hour is a vital part of your conference experience. Seize this time to nourish both your body and professional network.
  12:45PM - 2:00PM	Wildfire Resilience in Action: Practical Strategies for Prevention, Response and Recovery Don Lidstone, Senior Partner, Lidstone & Company Nathan LaFayette, Senior VP & Chief Insurance Officer, BCAA Thomas Cook, VP – Professional Services, Wildfire Defence Systems Canada Dan Seguin, General Manager, Fire & Emergency Management Services, Regional District of Central Kootenay Euan Rafferty, Vice President, Insurance, BCAA Marina Sen-Partridge, Manager of Member Engagement, MIABC   Wildfire risk continues to grow across British Columbia, challenging local governments to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery. This session equips you to explore practical strategies communities can apply throughout the wildfire cycle. We will begin with prevention tools, including FireSmart-aligned practices, local government wildfire checklists, and opportunities to access UBCM and risk management grant funding-highlighting emerging technologies such as AI-enabled detection sensors. We will then examine how land use planning and Wildfire Development Permit Areas can be introduced and implemented to reduce long-term exposure. The session will also share insights from communities that have worked with Wildfire Defense Systems through their contract with BCAA during active wildfire response, including integration with Emergency Operations Centres. We will conclude with lessons learned from recent fire seasons and key steps local governments can take now to prepare for the year ahead. You will leave with actionable approaches, examples, and tools to support community resilience. After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand practical wildfire prevention measures, funding opportunities, and tools that local governments can implement. Learn how Wildfire Development Permit Areas support long-term risk reduction through land use planning and bylaw implementation. Gain insight into coordinating with WDS and integrating wildfire response partners into EOC operations, including lessons learned for future seasons. Download Presentation Takeaway
  2:00PM - 2:15PM	Break Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
  2:15PM - 3:15PM	Looking for the "Stench of Corruption": Liability for Misfeasance, Bad Faith and Abuse of Public Office James Yardley, Partner, Lidstone and Company Tom Zworski, Senior Counsel, Lidstone and Company In the current climate of reduced faith in public institutions, it is increasingly common for dissatisfied applicants or residents to accuse public officials of improper conduct or corruption. This often manifests itself in the form of civil claims of misfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office. Even if unsuccessful, such claims can impose severe stress on public officials, whether elected or appointed, and their organizations. This session will discuss the legal elements of these claims and strategies to help public officials reduce the risks they face by avoiding conduct that may fuel the claims, while allowing them to continue to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.  After this session, attendees will be able to: Explain the legal framework applicable to civil claims related to malfeasance, bad faith, and abuse of public office. Identify circumstances that involve a risk of a civil claim alleging malfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office.   Describe basic strategies to avoid exposure to claims of malfeasance, bad faith, or abuse of public office. Download Presentation Takeaway
  2:15PM - 3:15PM	Signed, But Safe? Understanding the Limits and Value of Waivers in Local Government Dana Romanick, Partner, Kennedy Romanick LLP Waivers are a familiar tool for local governments used in recreation programs, facility rentals, and community events but their effectiveness depends on how they are written, communicated, and applied. This session equips you to explore the evolving role of waivers within a broader municipal risk management framework, highlighting both their strengths and limitations. Using real-world examples and recent BC case law, you will learn what makes a waiver enforceable, where they fail, and how courts view fairness, notice, and participant understanding. The discussion will also address the doctrine of assumption of risk and its relationship to municipal duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for improving waiver design, administration, and policy integration-ensuring that waivers complement, rather than replace, sound operational practices and informed public participation. After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand the legal principles that determine when waivers are enforceable under BC law. Identify common weaknesses and pitfalls in municipal waiver use and administration. Apply practical strategies to strengthen waiver processes within a broader risk management framework. Download Presentation Takeaway
  2:15PM - 3:15PM	Legal Confidence: Comparing the Casual Legal Advice and Legal Expense Insurance Programs Nathan Cornale, Business Development Manager, ARAG Catherine Li, Lawyer, Lidstone & Company Local governments often face legal questions about bylaws, policies, contracts, and governance decisions. This session equips you to explore two complementary MIABC programs that help members navigate these matters  the Casual Legal Advice Program and the Legal Expense Insurance product. Presenters will explain how each program operates, the types of issues they address, and how they differ in purpose and level of support. Using practical examples, they’ll demonstrate when to seek quick informal guidance through the advice program and when to rely on the broader protection and structured process offered through legal expense insurance. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these services work together to enhance confidence, consistency, and defensibility in local government decision-making. After this session, attendees will be able to: When and how to access each program effectively. Key differences in purpose, process and support level. How these tools strengthen proactive local government decision-making. Download Presentation Takeaway
  2:15PM - 3:15PM	Designing the MIABC Risk Education Platform: What Local Governments Really Need Sandra Mayo, Manager of Risk Management Services, MIABC Samantha Boyce, Manager of People, Operations, and Strategic Innovation, MIABC To build a strong and future-ready risk education platform, MIABC needs a clear picture of what learning formats, tools, and supports work best for BC local governments. This interactive session invites participants to help design the next generation of MIABC training shaping the structure, delivery, and focus of a provincewide learning program that builds everyday risk competence. You will explore where training currently fits in their organization, surface barriers to participation, and identify practical mechanisms that make learning stick across departments. Through small group discussions, rapid polling, and member journey mapping, the session will clarify how MIABC can offer training that is accessible, repeatable, role appropriate, and directly tied to daily decision making. The insights gathered in this session will directly inform MIABC’s evolving education roadmap: the programs we offer, how they are delivered, and how we measure impact. After this session, attendees will be able to: Describe what makes training useful, accessible, and realistic within their organization. Identify which education formats best fit different staff roles (frontline, leadership, Council, operations). Contribute to MIABC’s roadmap for a scalable, member-driven risk education platform.
  3:15PM - 3:30PM	Break Rejuvenate your energy by grabbing a beverage or snack. Want some quiet time? Head over to the Recharge Lounge to do a puzzle, catch up on emails, or relax for a few minutes.
  3:30PM - 4:30PM	Beyond the Blueprint: Hidden Risks and Obligations for Local Governments in Transportation Infrastructure Josh Krusell, Partner, SMS Law As local governments work to build safer, more accessible transportation networks for all users (across all ages, abilities, and modes of travel), they often face complex legal and reputational risks that aren't always visible at the outset. In this insightful session, local government and human rights lawyer Josh Krusell will unpack real world case studies and share a practical risk management toolkit to help local governments stay compliant, reduce liability and potential costs, and avoid common pitfalls under the Human Rights Code and beyond. After this session, attendees will be able to: Identify at least three key legal obligations and potential risks faced by local governments when implementing multi-modal and accessible transportation projects.  Analyze real-world case studies to recognize common pitfalls related to legal liability, human rights compliance, and reputational harm.  Apply a practical risk management toolkit to assess and mitigate legal and reputational risks in current or planned transportation initiatives. Download Presentation Takeaway
  3:30PM - 4:30PM	Untangling Construction Costs: How Tariffs, Carbon Tax Repeal, and Code Changes are Shaping the Industry Devin Baker, Manager Business Development, Suncorp Valuations Construction costs are being reshaped by a complex mix of global and domestic policy shifts. This session equips you to explore how tariffs on imported materials, the repeal of consumer carbon tax, and evolving building code requirements are influencing project budgets, timelines, and planning decisions. Attendees will gain insight into the economic ripple effects of these changes, including supply chain pressures, regulatory compliance costs, and long-term sustainability considerations.  This session equips you to help you navigate the current insurable landscape and prepare for what’s ahead. After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand the financial impact of recent tariff changes on construction materials, including specific cost increases and supply chain implications. Evaluate the effects of the consumer carbon tax repeal on project budgeting and long-term operational costs for new developments. Identify key updates to building codes and assess how these changes influence design decisions, compliance requirements, and overall construction expenses. Download Presentation Takeaway
  3:30PM - 4:30PM	Designing for Risk: Applying the Hierarchy of Risk Management Strategies in Public Spaces Lynda dos Santos, Insurance Services Representative & Broker, MIABC Francesca de Joya, Insurance Services Representative and Broker, MIABC Local governments manage a complex mix of public expectations, environmental conditions, and operational realities when designing and maintaining shared spaces such as parks, trails, and waterfronts. This session introduces the Hierarchy of Risk Management Strategies a practical framework for identifying, prioritizing, and controlling risk through thoughtful design, maintenance, and communication. You will learn how to apply each level of control from avoiding and reducing risk, to transferring, retaining, and communicating it in everyday local government contexts. Real world examples and scenarios will illustrate how design decisions, signage, and policy integration shape public behaviour and manage liability exposure. The session emphasizes documentation, defensible decision making, and the importance of proportionality: managing risk without diminishing community benefit. Attendees will leave with tools to embed this hierarchy into inspection policies, event permits, and asset management practices for more consistent, transparent, and resilient risk management. After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand when and how to apply each level of the Risk Management Hierarchy. Apply risk-based design and communication strategies in public spaces. Integrate hierarchy principles into policies and operational practices. Download Presentation Takeaway
  3:30PM - 4:30PM	Elevate Risk Intelligence: Tools and Strategies for Future-Ready Local Governments Samantha Boyce, Manager of People, Operations, and Strategic Innovation, MIABC Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop shaping the future of risk intelligence at MIABC. This session brings together local government professionals to collaboratively explore and assess the latest predictive analytics tools. You will discuss innovative solutions and discover how these tools can strengthen risk management and enable smarter, data-driven decisions. Your insights and experiences are vital. By sharing feedback, you’ll help guide the selection of tools that meet real-world needs and align with MIABC’s strategic objectives. This collaborative approach ensures solutions deliver tangible value to our members. Don’t miss this opportunity to influence MIABC’s implementation strategy, enhance operational efficiency, and support proactive risk management. Your active participation will empower our organization to make smarter decisions, manage risk more proactively, and drive greater operational efficiency, benefiting both your own local government and the broader MIABC community. After this session, attendees will be able to: Understand the role of elevating risk intelligence plays in the MIABC’s strategic plan.  Articulate how predictive analytics is shaping the spheres of local government and insurance.  Contribute feedback to shape tools that strengthen everyday risk decisions.
  5:30PM - 9:00PM	Miami Vice Get ready to turn up the neon and feel the heat at MIABC’s Miami Vice inspired evening, where tropical vibes, bold style, and nonstop fun take center stage. Join MIABC staff, service providers, and your amazing colleagues for an unforgettable night filled with energy, colour and pure retro cool. Dress to impress by channeling your inner Miami icon. Think pastel suits, breezy dresses, bold prints, sunglasses and a little 80s flair. There is no mandatory dress code, but we encourage you to have fun with it and bring the vibrant spirit of Miami Vice to the night.

Thursday, April 9, 2026