CITY HALL
                       OFFICE OF THE MAYOR                            VANCOUVER


                                                       9 September 1996


    MEMO TO:          Vancouver City Council

    FROM:             Mayor Philip W. Owen

    RE:               HEALTH REGION FINANCING


         Councillor Kennedy recently attended a meeting, on behalf of UBCM, with the Provincial committee reviewing
     Health Regionalisation.  During the discussion, one of the MLAs raised the idea of funding a portion of the
     Health Region budget through taxes  similar to School Boards  to ensure accountability.  Councillor Kennedy
     objected immediately.  However, the mere fact that the question was raised is disturbing.

     I believe Council should immediately resolve that the property tax is not an acceptable funding source for
     Health Region programs beyond the present capital contribution through the GVRD.  Further, the UBCM
     conference will be taking place shortly, and it would be appropriate to place a resolution before UBCM
     expressing similar concerns.

     Accordingly, I RECOMMEND Council approve the following resolutions:

     A.       THAT the Premier and Minister of Health be advised that consideration of property tax funding for
              Health Regions is totally unacceptable.

     B.       THAT UBCM be requested to pass an emergency resolution advising the Province that any consideration
              of property tax funding for Health regions is totally unacceptable, and requesting the Minister of
              Health to commit to this principle.





                                                    Philip W. Owen,
                                                    MAYOR