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Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 29, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 29, 2024

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Communities & Families
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Opportunities
  • Homelessness & Housing
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Reconciliation
  • Career Opportunities
  • Children & Youth
  • FSGV
  • Health & Mental Health
  • Good News

Communities & Families

Ten New Homes for Women Leaving Violence Opening Soon in Vancouver | BC Gov News

Ten new homes are set to open in Vancouver, providing safe and secure second-stage housing for women and children fleeing violence. The BC government, through BC Housing, and the Battered Women’s Support Services Association (BWSS) have collaborated to purchase ten newly constructed units, including four town homes and six apartments, offering short-term housing for six to 18 months. These homes will provide not only safety and security but also crucial support services, helping women and children on their journey to healing and independence. The initiative is part of a broader $19 billion investment in housing by the BC government, with BWSS managing the units and offering additional programming to empower residents.

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on October 23, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Bone Black” by Carol Rose GoldenEagle. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Toxic Drugs

BC Government Launches Phone Line to Provide Same-day Access to Opioid Treatment | Energetic City

The BC government has introduced a confidential and free Opioid Treatment Access Line to provide same-day connections to doctors and healthcare professionals for people struggling with opioid addiction. This phone line, available daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., aims to deliver immediate access to life-saving opioid agonist medications, such as naloxone, methadone, and slow-release oral morphine, which reduce overdose risks by preventing withdrawal symptoms. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside emphasized the importance of prompt treatment for those seeking help, while Vicky Waldron, executive director of the Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan, highlighted that the service could help overcome barriers faced by workers in the trades, who are disproportionately affected by opioid overdoses. The service’s costs are covered under BC PharmaCare.

Related:

Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Homelessness & Housing

BC Caps Rent Increases next Year at 3 per cent, Matching Inflation | Toronto Star

Starting January 1, 2024, the maximum allowable rent increase in BC will be capped at 3%, down from the current 3.5%, aligning with inflation rates. The new cap, announced by Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, aims to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes while allowing landlords to manage rising costs. This adjustment, based on the all-items consumer price index, continues the government’s approach of keeping rent increases below inflation. Landlords must provide three months’ notice before raising rent, and the cap will also apply to manufactured-home parks, with specific exceptions for certain types of tenancies.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Reconciliation

A ‘Gut-Wrenching’ Snapshot of First Nations Health | The Tyee

A recent interim update from the First Nations Population Health and Wellness Agenda has revealed alarming data on the health of First Nations communities in British Columbia. The report tracks 22 health indicators and highlights significant declines in life expectancy, mortality rates, and diabetes incidence, with First Nations life expectancy dropping from 73.3 years in 2017 to 67.2 years in 2021. The data underscores the severe impact of toxic drugs and COVID-19 on these communities, exacerbated by systemic racism and healthcare disparities. Despite these challenges, there is a call for hope, resilience, and the need for systemic change to improve First Nations health outcomes.

Related:

Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Children & Youth

Nearly Half of Students Can’t Cover Food, Housing: Canadian Poll | City News

A recent TD Bank survey reveals that nearly half of Canadian post-secondary students struggle to afford basic necessities like food and housing, with 45% reporting they can’t meet these essential needs. Additionally, 65% of students consider themselves financially unstable. Although 64% of students maintain a budget, only 41% regularly adhere to it. The survey also highlights the role of parents, with 94% providing financial support and 58% offering significant assistance. The survey, conducted online with 514 students and 515 parents between July 26 and August 4, lacks a margin of error as it is not a random sample.

Related:

FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on September 25 and November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

Health & Mental Health

BC Government Launches Opioid Treatment Line but Critics Say the Focus Is Still Wrong | Global News

The BC government has launched the Opioid Treatment Access Line, a provincewide hotline providing immediate access to life-saving medications and same-day care for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. The service aims to enhance treatment accessibility, with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals offering support. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside emphasized the province’s commitment to saving lives regardless of how long it takes someone to seek help. However, critics argue that the government’s focus remains misguided, advocating instead for free treatment rather than harm reduction strategies, such as the controversial harm reduction kiosks in Nanaimo and Campbell River, which distribute supplies like Naloxone and drug paraphernalia. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of a memorial in Campbell River to honour the over 14,000 lives lost to toxic drugs since 2016.

Related:

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE

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Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 22, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 22, 2024

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Health & Mental Health
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Communities & Families
  • Training Opportunities
  • Children & Youth
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Career Opportunities
  • Reconciliation
  • FSGV
  • Homelessness & Housing
  • Good News

Health & Mental Health

Covid Restrictions Rescinded, Changes to Vaccination Requirements | BCGEU

The BC government has lifted the COVID-19 state of emergency, in effect since March 2020, along with the mandatory vaccination order for health-care workers, effective July 26, 2024. In its place, a new provincial system will track and monitor health-care workers’ vaccination and immunization status for critical vaccine-preventable illnesses, with complete implementation expected by September 2025. Additionally, health-care workers who were terminated for not complying with the previous COVID-19 vaccination orders can now reapply for their positions, though reemployment is not guaranteed. The BCGEU is working with the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) to address the implications of these changes and any outstanding grievances.

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on August 28, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada” by Michelle Good. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Communities & Families

New Long-term Care Home Coming to Smithers | BC Gov News

A new long-term care home is coming to Smithers, BC, bringing 160 new publicly funded beds and replacing 56 beds at Bulkley Valley Lodge, resulting in a total of 216 beds. The facility, built by Providence Living in partnership with Northern Health, will offer high-quality, compassionate care for seniors, including a 32-space adult day program to support those living independently. This project reflects the government’s commitment to improving access to long-term care in rural communities. Construction is expected to start in spring 2028, with the home opening in 2030.

Related:

Training Opportunities

Children & Youth

BC High Schools Still Have a Long Way to Go in Accommodating Trans Youth | Georgia Straight

BC high schools still struggle to effectively accommodate trans youth, as demonstrated by the experiences of Raeyun, a Grade 10 trans student at East City High. Despite attempts by educators like Mr. Gonzalez to include trans students through individualized accommodations, these efforts often fall short of addressing the systemic cisheteronormativity and biological essentialism embedded in school environments, particularly in physical education classes. The reliance on visibility for trans-inclusive policies perpetuates the exclusion of those who are not easily recognized as trans, leading many students to feel unsupported and ultimately disengage from school activities.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Toxic Drugs

Overdose Awareness a Focus in Fight Against Toxic Drug Deaths | Revelstoke Mountaineer

In Revelstoke, organizations are actively combating toxic drug deaths through harm reduction practices and community education. Community Connections Revelstoke Society provides harm reduction supplies such as naloxone kits and fentanyl testing strips and offers educational events to raise awareness about overdose prevention. Despite challenges like funding cuts and staff shortages, they maintain accessible services during drop-in hours. Additionally, Queen Victoria Hospital offers drug testing services and resources, while community paramedic Christine Bell leads naloxone training sessions and public awareness initiatives. These combined efforts aim to reduce the impact of the toxic drug crisis in Revelstoke.

Related:

Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Reconciliation

BC First Nations Want Columbia River Salmon Funding Continued | CBC News

Indigenous First Nations in British Columbia, including the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa Nations, are urging the provincial and federal governments to extend funding for the Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative beyond its scheduled end in March 2025. This initiative, which has successfully begun reintroducing salmon to the Columbia River after an 80-year absence caused by dam construction, is crucial for restoring salmon populations, which are culturally and ecologically significant. While Canada and BC have committed funds until 2025, Indigenous leaders seek long-term, sustained support similar to the US’s 20-year commitment of $1.2 billion for salmon restoration. The reintroduction of salmon is vital not only for Indigenous cultural heritage but also for improving the river’s ecology and bringing economic benefits to the Columbia Basin.

Related:

FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on September 25 and November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

Homelessness & Housing

Illegal Campfire Starts at New Homeless Encampment Just off Chilliwack Lake Road, Despite Fire Ban | Fraser Valley Today

A large, illegal campfire was started at a new homeless encampment off Chilliwack Lake Road in the Chilliwack River Valley despite a fire ban in place. The camp, which includes an RV and other vehicles, is illegally occupying unceded land. Local resident Ross Aikenhead, who monitors such encampments, reported the fire to emergency services, but it was not immediately addressed. The fire was later reduced by another resident, who informed the camper of the fire ban.

Related:

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE

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Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 15, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 15, 2024

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Report
  • Homelessness & Housing
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Communities & Families
  • Training Opportunities
  • Health & Mental Health
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Reconciliation
  • Career Opportunities
  • Children & Youth
  • FSGV
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Good News

Report

Rights in Focus: Lived Realities in B.C. – Baseline Project | B.C. Human Rights

This report highlights significant inequities and injustices affecting B.C. residents, providing a crucial tool to understand the current state of human rights in our province and a kind of baseline to monitor change over time. Download it now or see the executive summary on the website: https://baseline.bchumanrights.ca/in-focus/

Homelessness & Housing

B.C. Communities Push Back on Government Housing Legislation Without Key Infrastructure | Global News

B.C. communities, including West Vancouver and Langley Township, are pushing back against provincial housing legislation that mandates increased density near transit stations. While West Vancouver has reluctantly passed the required bylaw, Mayor Mark Sager and other local officials argue that the province is overstepping its jurisdiction traditionally held by municipalities. They also express concerns about the lack of essential infrastructure support from the province, which they believe is necessary to accommodate the increased density. This tension highlights broader challenges aligning local and provincial priorities, particularly addressing affordable housing and infrastructure needs across diverse municipalities.

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on August 28, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada” by Michelle Good. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Communities & Families

Rental Protection Fund Safeguards 68 Affordable Rental Homes in Victoria | B.C. Gov News

The Rental Protection Fund has facilitated the purchase of two properties in Victoria, safeguarding 68 affordable rental homes for residents. The Greater Victoria Housing Society (GVHS), with the support of approximately $12.6 million from the Fund, acquired the properties at 430 Michigan St. and 1500 Chambers St., ensuring these units remain affordable and secure. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the B.C. government to protect and expand affordable housing, providing long-term stability for renters in a challenging market. GVHS will also invest in improvements to maintain the quality and sustainability of these homes.

Related:

Training Opportunities

Health & Mental Health

Helping Students Express Their Feelings about the Climate Crisis | Canada’s National Observer

Alex Van Duyvendyk, a 34-year-old emergency physician from Kelowna, is facing a challenging battle with the British Columbia health-care system as she seeks approval for a life-saving heart surgery not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Despite undergoing two previous major surgeries, Van Duyvendyk now requires a specialized procedure only available in Seattle, which costs $120,000. Although she applied for financial relief from MSP, she has yet to receive a response, leaving her family at risk of covering the entire cost. With the support of friends, family, and the Okanagan community, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched, already raising $49,000 of the $50,000 goal. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, and without it, Van Duyvendyk faces the possibility of needing a heart transplant.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at the Laurel Point Inn, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Reconciliation

Indigenous Mother Grieves Son Who Died in B.C.’s Care | City News

Valentino Baker, a five-week-old Indigenous newborn, tragically died while under the care of British Columbia’s Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). His mother, Chyanna Baker, who had been sober since her pregnancy, was visited by social workers shortly after Valentino’s birth due to suspected drug use. Despite agreeing to a drug test, Chyanna claims the ministry refused and placed Valentino with a friend under a safety plan. Days later, he was hospitalized and died, leaving the parents without answers. Concerns have been raised about the MCFD’s handling of Indigenous families, with critics pointing to systemic biases and a crisis in the child welfare system. Chyanna and her lawyer are seeking justice and questioning the safety measures and cultural awareness of the MCFD.

Related:

Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Children & Youth

‘Should Not Affect the Kids’: Penticton Youth Soccer Coach Worried for Future after Blowup on Board of Directors | Castanet

The Penticton youth soccer club, Pinnacles FC, faces potential suspension due to legal issues and the resignation of its entire board of directors, leaving head coach Manuel Borba as the sole employee. Borba, deeply concerned about the impact on the 1,400-1,500 children who may be affected, is striving to ensure the kids can still play in the fall season despite the turmoil. He emphasizes that the ongoing investigations and adult conflicts within the club should not hinder the children’s ability to participate in soccer. Borba is currently awaiting a response from BC Soccer and COYSA while parents work to transition to a special Annual General Meeting.

Related:

FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on September 25 and November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

Toxic Drugs

Retiring Prince George RCMP Boss Says Decriminalization Was Hardest Issue to Navigate | Global News

Shaun Wright, the retiring RCMP superintendent of Prince George, B.C., reflects on his five-year tenure, highlighting the decriminalization of drugs as the most challenging issue he faced. Wright describes the policy as a major public policy failure that has negatively impacted the city, contributing to the decline of its downtown area. Despite his critical stance, Wright emphasizes that his role was to ensure community safety rather than create policies. The B.C. government recently reversed parts of its decriminalization pilot project by banning drug use in public spaces, a move amidst ongoing debates over the province’s handling of the toxic drug crisis.

Related:

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE

Get Well Canada – Call to Sign Open Letter

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For those of you who were in attendance in Osoyoos in June, you will remember Dr. Paul Kershaw’s compelling presentation, “Social supports matter more for health than medical care. So let’s fund social services appropriately.” Using data, Paul and the Generation Squeeze team illustrated that more urgent social investments will deliver better health outcomes at lower cost than supplying more doctors or increasing medical spending. For a refresher, we encourage you to read the Briefing Note linked below.

Following his presentation, Paul asked Federation members to sign an open letter to BC politicians asking them to commit to growing social spending to reduce medical care and affordability pressures – and tracking their progress by embedding the ratio of social/education spending relative to medical spending in future budgets. Federation leadership has reviewed this request and has agreed to support this campaign. On behalf of the Federation, Kishone Roy has signed their name to a letter addressed to Premier Eby outlining that a major systemic failing in our health care system is inadequate investment in community based social services. Next steps include sharing information about this campaign as it develops and inviting the Gen Squeeze team to future events to share updates and information in person. In addition, we have drafted a letter that members can sign to support this campaign, if you and your organization are inclined. A PDF is included below. You are welcome to add your name and organization and send it yourself or send signer information to the Federation team, who will add it and send it on your behalf. Please contact Caleigh Garland – caleigh@fcssbc.ca – to share your contact information or if you have any questions.

This is an exciting initiative and also an important one for the community social services sector. Get Well Canada champions our members and the incredibly important work you do to support children, youth, families and seniors in your communities. The Federation is pleased to support this campaign and be part of the alliance of researchers, community leaders and medical professionals working to improve the social supports that keep British Columbian’s well.

Briefing Note: Charting a course to better health and greater affordability

Open Letter: Please sign

Get Well Canada (website)

Suncha Baptiste is moving to CSSHSA

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Dear Members,

I have some exciting news to share. Suncha Baptiste has accepted a position as a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant with the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association (CSSHSA).

While the Federation is very sad to see Suncha go, we are also very excited for her and for the creation of this position within CSSHSA. In collaboration with community social services (CSS) sector unions, employers, and our partners, CSSHSA is focusing on the development of education, tools and resources and the promotion of best practices for a vibrant health and safety culture. The aim is to develop and expand system-wide programs to improve the health, safety, and well-being of BC’s CSS sector. Suncha will help lead this work and continue to represent CMHA BC’s People Working Well hub – https://peopleworkingwellbc.ca/. It is an incredible opportunity for her.

The Federation and CSSHSA are committed to a strong, collaborative partnership. Suncha will stay connected to the Federation and continue to support the health, safety and well-being of Federation members. You will see Suncha at Federation conferences and events, and the Federation will do all it can to amplify the work and share resources and information coming out of CSSHSA. We will share her new contact information as soon as she is settled.

On behalf of everyone at the Federation, I want to thank Suncha for her kindness, hard work and invaluable contributions to the Federation over the last two years. Suncha will be missed, but we are taking solitude in the fact that we will see her regularly and continue to work closely.

 

Sincerely,

Kishone Roy

Executive Director, FCSSBC

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Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 8, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 8, 2024

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Health & Mental Health
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Reconciliation
  • Training Opportunities
  • Children & Youth
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Communities & Families
  • Career Opportunities
  • Homelessness & Housing
  • FSGV
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Good News

Health & Mental Health

Another Emergency Room Closed in B.C. Due to Lack of Staffing | Global News

Rural hospitals in British Columbia are facing frequent emergency room closures due to staffing shortages. The Lillooet Hospital’s emergency room will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to Interior Health. In July, there were 79 closures across hospitals managed by Interior and Northern Health. Interior Health had 28 closures, with Williams Lake experiencing 10 and Oliver and Merritt each having six. Northern Health saw 47 closures, with Haida Gwaii experiencing 15, followed by Chetwynd and Terrace with eight each.

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on August 28, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada” by Michelle Good. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Reconciliation

Northern BC Struggles with High Overdose Rates in Indigenous Communities | CFNR Network

Northern British Columbia is grappling with a severe opioid crisis, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities. Since 2016, over 16,000 people in the province have died from illicit drug use, with First Nations communities experiencing significant losses. In the first half of this year alone, Northern B.C. reported 115 drug-related deaths, a stark contrast to the province’s total of 1,158. First Nations women in the North are particularly vulnerable, with a death rate 11.7 times higher than other women last year. The First Nations Health Authority report shows that despite representing 14.8% of the population, First Nations people account for 46.1% of overdose deaths, a rate five times higher than other residents. Julie Morrison of the First Nations Health Authority highlighted the region’s lack of resources, with only two treatment facilities and insufficient supportive housing and detox beds. Efforts to combat the crisis include anti-stigma campaigns, community dialogues, and annual grants for awareness initiatives. A candlelight vigil and a purple flag-raising event in Prince George aim to raise awareness and support for the affected communities, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding of addiction as a health issue.

Related:

Training Opportunities

Children & Youth

Helping Students Express Their Feelings about the Climate Crisis | Canada’s National Observer

The Climate Art Challenge helps students express their feelings about the climate crisis through arts-based storytelling, which mitigates mental health issues and promotes wellbeing. The project uses Indigenous teachings to view the climate crisis as a relational problem, encouraging students to create art that reflects their emotions about climate change. Teachers download a lesson plan to guide students in researching climate impacts and resilience, maintaining visual journals over several weeks. The artwork is exhibited in class and the community, fostering discussions on climate issues and emotions. Luiza Salek, part of the first UBC Climate Studies and Action cohort, integrates this approach with her work on Indigenous storywork and land-based education, aiming to build resilience and deeper ecological responsibility. Salek’s vision for a better world centers on reclaiming a connection to the land and fostering community through shared stories and radical sharing. She encourages young people to find common ground through land connections and urges all generations to engage in deep, intergenerational conversations.

Related:

Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at the Laurel Point Inn, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Communities & Families

How This Post-secondary Course Will Prepare Prospective New West, Coquitlam Educators | New West Record

Douglas College in New Westminster and Coquitlam is launching a new English proficiency course this fall to support early childhood education (ECE) and youth care (CYC) students, addressing the projected demand for over 12,000 jobs in these sectors in B.C. over the next decade. With a $116,000 grant from the B.C. government, the 15-week English Upgrading program aims to remove barriers to education by offering high-quality, low-barrier options, including small class sizes for personalized instruction. The program, which will also be available in the winter and summer of 2025, is designed to build students’ confidence and skills from basic literacy to college preparatory levels. It is tuition-free for domestic applicants, making ECE and CYC career pathways more accessible and helping to meet B.C.’s labour market needs.

Related:

Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Homelessness & Housing

How Singapore’s Housing Model Inspires BC’s Affordability Drive | CBC

Urban planner Louisa-May Khoo noted similarities between British Columbia’s new B.C. Builds housing program and Singapore’s housing model, where Khoo previously worked. B.C. Builds, inspired by Singaporean principles, aims to set rental rates at 30% of household income and use state-owned land and low-cost financing to provide middle-income homes. However, replicating Singapore’s model in B.C. poses challenges due to differences in social environments and land availability. Singapore’s approach, which includes extensive state involvement in land ownership and development, has achieved high home-ownership rates but may be difficult to fully implement in Canada. Despite this, elements of Singapore’s comprehensive urban planning could serve as a guide for B.C. and other cities aiming for affordable housing solutions.

Related:

FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on September 25 and November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

Toxic Drugs

Community Action Initiative International Overdose Awareness Day 2024 – BC Events | CAIBC

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31st aims to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and address grief related to overdose deaths. With toxic drugs now the leading cause of death for people aged 10-59 in BC, surpassing homicides, suicides, accidents, and diseases, the day emphasizes evidence-based prevention and drug policy reform. Since the 2016 public health emergency declaration, over 14,000 lives have been lost in BC. This year’s theme, “Together we can,” highlights the importance of community solidarity in combating overdose. Events will take place across BC to engage and unite communities in this crucial cause.

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Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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white blue and orange medical pills - photo by myriam zillesmyriam zilles

Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 1, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 1, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Toxic Drugs
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Health & Mental Health
  • Training Opportunities
  • Reconciliation
  • Save the Date!
  • Children & Youth
  • Career Opportunities
  • Communities & Families
  • S2PM
  • Homelessness & Housing
  • FSGV
  • Good News

Toxic Drugs

BC Coroners Service Drug Toxicity Death Update Through June 2024 | BC Gov News

In the first half of 2024, at least 1,158 individuals in British Columbia have died due to unregulated drug toxicity, according to preliminary data from the BC Coroners Service. Despite a 9% decrease in deaths compared to the same period in 2023, approximately six people still die each day from toxic drugs. The majority of these deaths occurred among individuals aged 30 to 49, with males comprising 72% of the fatalities and an increasing percentage of females accounting for 28%. Fentanyl was detected in 82% of the expedited toxicological tests. The highest death rates were reported in the Northern Interior, North Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and Central Vancouver Island. Vancouver alone accounted for over one-fifth of the deaths, followed by Surrey and Greater Victoria. Unregulated drug toxicity is the leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 59 in British Columbia, surpassing homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural diseases combined. Since the declaration of a public health emergency in April 2016, more than 14,948 lives have been lost to unregulated toxic drugs.

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on August 28, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada” by Michelle Good. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Health & Mental Health

Mental-health Crisis Team Launches in Prince George | BC Gov News

Prince George will soon have access to a new Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) to address mental-health and substance-use crises. This community-led initiative provides immediate, compassionate support from professionals and individuals with lived experience. PACTs are trained to de-escalate crises, offering trauma-informed and culturally safe support while reducing the burden on police and emergency services. Operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre with support from the Canadian Mental Health Association, the team will serve residents aged 13 and older starting July 28, 2024. The program aligns with the Province’s Safer Communities Action Plan and B.C.’s Pathway to Hope, aiming to create healthier communities by enhancing mental-health and addiction care.

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Training Opportunities

Reconciliation

Residential School Survivor Suing Catholic Priest for Defamation | APTN News

Sphenia Jones, a Haida Elder and residential school survivor, is suing Fr. Marcin Mironiuk, an Edmonton priest, for defamation over comments made during a 2021 mass service. Jones alleges that Mironiuk called evidence of unmarked graves at residential schools “lies” and “manipulation,” deeply affecting her mental health. The statement of claim, filed on July 14, 2023, also includes the Oblate Fathers of Assumption Province. Mironiuk’s sermon, broadcast on YouTube, prompted an apology from the provincial superior and Mironiuk’s indefinite leave. Jones rejected an out-of-court settlement, seeking $12 million in damages to highlight survivors’ experiences and hold alleged deniers accountable. Despite Mironiuk’s subsequent apology, Jones remains unconvinced. Her lawsuit aims to validate the pain of residential school survivors, and if successful, she plans a healing journey retracing her steps to the residential school.

Related:

Save the Date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at the Laurel Point Inn, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Children & Youth

The Voices of Youth at Climate Talks | Canada’s National Observer

At the United Nations 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), a member of the ClimaTalk delegation, an NGO with a global reach, shared her experience of empowering youth in climate policy. ClimaTalk simplifies complex UN processes, translates jargon, and provides platforms for youth voices, alongside maintaining a database of youth in climate litigation and relevant academic courses. Her role involved reporting on negotiations and interviewing young changemakers. Despite some disillusionment with the COP process, she felt the significance of amplifying youth voices and stressed the need for greater youth and Indigenous representation. Her journey into sustainability began with a personal connection to Taiwan’s landscapes, evolving through various roles in climate action advocacy. She highlighted systemic barriers to progress, the urgency of climate impacts, and the inspiration from collective efforts toward positive change. She urged young people to unite, take risks, and learn by doing and called on older generations to support youth movements by providing platforms and mentorship.

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Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Communities & Families

Canadian Seniors Are Getting a Top-up to Old Age Benefits. How Much? | Global News

Canadian seniors are receiving a slight increase in their Old Age Security (OAS) benefits to help counteract the rising cost of living, with retirement becoming less affordable for many. As of July, OAS benefits have increased by 2.8% from the previous year due to inflation adjustments. For the period from July to September, benefits are up by 0.7%. Specifically, seniors aged 65 to 74 can receive a maximum monthly amount of $718.33, while those aged 75 and older can receive up to $790.16. Additionally, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and other non-taxable benefits are available to low-income seniors and their spouses. These adjustments reflect ongoing reviews based on the Consumer Price Index to ensure benefits align with cost-of-living increases.

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S2PM

Support to Practice Management

Building on the learning and feedback through delivering Support to Practice Supervision (S2PS) to over 16 cohorts, the Federation, through facilitators Chris Burt and Gord Cote, is now offering the next iteration of management practice workshops. Support to Practice Management (S2PM) is for new or mid-level managers. The selected content is designed to provide participants with a roadmap for navigating the complexities of organizations while building practical skills for enhancing the capacity of their organizations’ workforce. Specific content includes management theory and models, the context for administrative supervision, the influence of organizational culture, leadership, the value of coaching, and working through conflict.

Homelessness & Housing

Canada Invests in Over 2600 Affordable Homes Across BC | CMHC

The Canadian federal government has announced an investment of over $145 million through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to build and repair more than 2,600 affordable homes across British Columbia, including 1,082 new homes and repairs to 1,579 existing ones. The announcement, made by Minister Harjit Sajjan in Victoria, highlighted the funding’s role in addressing the housing crisis and included specific support for projects like the Woodlands at Dawson Heights, which received $4.25 million to build 85 homes for seniors. This initiative is part of the broader National Housing Strategy, which aims to support vulnerable populations and expand affordable housing options through significant financial commitments and streamlined processes for proven housing providers.

Related:

FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024

The Federation, in collaboration with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, is offering a FREE virtual workshop to help frontline staff improve their support for clients with financial struggles using Prosper Canada’s Benefits Wayfinder. This training will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to assist clients in discovering and applying for benefits and will include effective, trauma-informed money conversation techniques. The workshop is available on September 25 and November 5, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm and is limited to 30 participants per session. Additional dates will be added, and a waitlist is available by contacting Katherine Lim at info@fcssbc.ca. Register today and share this opportunity with your colleagues!

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

Subscribe HERE