That’s a wrap on the 2025 Social Policy Forum

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The 2025 Social Policy Forum has come to a close, and what an incredible gathering it was! Over two days, we engaged in powerful conversations, learned from sector leaders, and strengthened our collective vision for a more just and equitable future.

Key takeaways from the event

Inspiring leadership and thought-provoking discussions:

  • The Honourable Jodie Wickens shared her vision for the future of children and family services, sparking critical discussions about policy and systemic change.
  • The Honourable Sheila Malcolmson set the stage with a compelling opening, reinforcing BC’s commitment to social development and poverty reduction.
  • Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth reflected on the “Don’t Look Away” report, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen support for children and youth in care. As we navigate this critical work, we are guided by Sacred Teachings: Relationship—recognizing our connection to all things; Respect—honouring the sacred in our actions; Relevance—listening and responding to what is needed; Responsibility—fulfilling our duties with integrity; Reciprocity—expressing gratitude for the gifts we receive; and Repair—healing, restoring, and advancing reconciliation. What is your role in upholding these teachings? How will you pledge your support for the well-being of children and youth? What can you contribute to driving change?

Breakout sessions that moved the sector forward
Attendees explored key issues shaping our sector, including:

  • Truth, Reconciliation, Decolonization, and Indigenization: an essential conversation on embedding reconciliation into our work.
  • Cybersecurity essentials: helping organizations protect their data and digital infrastructure.
  • Government relations and advocacy: strategies for influencing policy and amplifying our sector’s voice.
  • Achieving success in changing political landscapes: the panel featuring Amber Ruddy, Amanda van Baarsen, and moderator Julia Staub-French discussed the preparations for shifts at both the provincial and federal levels. The conversation underscored the importance of proactive advocacy and strong partnerships.
  • Community-led collaboration project: a province-wide initiative that engaged 130+ community organizations and 2,000+ people across 23 BC communities to identify strengths, challenges, and hopes for children and youth with disabilities and support needs. Presenters shared the 11 calls to action and discussed the opportunities for collective advocacy to ensure all children and youth thrive.
  • Get Well Canada: Addressing the growing strain on Canada’s healthcare system. This session explored how renewed social investment can reduce pressure on medical services, improve affordability, and enhance the overall quality of life for future generations. Check out the Get Well Canada Toolkit for resources and insights on advancing this important work.
  • Workplace mental health and psychological safety: Suncha Satney explored strategies for fostering a psychologically safer workplace in the community social services sector. The session introduced the Wellness Exchange Program and the new Pulse Check tool, which help leaders assess and improve their organization’s psychosocial health and safety.

Thank you for being part of this event!

This forum was a reminder that real change happens when we come together—when we share knowledge, challenge the status quo, and advocate for policies that uplift communities.

We are so grateful to our speakers, panellists, facilitators, and—most importantly—you, our attendees! Thank you for your energy, engagement, and commitment to making a difference.

Let’s keep the momentum going with the Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference in Prince George!

In partnership with the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association, the Federation invites you to join us for the Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference.

📅 Dates: April 9–10, 2025
📍 Location: The Marriott Courtyard, Prince George

This two-day event will bring together professionals, advocates, and community leaders to explore key topics in workplace health and safety—mental health, decolonization, and more—all through the lens of the community social services sector.

  • Day 1: Preconference—a full day of training workshops.
  • Day 2: Conference—keynotes, breakout sessions, and a networking reception.

Stay tuned for more details, including training topics, speakers, and registration information!

Stay in the loop: follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky for ongoing updates and sector insights!

A classroom scene with young students sitting at a table, working on arts and crafts projects. A boy wearing glasses and a green shirt is in the foreground, focused on his work.Photo by CDC

Feb. 07 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

February 07, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

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

Communities

New prefabricated classrooms open in BC, more on the way | BC Gov News

The British Columbia government has recently opened prefabricated classrooms in four schools, adding over 1,000 new student spaces in rapidly growing communities. This initiative aims to provide students with optimal learning environments and address the increasing demand for classroom space. The prefabricated classrooms are designed to be quickly constructed and are equipped with modern amenities to support effective teaching and learning. The government plans to continue expanding this program to accommodate future growth and ensure that all students have access to quality educational facilities.

Related:

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!

Housing

200+ supportive homes, shelter spaces coming to BC | BC Housing News

The British Columbia government, through BC Housing, is funding 6,098 shelter spaces across 59 communities for the winter of 2024-2025, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. These include permanent shelters operating year-round, temporary shelters open nightly during winter, extreme-weather response shelters activated during severe conditions, and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) units. This initiative aims to provide warm, safe indoor spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness as colder weather approaches.

Related:

Homelessness

What Kelowna is doing for homeless people during this cold snap | iNFOnews

During the current cold snap in Kelowna, where temperatures have dipped below -10°C, the city has implemented several measures to support its homeless population. In collaboration with organizations like Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, a warming tent has been set up near the Okanagan Rail Trail encampment, operating from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., and warming buses are available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., collectively accommodating around 100 individuals. Additionally, the Gospel Mission has added 12 extra shelter beds, Turning Points has provided 25 additional spaces until March 31, and Metro Central is running a 12-person women’s-only mat program during extreme cold. Outreach teams, including members from bylaw services, RCMP, Kelowna Fire Department, BC Housing, Interior Health, and other organizations, are distributing supplies and offering support to those in need.

Related:

Mental health

Push-up to better mental health in Kelowna | Vernon Morning Star

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Kelowna is encouraging residents to participate in “The Push-Up Challenge,” a fitness-based mental health initiative running from February 11 for 18 days. Participants aim to complete 2,000 push-ups, symbolizing the approximate number of lives lost to suicide worldwide, to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health. The challenge is free, can be tracked via an app, and allows alternative exercises like squats or sit-ups. Originally founded in Australia in 2018, the challenge saw over 49,000 Canadians participate in 2024, raising $2.4 million. Registration is open for individuals and teams on “The Push-Up Challenge” website.

Related:

Drug crisis

Unregulated drugs killed fewer people in 2024 in BC, but advocates say numbers still far too high | CBC News

In 2024, unregulated drugs claimed the lives of 2,253 people in British Columbia, marking a 13% decline from the previous year and the lowest annual toll in four years. While officials acknowledge the decrease, advocates stress that the numbers remain alarmingly high, with more than six deaths per day. Experts caution against reading too much into the decline, noting similar trends in other regions without clear evidence of a single effective intervention. Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the primary drivers of deaths, detected in 78% of toxicology reports. Advocates, including Moms Stop the Harm, argue that the crisis requires a more urgent response, calling for a regulated drug supply and expanded harm reduction efforts. Since the public health emergency was declared in 2016, over 16,000 people have died due to toxic drugs in BC.

Related:

Health

Advocating for change in BC’s emergency departments | Doctors of BC

Doctors of BC is urging the Minister of Health to implement an urgent stabilization plan to address the crisis in emergency departments across British Columbia, where overcrowding and difficult working conditions are straining healthcare staff. On January 23, Doctors of BC leaders met with senior Ministry staff to advocate for improvements in staffing, working conditions, leadership relationships, and compensation, highlighting concerns in both rural and urban EDs. They reiterated these concerns in a January 27 meeting with Health Minister Josie Osborne, who was receptive to their recommendations. Doctors of BC will continue pushing for concrete action and keeping members informed of developments.

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 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

Upcoming changes at the Federation of Community Social Services of BC

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The Federation of Community Social Services of BC prepares for a leadership transition as Executive Director Kishone Roy has announced their resignation, effective June 1, 2025. Under Kishone’s leadership, the Federation has made significant progress, strengthening its internal systems and building a strong staff team. The Board of Directors has begun the search for a new Executive Director, with plans to announce a successor in May. Next week’s Social Policy Forum offers an opportunity for members to extend their gratitude and well wishes to Kishone in person. The Board welcomes any questions as this transition unfolds.

Read the entire communication here: https://fcssbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/K-Roy-Resignation-Letter-PDF-Letterhead.pdf

A happy family portrait featuring a young man with Down syndrome standing between an older man and woman. The woman, wearing glasses and a navy top, hugs the young man with a big smile. The young man is smiling warmly, and the older man looks at them affectionately, all against a soft green, natural background. photo by Nathan AndersonNathan Anderson

Feb. 04 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

February 04, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

  • Disability
  • Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
  • Children
  • Families
  • Reconciliation
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Good news

Disability

Supports individualized: CLBC says after Vernon mom calls for change | Castanet

Following concerns raised by Shauna Elliot about her son Jace’s inability to receive proper support due to provincial policies, Community Living BC (CLBC) responded by emphasizing its individualized approach to funding and support. CLBC stated that eligibility assessments involve creating personalized plans based on disability-related needs contracting services rather than providing them directly. However, Elliot expressed frustration over a lack of nuance in policies, underfunded programs, and a system that shifts responsibility. While CLBC acknowledged that safety measures, including restraints, are sometimes permitted under guiding principles of individual rights and least intrusive interventions, it remains unclear why a disconnect exists between policy and lived experiences. This response comes amid growing concerns about inadequate support for children with disabilities in B.C., with a recent representative for children and youth highlighting delays in addressing their needs and the B.C. Ombudsperson launched an investigation into their exclusion from the school system.

Related:

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!

Children

With families ‘beyond their breaking point,’ watchdog calls on ‘BC’ to support young people with disabilities | Indigenous Watchdog

The latest report from BC’s Representative for Children and Youth (RCY), “Too Many Left Behind,” highlights the overwhelming struggles faced by 83,000 young people with disabilities and their families, who are left without adequate support. The report follows the tragic, preventable death of an 11-year-old First Nations boy, “Colby,” who suffered severe neglect in foster care due to systemic failures. Families report being “beyond their breaking point,” struggling to access respite care, medical services, and educational support, with some even considering giving up their children to receive necessary care. The RCY emphasizes the need for an integrated, adequately funded service model that incorporates Indigenous leadership and cross-ministerial collaboration. While BC has committed to improving disability services, past reforms—such as the paused “Children and Youth with Support Needs” framework—were criticized for lack of consultation. The RCY calls for immediate action to prevent further harm and ensure children receive support early rather than relying on costly interventions later.

Related:

Families

United Way BC sending 40 families and seniors to West Kelowna Warriors match | Castanet

United Way BC and the West Kelowna Warriors are partnering to provide over 40 families and seniors facing financial challenges with a night of entertainment, covering tickets and food vouchers through the Local Love Fund. Attendees will watch the Warriors play the Vernon Vipers on Feb. 8 at Royal LePage Place, offering them a rare opportunity for leisure amid financial struggles. The initiative also supports seniors who often face isolation in winter, aligning with United Way BC’s focus on healthy aging. Additionally, the organization will receive half of the funds from the game’s 50/50 draw.

Related:

Reconciliation

Haida woman helps break world storytelling record | CBC News

Haida storyteller Kung Jadee helped set a new world record at the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival in Morocco, where more than 100 storytellers participated in an 80-hour, 32-minute, and 58-second continuous storytelling event. The record, certified by Guinness World Records, required each performance to have at least ten audience members, though the event attracted far more listeners. Jadee, who belongs to the Haida, Musqueam, and Squamish First Nations, shared stories and songs from her region, helping to highlight the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada. She described the experience as “absolutely magical,” deeply moved by the oral traditions of storytellers from over 30 countries.

Related:

Women

How a BC program is empowering the next generation of Black women | CBC News

Empowered Black Girl, a mentorship program for Black girls in Grades 8 to 12 in Metro Vancouver, is fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging among its participants. Founded in 2021 and housed under Black Women Connect Vancouver, the program addresses the unique challenges Black girls face, including racial and gender discrimination, by providing mentorship, workshops, and career development opportunities. Program manager Adaeze Oputa-Anu, who identified a gap in resources for Black girls in BC, emphasizes the need for continued support and funding to sustain these efforts. Former participant Tulivu Wamai, who found solace and empowerment through the program, is now giving back by volunteering and pursuing a career in social work, exemplifying the program’s long-term impact. In 2025, Empowered Black Girl will expand to operate year-round, aiming to support even more young Black women in achieving their goals.

Related:

Youth

Has democracy gone out of style for Gen Z? | City News

Youth voter turnout in Canada has declined in recent elections, raising concerns about Gen Z’s engagement with democracy. Since 2015, participation has steadily dropped, with a seven percent decrease between the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Factors such as voter fatigue, non-competitive races, and distrust in democratic processes may be contributing to this trend. Some experts suggest that Gen Z’s approach to civic engagement is evolving rather than disappearing, as they prioritize activism and digital advocacy over traditional voting. In a discussion with “Apathy is Boring,” executive director Samantha Reush host Maria Kestane explores why young voters feel disconnected from the ballot box and how their perspectives could shape the future of Canadian politics.

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 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