SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

January 31, 2025

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Representative for Children and Youth

Too Many Left Behind: Ensuring Children and Youth with Disabilities Thrive

The Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) has released a new report, “Too Many Left Behind: Ensuring Children and Youth with Disabilities Thrive,” which highlights significant gaps in services and supports for young people with disabilities in BC. Based on extensive engagement with families, service providers, and disability organizations—as well as a survey of over 1,100 families—the report reveals that up to 70% of children and youth with disabilities are not receiving adequate support. It calls for an “all-of-government” approach to a “Child Well-Being Strategy,” equitable access to services, cross-ministerial collaboration, and improved data collection. To discuss these findings, RCY will host two webinars in February:

📅 Feb 5 | 10 AM to 11 AM: tinyurl.com/bpa2dkpc
📅 Feb 12 | 7 PM to 8 PM: tinyurl.com/bdfvkj7p
🔗 Read the full report: tinyurl.com/utphkd75

Table of Contents

• Health
• 2025 Social Policy Forum
• Communities
• Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
• Drug crisis
• Housing
• Homelessness
• Mental health
• Good news

Health

BC’s provincial health officer champions kindness on 5-year anniversary of province’s 1st COVID case | CBC News

On the fifth anniversary of BC’s first confirmed COVID-19 case, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reflects on the collective trauma endured during the pandemic and emphasizes the need for kindness as communities face new challenges like economic struggles and housing issues. Henry, who led BC’s COVID-19 response, acknowledges the difficulties of balancing public health measures with public sentiment, facing both praise and criticism for her decisions. While she believes the province is better prepared for future pandemics, she worries that public resistance to health restrictions may hinder future responses. She also criticized a recent Alberta report that questions vaccine effectiveness, calling it misleading and contrary to scientific consensus.

Related:

• Clinic ordered to pay BC’s costs after failure of ‘marathon’ private health lawsuit | City News
• BC nurse gets sick after someone smoked toxic substance in a bathroom | Global News
• Fraser Health enhances HPV immunization campaign to protect students from future cancers | Fraser Health Authority

Register now!

2025 Social Policy Forum

This event is sold out! Due to high demand, registration is now closed. However, we have started a waitlist for those still interested in attending. If a spot becomes available, we will reach out to waitlisted individuals in the order they signed up. Join the waitlist here.

Thank you for your interest!

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12–14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum to connect with leaders, explore key social policy topics, and help shape the future of our communities.

Member rate: $329 | Non-member: $449

Learn more and register here.

Contact info@fcssbc.ca for details.

Communities

Coroner’s inquest calls for ‘total reset’ of Community Living BC | The Tyee

A coroner’s inquest into the 2018 death of Florence Girard, a woman with Down syndrome who starved to death under the care of a government-funded home share provider, has called for a complete overhaul of Community Living BC (CLBC). The jury issued 13 recommendations, emphasizing improved training, wages, and oversight for caregivers, as well as reducing bureaucracy to direct more funding toward client services. Girard’s death highlighted systemic failures, including inadequate oversight, lack of proper care, and the precarious working conditions of home-share providers. Advocates, including Down Syndrome BC’s president Tamara Taggart, stress the urgency of implementing reforms to prevent similar tragedies. CLBC has acknowledged its failures and pledged improvements, but critics remain skeptical, citing past inaction on oversight concerns.

Related:

• Federal government invests in improved flood protection in the Village of Tahsis | BC Gov News
• MLAs urged to continue representing Peace River’s communities on ‘critical’ issues | Energetic City
• Kaslo community forest ready for wildfire season after two-year risk mitigation | Creston Valley Advance

Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!

Drug crisis

Raids on medical cannabis dispensaries threaten drug-testing services | The Tyee

The province’s Community Safety Unit raided two Medical Cannabis Dispensary locations in Vancouver, seizing unregulated cannabis and cash and threatening drug-testing services funded by these dispensaries. Operated by the Vancouver Dispensary Society, the stores generate revenue for Get Your Drugs Tested, a free drug-checking service that has analyzed over 77,000 samples since 2020. Founder Dana Larsen, a longtime drug policy advocate, criticized the raids, arguing they target an essential harm-reduction initiative amid BC’s toxic drug crisis. With no legal cannabis stores in the Downtown Eastside, Larsen emphasized the dispensaries serve an underserved community, particularly those using high-potency edibles as an opioid alternative. Despite financial losses from repeated raids, he remains committed to keeping the service operational, believing it is morally and historically justified.

Related:

• Penticton nurse distressed by continuing illicit drug use in hospital with lacking safety policy | Castanet
• Toxic drug alert in Dawson Creek | CFNR Network
• Unsanctioned Overdose Prevention Site served Comox Valley hospital inpatients for five days | CHLY 101.7FM

Housing

BC Housing responding to ‘attempted security breach’ | CTVNews

BC Housing has temporarily suspended online applications for its housing registry due to an attempted security breach. The registry, which connects individuals with affordable housing providers, has been offline since Monday as a precautionary measure. BC Housing is working to restore the service and expects to provide an update by February 3. It remains unclear whether any personal information was compromised. In the meantime, applicants can seek assistance by calling 1-800-257-7756.

Related:

• BC housing minister says Sooke must change zoning bylaws or ministry will intervene | Chek News
• BC announces new legislation and fees for short-term rentals, including cottages | Cottage Life
• UBCM policy position on vacant land taxation | Union of BC Municipalities

Homelessness

Fair approach to shelter beds needed throughout BC: City of Chilliwack | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

The City of Chilliwack is urging the provincial government to distribute shelter beds more equitably across BC, as its shelters are at full capacity while people in need continue to be sent there from other regions. Mayor Ken Popove highlighted instances where hospitals in the Fraser Health and Coastal Health regions discharged individuals with complex care needs and sent them to Chilliwack despite a lack of available beds. With the highest number of shelter beds per capita in the Lower Mainland, Chilliwack currently has 212 year-round beds, plus additional winter spaces, yet the demand continues to exceed capacity. The city is calling on BC Housing and the provincial government to ensure shelter and support services are more evenly distributed so individuals can receive care in their home communities. Additionally, Chilliwack is advocating for expanded access to detox, sobering, and stabilizing beds provincewide to prevent services from being concentrated in just a few communities.

Related:

• Past and current homeless converge to clean prominent Penticton encampment | Kelowna Now
• Surrey grapples with growing homelessness as advocates call for more supportive housing | CBC News

Mental health

Nelson struggles with mental health care as BC receives failing grades in accessibility, support | Castanet

Nelson’s struggle with mental health care reflects a broader crisis across British Columbia, which has received failing grades in accessibility for the second consecutive year. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) reports that BC improved slightly from an “F” to a “D” but still lacks sufficient resources, leaving many without adequate care. Nelson, in particular, lacks a dedicated complex care facility and accessible detox services, forcing those in crisis to travel to Castlegar. Experts highlight that unregulated counselling services further exacerbate the issue, allowing unqualified individuals to practice. Advocates stress the need for government support, including regulation and publicly funded mental health care, to address growing demand and ensure qualified professionals provide effective treatment.

Related:

• Kelowna bridge closure shines spotlight on treatment for mental health issues | Castanet
• COVID-19 impacts continue to be felt in BC schools, students and teachers say | CBC News
• Supporting our loved ones through grief with Healing Indigenous Hearts facilitator training | First Nations Health Authority

Good News

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

• Parents really do have a favourite child, new study suggests. And it’s probably who you think it is | CBC News
• Move over pickleball — padel is the new racket sport in town | CBC.ca
• Few saw her potential. Now she’s setting records on the basketball court | CBC News

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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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

January 24, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

• Communities
• 2025 Social Policy Forum
• Drug crisis
• Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
• Mental health
• Housing
• Health
• Homelessness
• Good news

Communities

Indigenous communities in BC and California promote cultural burns for disaster mitigation | CBC News

Indigenous communities in British Columbia and California are promoting the revival of cultural burning, a traditional fire management practice that reduces wildfire risks, supports ecosystem health, and sustains cultural traditions. This technique, distinct from prescribed burns by government agencies, eliminates excess fuel to prevent intense wildfires, encourages the regrowth of native species, and enhances food and material sources for local Indigenous populations. Despite historical bans—California prohibited the practice in 1850 and only recently eased regulations in 2022—Indigenous leaders like Jeremiah Louis and Leah Mata-Fragua advocate for its broader adoption, citing its success in saving homes and promoting sustainable land stewardship. With increasing wildfire devastation, such as the recent destruction in Los Angeles and the 2021 White Rock Lake fire, there is growing recognition of the value of Indigenous knowledge in disaster mitigation, reflected in policy shifts in BC and calls for greater integration of cultural burns into wildfire prevention strategies.

Related:

• Southern Interior communities receive over $2 million to create memorable outdoor and cultural experiences | Canada
• Community organization faces future funding crisis | Energetic City
• 4 BC communities get 26 new addiction treatment beds | City News

Register now!

2025 Social Policy Forum

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12–14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum to connect with leaders, explore key social policy topics, and help shape the future of our communities.

Member rate: $329 | Non-member: $449

Learn more and register here. Act fast! There are only a few tickets remaining!

Contact info@fcssbc.ca for details.

Drug crisis

BC Supreme Court certifies Canada-wide class-action lawsuit against opioid makers | CBC News

The BC Supreme Court has certified a Canada-wide class-action lawsuit led by British Columbia against opioid manufacturers and distributors, marking a major step in litigation to recover health-care costs related to the opioid crisis. Attorney General Niki Sharma stated that the lawsuit aims to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their alleged deceptive marketing practices, which contributed to addiction and overdose rates. The court upheld the constitutionality of BC’s law, allowing it to represent other Canadian governments, nearly all of which plan to participate. Federal Mental Health Minister Ya’ara Saks expressed support for the lawsuit, which began in 2018 and continues to challenge pharmaceutical companies’ attempts to impede proceedings. The opioid crisis declared a public health emergency in BC in 2016, has caused over 49,000 deaths nationwide since then.

Related:

• ‘Smoke weird’ and other quitting strategies recommended by Island Health doctor | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News
• Vancouver Island doctors take pop-up overdose prevention site to Comox Valley hospital | Global News
• Broadcaster Scott Oake hopes his advocacy can spare other families the pain of drug addiction | CBC Radio

Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!

Mental health

The healing power of pets | Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital

January 2025 highlights the therapeutic benefits of pets in supporting mental health, emphasizing their impact on youth. Pets provide companionship, reduce stress, combat loneliness, and foster routines, offering stability and emotional support. For youth, animal-assisted therapy enhances emotional expression, empathy, and anxiety reduction, showing promise in improving social skills and well-being. Alternatives to ownership, such as volunteering at shelters, fostering, or engaging with therapy animals, allow people to experience these benefits. Sharing personal stories about pets’ positive impacts can inspire others to explore similar avenues. Accessible mental health resources and specialized veterinary care further support both individuals and their pets in achieving overall well-being.

Related:

• Debt crisis taking toll on mental health of British Columbians: study | Chek News
• More substance-use treatment coming to BC | CMHA British Columbia

Housing

Access to housing a key issue for BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner | CFJC Today Kamloops

Housing has emerged as a critical issue for BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, with Kasari Govender emphasizing the growing challenges many British Columbians face in accessing safe, affordable housing. Speaking in Kamloops on January 22, Govender highlighted the urgent need for both low-barrier supportive housing for vulnerable populations and affordable housing options for working individuals. Despite efforts by the City of Kamloops to increase housing stock, the province’s targets remain out of reach, leaving diverse groups—including seniors, people with disabilities, and the working poor—struggling to secure suitable housing.

Related:

• Port Alberni, BC, residents struggle to find housing as city grows | CBC
• First Nation unveils new housing development | The Free Press
• Saanich moves forward plan for two six-storey buildings | Victoria Times Colonist

Health

Advocate tells BC inquest that home-share providers are burnt out, need better pay | Vernon Matters

Cary Chiu, BC’s advocate for service quality, testified at a coroner’s inquest into the 2018 death of Florence Girard, a 54-year-old woman with Down syndrome who starved to death in a caretaker’s home. Chiu highlighted the burnout and crisis mode often experienced by home-share providers caring for adults with developmental disabilities, urging better pay to maintain the program’s integrity and improve the quality of care. Girard’s death occurred while living with Astrid Dahl under a program funded by Community Living BC and managed by the non-profit Kinsight Community Society.

Related:

• BC health minister responds as paramedics warn ambulances ‘just sitting empty’ | Global News
• BC paramedics say staffing nears ‘critical’ levels, affecting response times | Victoria Times Colonist
• Consider care options before bringing kids to ER with respiratory issues, BC Children’s Hospital says | CBC News

Homelessness

New project proposed to start conversations, solutions on rural homelessness | Castanet

Selkirk College’s Selkirk Innovates is proposing a three-year project, “Stories to Solutions,” to address rural homelessness in the West Kootenay region by collecting and analyzing stories from diverse perspectives, including local governments, residents, people experiencing homelessness, business owners, and service providers. Using participatory narrative inquiry (PNI), the project aims to foster collaboration, identify actionable solutions, and strengthen regional capacity while addressing the complexities of rural homelessness. Faculty researcher Jayme Jones emphasized that storytelling helps uncover patterns, reduce stigma, and inform evidence-based decision-making. Building on the momentum of a prior project, which concludes in 2025, “Stories to Solutions” seeks to continue fostering community-supported solutions. Selkirk Innovates has asked the Regional District of Central Kootenay to partner in this initiative, with a decision pending future board discussions. If funded, the project would launch in September.

Related:

• Warming tent at Kelowna rail trail encampment still waiting for full deployment | Castanet
• Tent goes up in flames at Kelowna homeless encampment | Castanet
• Why is there so little change on the 900-block of Pandora? | Victoria Times Colonist

Good News

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

• Blind rock climber from London, Ont., reaches new heights with plans to compete at 2028 Paralympics | CBC News
• Need a simple way to destress? Stop and notice nature, experts say | CBC Radio
• Sask. pig spleen weather prognosticator carries on family tradition | CBC News

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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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

January 17, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Yesterday, the Government of BC’s Executive Council released mandate letters to its cabinet, outlining the government’s high-level commitments and broad policy directions. Please view it here.

Table of contents

• Communities
• 2025 Social Policy Forum
• Health
• Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
• Drug crisis
• Mental health
• Housing
• Homelessness
• Good News

Communities

Alcohol Policy: How communities can act on a local level | BC Healthy Communities

Join a PlanH Healthy Public Policy webinar on January 30, 2025, to hear how the Town of Tofino adapts its municipal alcohol policy to support its residents. With the BC Cancer Foundation reporting that alcohol consumption is linked to seven types of cancer, healthy public policies such as those being adopted by Tofino are becoming increasingly important. The webinar will also discuss 11 recommendations from the Canadian Alcohol Policy Evaluation (CAPE) to help citizens and communities become more aware of alcohol harms. Register for the webinar here.

Related:

• CBC expands local news coverage in 22 underserved communities across the country | CBC Media Centre
• Okanagan communities push for secondary route amid Highway 97 issues | Vernon Morning Star
• Green transition expected to disrupt communities of 1 in 10 Canadians: report | Vernon Morning Star

Less than a month to go!

2025 Social Policy Forum

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12–14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum to connect with leaders, explore key social policy topics, and help shape the future of our communities.

Member rate: $329 | Non-member: $449

Learn more and register here.

Contact info@fcssbc.ca for details.

Health

BC’s 1st physician assistants added in effort to treat rural health shortage | Creston Valley Advance

BC’s first two civilian physician assistants (PAs), Fred Bai and Eric Demers, have begun working at Saanich Peninsula Hospital as part of a pilot project aimed at addressing staffing shortages, particularly in rural areas. PAs, trained in a two-year program modelled after medical school, can conduct patient interviews, perform diagnostics, prescribe most medications, and assist in emergency care under physician supervision. Bai and Demers, both experienced PAs, joined the hospital’s emergency department on January 8, 2025, to support patient care and reduce wait times in response to growing demand. This initiative, authorized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, plans to hire more PAs in the coming months. Led by Dr. Paeta Lehn and coordinated by Island Health, the program seeks to alleviate the province’s health-care crisis and improve access to care in underserved communities.

Related:

• Campaign highlights rural health-care inequities | Times Chronicle
• BC ER physician’s death prompts call for review | CTV News
• New mobile MRI, CT scanner enhance access to medical imaging in the province | Fraser Health Authority

Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!

Drug crisis

Removing legislation not restricting public consumption of toxic substances a welcome move: mayor | Castanet

Nelson Mayor Janice Morrison welcomed the provincial repeal of the “Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act,” which aimed to help those struggling with addiction but faced criticism for its unintended consequences. She emphasized addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one, and supported decriminalization to reduce stigma and promote access to help. The city passed a bylaw in August 2023 prohibiting public drug use in parks to protect community well-being. While decriminalization allows adults to possess small amounts of certain drugs in specific private and designated locations, public use remains illegal. However, Nelson lacks a safe inhalation site, a gap that some city officials highlighted as critical for addressing the issue effectively.

Related:

• Harm reduction advocates hope high court will ‘clarify’ Canada’s ‘Good Samaritan’ law | CBC News

Mental health

South Okanagan mental health fundraiser deadline extended as donations fall well below target | Castanet

Desert Sun Counselling & Resource Centre in South Okanagan has extended its Empty Bowls and Baskets holiday fundraiser deadline after falling $20,000 short of last year’s total, with only $40,000 raised toward its $75,000 goal. The fundraiser supports 24 programs addressing mental health, family support, safe housing, and crisis intervention. Acknowledging the financial challenges many face this year, the organization expressed gratitude for the donations received so far and extended the campaign until the end of January, benefiting from a federal extension due to the Canada Post strike. Desert Sun encourages the community to contribute, emphasizing that every dollar makes a difference.

Related:

• Grading Canada’s Mental Health and Substance Use Health Services: Minimal Improvement, Widespread Failures | CAMIMH Poll
• School mental health programs reduce drug risk: study | CTV News
• Good sleep in childhood may mean better adult mental health | Psychology Today Canada

Housing

Nearly half of British Columbians $200 away from not being able to pay bills, survey finds | CBC News

British Columbians are grappling with escalating affordability challenges in 2024, as surveys reveal growing concerns over personal debt, housing costs, and rising expenses. The MNP Consumer Debt Index found that nearly half of residents feel they can’t cover expenses without incurring more debt, with 46% just $200 away from financial shortfalls and one-third already unable to meet their obligations. Housing costs, particularly rising mortgage payments outpacing income growth, are a major concern, with renters also vulnerable to unexpected expenses. Residents like Nadine Hoskin and Charles Nowakowski report significant impacts from surging grocery prices and essential costs, while experts emphasize the importance of budgeting. However, seniors, constrained by fixed incomes, face particularly tough choices as affordability pressures mount, highlighting the widespread and multi-faceted nature of the crisis.

Related:

• Unlocking Nelson’s hidden housing stock and home sharing through new platform | Castanet
• Oak Bay claims housing adviser unnecessary | Victoria Times Colonist
• Housing report points to needs for seniors, rental units | Grand Forks Gazette

Homelessness

City of Penticton, Penticton Indian Band say they are working to address local homeless encampment | Penticton Now

The City of Penticton and the Penticton Indian Band are collaborating with the province to address a homeless encampment located at Fairview Road and Highway 97, a provincially governed area. This land, originally appropriated by the federal government in the 1950s for infrastructure projects, was never returned to the Penticton Indian Band. Both Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield and Chief Greg Gabriel emphasized the importance of ensuring safety, respect, and proper housing for those at the encampment while protecting and cleaning up the land. They are partnering with organizations like 100 More Homes, BC Housing, and Interior Health to find both short- and long-term solutions, including increased housing options. Despite providing regular support, local authorities lack the legal jurisdiction to resolve the situation fully, leaving ongoing discussions with the province essential.

Related:

• Loophole prevents local governments from dealing with Penticton homeless camp | iNFOnews
• Eby says PG on the right track to shutting down Moccasin Flats encampment | My Prince George Now
• Advocacy groups call for more compassionate rhetoric around Nelson’s unhoused population | Castanet

Good News

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

• Barking sea lions on Bowen Island are music to the ears of this conservationist | CBC News
• PEI homeowner captures sound and video of meteorite strike on camera, and scientists believe it’s a first | CBC News
• The squeaky cheese dream: How this New Brunswick senior checked off one more dream on his list | CBC News

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

SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

January 10, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

• Health
• 2025 Social Policy Forum
• Mental health
• Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
• Communities
• Housing
• Drug crisis
• Homelessness
• Good News

Health

Masking required at all BC health-care facilities once again | CBC News

Effective January 6, 2025, masks are once again mandatory in BC health-care facilities for staff, patients, visitors, and volunteers in areas where care is actively provided, as announced by the province’s Health Ministry. This measure responds to a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV, while COVID-19 remains stable but shows early signs of increasing. The mask mandate, reinstated for the flu season in October 2023, mirrors previous practices during respiratory illness peaks and will likely remain until spring 2025. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19 as cases climb, particularly among children following the holiday season. Exceptions to the mandate include eating or visiting single-patient rooms. Some health professionals advocate for additional measures, such as providing monoclonal antibody shots for infants to protect against RSV, which are already offered in other provinces.

Related:

• BCEHS millions over budget, cracking down on overtime | CTV News
• BC researchers developing new technology to provide remote ultrasounds | Global News
• BC nurses rally in Vancouver for safer working conditions | City News

Register now!

Last chance to save: early bird registration ends soon!

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12-14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum, hosted in partnership with the Federation of Community Social Services of BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), and Board Voice. This year’s forum will bring together members from these organizations, government officials, and sector partners to explore critical social policy topics, including decolonization and anti-racism, cybersecurity, the health of the social services sector, and advocacy strategies.

Featured speakers include Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, BC’s Representative for Children and Youth; Karla Verschoor, Executive Director of Inclusion BC; Shane Simpson, Board Chair of Community Living BC; Dr. Paul Kershaw and the Gen Squeeze team; Richard Watt from Total Support Solutions; and Suncha Satney, a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant with CSSHSA.

Early Bird registration is now open for members at $279 until January 13, 2025. Afterward, the regular fee is $329 for members and $449 for non-members. Special accommodation rates starting at $164 per night are available at the Inn at Laurel Point until January 13, 2025.

Secure your spot today to take advantage of Early Bird rates, and don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in social policy and shape the future of our communities.

Register now

For more information, contact us at info@fcssbc.ca.

Mental health

BC ‘full speed ahead’ on involuntary care, aims to open 2 facilities by spring | Global News

Premier David Eby announced that BC will open its first two involuntary care facilities by spring, fulfilling a key campaign promise to address public safety and support individuals with severe mental health, addiction, and brain injury issues. The Surrey Pretrial Centre and Alouette Correctional Facility in Maple Ridge will host 10 secure treatment beds and secure housing, respectively, and serve as templates for broader expansion. While advocates acknowledge the potential necessity of involuntary care as a last resort, concerns persist about safeguards, patient rights, and the need for robust community mental health support. The government has yet to clarify the operational details and plans for further expansion.

Related:

• January blues? Doctor shares winter mental health tips | CTV News
• Project underway to reveal hidden health struggles of rural volunteer firefighter | CBC News

Opportunities brought to you by the Federation

The Federation is dedicated to supporting our members and strengthening the broader community social services sector. We offer a range of ways to stay informed, build connections, and grow your skills.

Stay informed about the latest in the sector by exploring our calendar of training sessions, webinars, and events designed to help you succeed.
Get connected and expand your professional network through opportunities created specifically for community social services professionals.
Looking for a new career? Explore current job postings and find your next opportunity in the community social services sector.

Visit our website today to discover all the ways we can support you!

Communities

Ferries in BC Kootenay region run ‘as normal’ after Labour Relations Board ruling | CTV News

Ferry services in British Columbia’s Kootenay region, including the Harrop-Procter and Glade ferries, will continue operating normally “indefinitely” following a stay granted by the province’s Labour Relations Board to Western Pacific Marine, the company operating the ferries. This stay halts an earlier ruling that would have allowed reduced ferry services amid an ongoing strike by BC General Employees’ Union members, who have been seeking wage increases, scheduling adjustments, and extended benefits since November 3. The potential reduction in service had sparked protests from affected communities, but the Labour Board is now planning a new hearing to reconsider the original order, with dates to be announced next week.

Related:

• Petition to include rural communities left out of BC provincial health-care funding program | Global News
• 7 BC Cities Rank In Top 20 Most Dangerous Places in Canada | 604 Now

Housing

Kitsilano decision could affect entire province | Victoria Times Colonist

The BC Court of Appeal recently declared the Municipal Enabling and Validating Act (No. 5), or MEVA 5, unconstitutional, striking a blow to the provincial government’s attempt to bypass public input and procedural fairness in local zoning decisions to expedite a social housing project in Vancouver. The case, initiated by the Kitsilano Coalition, challenged the truncated public hearing process and lack of community consultation, particularly given the proximity of the proposed site to an elementary school. The court ruled that the legislation violated constitutional principles, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse viewpoints in a democratic society. Premier David Eby and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, citing the urgency of the housing crisis, pushed the legislation despite concerns, with Attorney General Niki Sharma’s role in advising on its constitutionality now under scrutiny. The ruling forces the government to decide between rewriting the law, appealing to the Supreme Court, or invoking a notwithstanding clause, with significant implications for housing policy and individual rights.

Related:

• Housing needs report updated for the City of Fort St. John | Energetic City
• A long-delayed Vancouver housing megaproject Is closer to reality | The Tyee
• Eby says there ‘will be affordable social housing’ in Kits neighbourhood, despite pushback | Global News

Drug crisis

Provincial Decriminalization Legislation repealed | Union of BC Municipalities

On December 19, 2024, the provincial government repealed the “Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act,” which had been blocked by a court injunction since its passage in November 2023. The repeal was deemed appropriate as federal exemptions amended by Health Canada in May 2024 already covered the intended restrictions, prohibiting drug use in public spaces like hospitals, transit, parks, and schools. Illegal drug possession remains allowed in private residences, designated health-care sites, and legal overnight sheltering locations for unhoused individuals. The decriminalization pilot project, allowing limited drug possession under specific conditions, will continue until January 31, 2026.

Related:

• Unsanctioned OPS continues near Nanaimo hospital, movement spreads across Canada | NanaimoNewsNOW
• New chief coroner using data to shine a light on BC deaths | Victoria Times Colonist

Homelessness

‘Guy is thriving’: from living on BC’s streets to helping people survive them | Ucluelet Westerly News

Vernon’s Upper Room Mission has shared the inspiring story of Guy, a former client who transformed his life and now gives back as a volunteer driver for the Mission. Once homeless and struggling with alcoholism, Guy faced numerous challenges, including arrests and jail time, before deciding to turn his life around. With the Mission’s support, he overcame addiction, rebuilt relationships with his wife and daughter, and achieved independence. Today, two and a half years later, Guy is thriving, living sober with his family and helping the Mission serve others in need. His journey highlights the power of perseverance, hope, and community support.

Related:

• Artists who have experienced homelessness spotlighted in BC exhibition | CTV News

Good News

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

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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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