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The BC Chapter of Municipal Information Systems Association (MISA) was formally established in April, 1994. Twenty local government IT Managers from across the province met in Nanaimo to become the second MISA chapter in Canada. The formation of MISA BC was a significant step for municipal co-operation across the country as it joined two other associations in Ontario and Quebec. Both MISA Ontario and RIMQ in Quebec have been active IT associations since the 1960's. In the past few years, MISA chapters have become established in the remaining provinces and territories.

MISA BC exists to promote greater co-operation among local government staff in the IT field by sharing information and developing common solutions on a broader and cost-effective scale. Joint efforts with other organizations with a national scope such as the Canadian Association of Municipal Adminstration (CAMA) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), have also become possible.

It is recognized that municipalities share many, or have the same, IT issues across the province and country and working together on these issues makes for more effective and efficient government. The information highway and electronic services continues to be a prime focus of discussions between municipalities and the senior levels of government. Clearly, members from the provincial chapters and across the nation provide a valuable service for municipalities.

In May, 2005 Municipal IT representatives from across Canada representing 9 provinces and 3 territories met to initiate the formation of a nation IT association to be called MISA/ASIM Canada. This organization will become the conduit for representing local government IT interests at the national level.

Regardless of the size of your local government, or whether you are a provincial agency or supplier to the municipal marketplace, you can benefit from a membership in MISA BC. As well as regular memberships, there are Associate and Affiliate memberships available. As a member in any category, you will receive current information on municipal services, products and activities through various publications and events. You will be advised of professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars and conferences. You will have the opportunity to participate and receive materials from special interest groups in the areas of GIS, web services, end-user computing, and others. Through the appropriate use of information technology and as a member of MISA BC you will join a growing number of dedicated professionals working towards more effective government.

MISA BC provides the forum to exchange information with your peers who are involved in the evaluation, design, creation, and acquisition, installation, Implementation, maintenance and operation of municipal information systems. Three general meetings are held annually - AGM (February), Spring meeting (May) and 3-day Fall conference (September). Special meetings and SIGs are organised as required. Regardless of whether you are a small, medium or large local government, the issues and concerns are similar. MISA BC can help.

For more information about the BC Chapter of MISA, please contact any of the MISA BC Executive.