SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

March 28, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

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

Housing

Tofino reversing decision to participate in B.C.’s short-term rental regulation | City News

The District of Tofino is reconsidering its decision to opt into B.C.’s short-term rental regulations, which restrict rentals to a person’s principal residence and require registration. Initially excluded from the legislation, Tofino voluntarily adopted the rules to address its housing crisis. However, following concerns from community members — particularly tenants pressured to act as Airbnb or VRBO hosts — the council is now seeking to reverse its participation. While the regulations have not significantly impacted tourism, the decision comes amid broader economic uncertainties. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon emphasized the province’s commitment to supporting local governments in addressing housing needs.

Related:

• Canada’s housing crisis is preventing millions from forming the households they want | UBC
• Pemberton, Valeriote discuss Village’s capacity to meet provincial policing and housing mandates | Penticton Herald
• Indigenous women in Surrey will have new complex-care housing, support | Nation Talk

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!

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

From April 9 to 10, 2025
Courtyard Marriott Prince George
900 Brunswick Street
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

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
Your choice of full-day training workshop:
Mental Health First Aid
Introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Day 2: Conference
Keynote: Warren Hooley
Boundaries & Respectful Assertiveness
Women’s Health and Safety
and more!

Click here for the complete agenda: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference: Agenda
Register here: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference

For youth from care, financial barriers can make post-secondary education challenging. That’s why The Federation Youth Education Bursary exists — to support students pursuing careers in human and social services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 to 217 students, covering tuition, books, and supplies.

💰 What You Need to Know:
✅ Up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters)
✅ Can be combined with other bursaries or tuition waivers
✅ Funds go directly to the academic institution
✅ Must be used within 18 months (for 2025 recipients, by January 2027)
✅ You can apply more than once and receive the bursary multiple years in a row

📝 Applications close May 5, 2025. Applicants will be notified in the summer. Apply here: 2025 Youth Education Bursary

How to prepare your community organization for wildfire season 2025 in BC

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense — how can your organization be ready? Join us for a vital webinar designed to help BC’s social services organizations prepare for the 2025 wildfire season.

Hear from leading experts as they share insights on fire behaviour, health impacts, and the psychological effects of climate disasters. Learn firsthand from a social service leader who navigated wildfire response in 2024. A live Q&A session will follow pre-recorded interviews with our expert panel.

📅 Date: April 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Online Webinar

Featured Speakers:
Katie Hodder – Firsthand experience navigating a wildfire crisis
Bob Gray – Fire behaviour and mitigation strategies
Alexis Palmer-Fluevog – Psychological impacts of climate disasters
Linda Thyer – Health risks and medical considerations

Moderated by Arden Henley, Executive Director of Green Technology Education Centre.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your emergency preparedness. Register today!

Homelessness

Fort St John homelessness committee to meet with B.C. ministers | Energetic City

The Council’s Response Committee on Housing and Emergency Shelter (CRCHES) in Fort St. John has been authorized to meet with several B.C. ministers to discuss solutions for homelessness, including potential funding and a pilot co-op housing program. CRCHES submitted a report to the council on Feb. 24 recommending provincial engagement, and the council unanimously approved the committee’s request to meet with the ministers of housing and municipal affairs, public safety and solicitor general, and health. The meeting will be held virtually, and the council has also endorsed a CRCHES resolution advocating for alternative funding streams for local governments.

Related:

• Teams set out to count unhoused in capital region | Victoria Times Colonist
• Kelowna Tent City residents not happy with fencing during seasonal clean | Castanet
• ‘Some’ success on Vernon homelessness: social planning council | Vernon Morning Star

Health

CT scan waitlists moving faster in B.C. Interior due to new system | Castanet

Interior Health (IH) has introduced a new system to reduce CT scan wait times by allowing patients in Kelowna and Kamloops to choose nearby hospitals with shorter queues. Over the past two months, IH has contacted more than 3,000 patients, with some opting for alternative locations and others identifying that they no longer need the scan, helping to improve overall efficiency. The demand for CT scans has grown by 33 per cent in the past year, as more physicians rely on them for superior diagnostic imaging. IH has also implemented an automated text and call system to notify patients of available appointments, though some have mistaken the messages for scams. Patients have five days to respond, and IH advises them to check its website for verification and more information.

Related:

• BC Researchers Awarded Over $49 Million for Advancements in Hereditary Cancer Care, Child Drug Safety and Heart Health | Cision
• B.C.’s second in-pharmacy care clinic looks and works like a doctor’s office | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News
• How does ageism harm seniors in health care, workplaces? | CBC

Drug crisis

Stir stick to detect if your drink is spiked developed by UBC researchers | Global News

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed “Spikeless,” a discreet stir stick that detects common drink-spiking drugs like GHB and ketamine within 30 seconds. The single-use tool, which features a chemically coated bioplastic tip that changes colour upon detection, is designed to be more subtle than existing alternatives like coasters or nail polish. While Spikeless still requires Health Canada approval, the UBC team hopes it will be widely available at venues rather than relying on individuals to carry it. The project, initially conceptualized in 2011, has been refined over the past three years and is now moving toward real-world testing and production.

Related:

• Drug that could be ‘more toxic than fentanyl’ being sold in northern B.C. | CBC News
• Health Canada finds more animal tranquillizer in illicit drugs | CTV News
• Northern Health issues drug advisory over ‘oxycotet’ pills | Energetic City

Mental health

Culinary fundraiser serves up $80K for mental health in Kootenay Boundary | Grand Forks Gazette

The KBRH Health Foundation, in partnership with The Josie Hotel, raised $80,000 at the sold-out 2025 Perfectly Paired Chef’s Collaboration Fundraiser to support its new “Mental Health Matters” campaign. Held on March 8, the evening featured a multi-course dining experience by Celebrity Chef Bruno Feldeisen and Velvet Restaurant’s culinary team, paired with premium wines. Guests also participated in a silent auction, contributing to the foundation’s goal of raising $2 million for upgrades to mental health facilities in the Kootenay Boundary. With strong community support, the campaign aims to enhance care environments, reduce stigma, and expand access to essential mental health services.

Related:

• “Happy Land”: how land ownership impacts mental health | Psychology Today Canada
• Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Ride to return to Kelowna this June | Castanet
• B.C. addictions treatment centre founder fires back against shutdown of programs | 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!

• Women helping Yukon students experience prom of their dreams | CBC News
• Those wild Canada goose-bald eagle fight photos continue to give chills — as an ice sculpture | CBC News
• P.E.I. put the brakes on cars 115 years ago. It took 5 years to lift the ban | 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

March 21, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

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

Health

B.C. has recruited hundreds of family doctors. It’s still not enough | CBC News

Despite B.C.’s recruitment of 1,001 new family doctors and connecting 250,000 residents with primary care, the province still faces a severe shortage, leaving about 400,000 people without a family doctor. Many struggle to access timely care, resorting to urgent and primary care centres, which vary in effectiveness. Experts like Dr. Tahmeena Ali warn that simply hiring more doctors isn’t enough and advocate for team-based care models involving nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other professionals. While government initiatives have improved access in some areas, disparities remain, and significant systemic changes are needed to provide consistent, equitable healthcare across the province. That’s why the Federation has partnered with Generation Squeeze for the Get Well Canada initiative — a movement to improve social supports that keep people well and ease the burden on doctors, nurses, and hospitals. By reversing a decades-long retreat from social investment, Get Well Canada aims to reduce pressure on the medical system. Read more about Get Well Canada here: Get Well Canada – Alliance for Investing Where Health Begins

Related:

• B.C. delaying launch of publicly funded IVF program by 3 months | CBC News
• Measles is spreading across Canada. A look at the affected areas | Global News
• Fraser Health gets first cancer detection tech combo of its kind | Fernie BC 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!

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

From April 9 to 10, 2025
Courtyard Marriott Prince George
900 Brunswick Street
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

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
Your choice of full-day training workshop:
Mental Health First Aid
Introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Day 2: Conference
Keynote: Warren Hooley
Boundaries & Respectful Assertiveness
Women’s Health and Safety
and more!

Click here for the complete agenda: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference: Agenda
Register here: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference

For youth from care, financial barriers can make post-secondary education challenging. That’s why The Federation Youth Education Bursary exists—to support students pursuing careers in human and social services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 to 217 students, covering tuition, books, and supplies.

💰 What You Need to Know:
✅ Up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters)
✅ Can be combined with other bursaries or tuition waivers
✅ Funds go directly to the academic institution
✅ Must be used within 18 months (for 2025 recipients, by January 2027)
✅ You can apply more than once and receive the bursary multiple years in a row

📝 Applications close May 5, 2025. Applicants will be notified in the summer. Apply here: 2025 Youth Education Bursary

Support 2 Practice Management (S2PM) – In-Person Training for Social Services Leaders

Join the next evolution of management training with Support to Practice Management (S2PM) — a hands-on workshop designed for new and mid-level managers in the social services sector. Building on the success of Support to Practice Supervision (S2PS), this in-person training will equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to navigate organizational complexities, enhance leadership capacity, and strengthen workforce effectiveness. Led by Chris Burt (Hollyburn Family Services Ltd.) and Gord Cote (NARSF Programs Ltd.), the workshop will explore key topics such as management theory, administrative supervision, organizational culture, coaching, and conflict resolution.

📅 April 1 to 3, 2025
📍 Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo, BC
🔹 Organized by: The Federation of Community Social Services of BC

Don’t miss this opportunity to build your management expertise! Register today!

How to prepare your community organization for wildfire season 2025 in BC

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense — how can your organization be ready? Join us for a vital webinar designed to help BC’s social services organizations prepare for the 2025 wildfire season.

Hear from leading experts as they share insights on fire behaviour, health impacts, and the psychological effects of climate disasters. Learn firsthand from a social service leader who navigated wildfire response in 2024. A live Q&A session will follow pre-recorded interviews with our expert panel.

📅 Date: April 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Online Webinar

Featured Speakers:
Katie Hodder – Firsthand experience navigating a wildfire crisis
Bob Gray – Fire behaviour and mitigation strategies
Alexis Palmer-Fluevog – Psychological impacts of climate disasters
Linda Thyer – Health risks and medical considerations

Moderated by Arden Henley, Executive Director of Green Technology Education Centre.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your emergency preparedness. Register today!

Mental health

BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) publishes AI guidelines for mental health professionals | Indigenous Health Today!

The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors has released AI guidelines for mental health professionals — the first of their kind in Canadian clinical counselling and psychotherapy. Titled “AI and Clinical Practice – Ethical Considerations and Implications for Mental Health Professionals,” the document provides an ethics-focused framework for integrating AI into clinical practice while upholding professional integrity. Authored by Candice Alder, a registered clinical counsellor and AI ethicist, the guidelines address ethical considerations, legislative compliance, data storage and responsible AI use. BCACC CEO Michael Radano emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, transparency and accountability in AI adoption. This initiative adds to BCACC’s ongoing efforts to support practitioners and public mental health, including free educational sessions, crisis support for municipal workers and partnerships with organizations such as the BC Dental Hygienists Association to promote trauma-informed care.

Related:

• Cost of living impacting youth mental health | Global News
• New recovery centre opens on Vancouver Island to support women | BC Gov News
• New mental health program in Penticton aims at coping tools for emotional management | Castanet

Housing

Nearly 100 rental homes, withdrawal centre coming to East Vancouver | Vancouver Coastal Health

Construction has begun on a multi-use development in East Vancouver that will provide 97 non-market rental homes and a new health-care treatment centre. Located at 1636 Clark Dr. and 1321–1395 East 1st Ave., the project will offer housing at below-market rates, operated by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Affordable Housing Society, and will feature a withdrawal management centre with 51 medically supervised detox beds, 20 sobering beds and 20 short-term transitional beds. The centre, replacing the existing Vancouver Detox Centre, will be operated by Vancouver Coastal Health and include on-site and out-patient services. The development will also include space for Indigenous-led programs supporting healing, wellness and employment. The project, a partnership between the Province, BC Housing, Vancouver Coastal Health, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the City of Vancouver, is expected to be completed by 2028. It is part of B.C.’s $19-billion housing investment, which has delivered or started nearly 92,000 homes since 2017.

Related:

• B.C. to end secondary suite incentive pilot | Global News
• BC Housing anticipates total cost near $15M for North Kamloops affordable rental building | Castanet
• Port Coquitlam is having a housing boom with Victoria’s new rules | Vancouver Is Awesome

Drug crisis

B.C. coroner reports 152 drug toxicity deaths in January | Trail Times

A total of 152 people in British Columbia died from unregulated drug toxicity in January, averaging five deaths per day, according to a BC Coroners Service report released March 14. Half of the deaths occurred among individuals aged 40 to 59, while three deaths were reported among those under 18. Fatalities among men increased to 79 per cent, with 120 deaths, while female deaths dropped to 32. Fraser Health recorded the highest number of deaths at 57, followed by Interior Health with 21. Fentanyl and its analogues were found in 77 per cent of cases, while methamphetamine and bromazolam were present in 52 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively. Vancouver, Surrey, and Greater Victoria saw the highest number of deaths, with Vancouver Coastal Health recording the highest death rate at 40 per 100,000 people. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in private residences, and smoking was the most common method of consumption. The data is preliminary and subject to change.

Related:

• How ‘tranq’ became a deadly, and increasingly common, addition to Canada’s illicit drug supply | The Globe and Mail
• Cryoneurolysis: A drug-free way to manage pain | CTV News
• Court clears way for B.C. government to sue opioid distributors | Business in Vancouver

Homelessness

Alliance to End Homelessness unveils strategic plan to achieve ‘functional zero’ by 2030 | Capital Daily

The Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region (AEHCR) has unveiled its Strategic Community Plan 2025–2030, aiming to achieve “functional zero” homelessness by 2030, where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Inspired by the national Built for Zero initiative, the plan is anchored in prevention, data, and housing, aligning with the provincial Belonging in BC strategy. It outlines five key outcome areas: support services, housing, advocacy and awareness, prevention support, and collaboration and leadership. A bi-annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count will track progress, while data management systems will monitor homelessness trends. The plan prioritizes person-centred housing, emphasizing choice and the inclusion of voices with lived experience. Funding remains a concern, with AEHCR seeking grants to offset potential municipal cuts. Saanich contributes to regional housing efforts but has yet to decide to join the Alliance formally. Officials expressed optimism, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration and sustained funding to meet the 2030 goal.

Related:

• FSJWRS, Burger King, Tim Hortons help with 2025 homeless count | Energetic City
• Don’t tell people to shelter in parks: Victoria | Victoria Times Colonist
• Vernon’s Upper Room Mission talks about the work it does for the homeless | 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!

• Nobody knows why this snowy owl is orange | CBC Radio
• Montreal university uses art museum visits to improve medical trainees’ observation skills | CBC News
• ‘We Are the Change You Want to See’ | The Tyee

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

March 14, 2025

Subscribe HERE

Table of contents

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

Mental health

B.C improving care for people with mental-health, substance-use challenges | BC Gov News

B.C. is strengthening care for individuals facing severe mental-health and substance-use challenges, including those with brain injuries from toxic-drug poisonings, by clarifying the application of the Mental Health Act and expanding involuntary treatment options. Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.’s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders, has issued new guidance to help clinicians determine when involuntary admission is appropriate for individuals unable to seek care themselves. This aligns with the province’s broader strategy to enhance mental-health and addictions services, including opening new involuntary care beds, expanding treatment facilities, and improving access to voluntary recovery programs.

Related:

• General guidance for physicians on the use of the Mental Health Act when treating adults with substance use disorders | Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs, and Concurrent Disorders
• Rare unanimous support for B.C. bill on perinatal, postnatal mental health care | Loonie Politics
• B.C. issues new guidance to doctors for involuntary care under Mental Health Act | The Globe and Mail

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!

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

From April 9 to 10, 2025
Courtyard Marriott Prince George
900 Brunswick Street
Prince George, British Columbia, Canada

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
Your choice of full-day training workshop:
Mental Health First Aid
Introduction to Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee

Day 2: Conference
Plenary sessions include:
Keynote: Warren Hooley
Trauma-Informed Workplaces
and more to be announced

Your choice of breakout session:
Resilience
Boundaries and Respectful Assertiveness
Culture of Care & Selfcare/Resilience

Register here: Caring For Communities Health and Safety Conference

For youth from care, financial barriers can make post-secondary education challenging. That’s why The Federation Youth Education Bursary exists—to support students pursuing careers in human and social services. Since 2009, we’ve awarded $296,925 to 217 students, covering tuition, books, and supplies.

💰 What You Need to Know:
✅ Up to $2,000 per academic year (two semesters)
✅ Can be combined with other bursaries or tuition waivers
✅ Funds go directly to the academic institution
✅ Must be used within 18 months (for 2025 recipients, by January 2027)
✅ You can apply more than once and receive the bursary multiple years in a row

📝 Applications close May 5, 2025. Applicants will be notified in the summer. Apply here: 2025 Youth Education Bursary

Support 2 Practice Management (S2PM) – In-Person Training for Social Services Leaders

Join the next evolution of management training with Support to Practice Management (S2PM) — a hands-on workshop designed for new and mid-level managers in the social services sector. Building on the success of Support to Practice Supervision (S2PS), this in-person training will equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to navigate organizational complexities, enhance leadership capacity, and strengthen workforce effectiveness. Led by Chris Burt (Hollyburn Family Services Ltd.) and Gord Cote (NARSF Programs Ltd.), the workshop will explore key topics such as management theory, administrative supervision, organizational culture, coaching, and conflict resolution.

📅 April 1 to 3, 2025
📍 Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo, BC
🔹 Organized by: The Federation of Community Social Services of BC

Don’t miss this opportunity to build your management expertise! Register today!

How to prepare your community organization for wildfire season 2025 in BC

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense — how can your organization be ready? Join us for a vital webinar designed to help BC’s social services organizations prepare for the 2025 wildfire season.

Hear from leading experts as they share insights on fire behaviour, health impacts, and the psychological effects of climate disasters. Learn firsthand from a social service leader who navigated wildfire response in 2024. A live Q&A session will follow pre-recorded interviews with our expert panel.

📅 Date: April 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Online Webinar

Featured Speakers:
Katie Hodder – Firsthand experience navigating a wildfire crisis
Bob Gray – Fire behaviour and mitigation strategies
Alexis Palmer-Fluevog – Psychological impacts of climate disasters
Linda Thyer – Health risks and medical considerations

Moderated by Arden Henley, Executive Director of Green Technology Education Centre.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your emergency preparedness. Register today!

Drug crisis

Vancouver Island First Nation declares state of emergency due to opioid crisis | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

The Homalco First Nation has declared a state of emergency in response to the opioid crisis after four young community members died from toxic drugs in the past six months. Chief Darren Blaney is calling on the provincial government for immediate action and long-term solutions through a government-to-government process, emphasizing the crisis as a consequence of colonial policies and generational trauma. The Homalco Nation joins the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council in demanding urgent resources from federal and provincial governments and the First Nations Health Authority. A community meeting will be held on March 14 to discuss strategies, though it is only open to members. The opioid crisis continues to disproportionately impact First Nations people in B.C., with significantly higher fatality rates compared to non-Indigenous residents.

Related:

• Drug users call on B.C. government to end involuntary care | CTV News
• Why do patients pay to access free opioid agonist treatment? | The Tyee
• Overdose advisory warns of increase in drug poisonings in Greater Victoria | Chek News

Homelessness

Advocates say displacement a factor in Victoria’s rising unhoused death rate | Vancouver Island Free Daily

Advocates in Victoria attribute the rising death rate among unhoused individuals to displacement caused by bylaw sweeps and the city’s sheltering restrictions. A BC Coroners Service report revealed a sharp increase in deaths among unhoused people in 2023, with 458 deaths across the province — a 23% rise from 2022. In Greater Victoria, deaths rose by nearly 18%, while the Island Health region saw a staggering 54% increase. The vast majority (91.5%) of these deaths were due to accidental, unregulated drug toxicity. Advocates argue that forced displacement disrupts community support networks, pushing unhoused individuals into isolation where they are at greater risk of fatal overdoses. While city officials deny conducting sweeps, critics say impounding belongings and dispersing encampments contribute to increased vulnerability. Experts stress the need for stable housing and healthcare solutions to address both the toxic drug crisis and homelessness, warning that without systemic change, the death toll will continue to rise.

Related:

• ‘Homeless’ count to include young, seniors | 102.9 Rewind Radio
• Hundreds of volunteers to take part in Greater Vancouver Homeless count | CTV News
• Deaths of homeless British Columbians rose sharply in 2023 | Prince George Daily News

Housing

Kamloops council part of a growing resistance to BC Housing | iNFOnews

Kamloops City Council is among a growing number of municipalities resisting BC Housing’s expansion of shelters and supportive housing projects, citing concerns about effectiveness, tax revenue, and community impact. Vancouver has halted new supportive housing projects, Vernon is considering a shelter moratorium, and Penticton continues to struggle with BC Housing over shelter coordination. In Kamloops, recent opposition was fueled by BC Housing’s failure to consult the city before planning a new River Street shelter, violating a previous agreement. While local leaders push back, non-profit advocates argue that blocking projects worsens the homelessness crisis, emphasizing the need for collaboration over opposition.

Related:

• B.C. housing activity slows amid tariff threat | CTV News
• Rent support for survivors of gender-based violence in B.C. | BC Housing News
• Affordable housing residents concerned about follow-up in wake of West End fire | CTV News

Health

British Columbia is taking action to attract doctors, nurses from U.S. | BC Gov News

British Columbia is ramping up efforts to attract doctors and nurses from the U.S. by fast-tracking credential recognition and launching a targeted recruitment campaign. The Province is working with regulatory colleges to simplify licensing for U.S.-trained physicians and nurses, removing barriers to practice. These changes follow similar policies in other provinces and will be implemented in the coming months. To draw healthcare workers, B.C. will launch a marketing campaign in Washington, Oregon, and California in 2025, highlighting job opportunities in high-need areas. This initiative builds on past recruitment efforts in the U.K. and Ireland and complements broader strategies to strengthen primary care, including a record-breaking 250,000 people connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner in 2024. The Province has also increased the number of family doctors and nurse practitioners to meet growing healthcare demands, aiming to improve access to care across B.C.

Related:

• Fraser Health Authority chair subject of Question Period clash | City News
• CYSN community engagement | Province of British Columbia
• Emergency department closed for 2 days in Lillooet, B.C. | CBC 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!

• Lucky young couple lands gig taking care of uninhabited Irish island | CBC Radio
• His uncle gave him his first camera. Decades later, he has received a prestigious award | CBC News
• How a century-old, Canada-U.S. collaboration keeps Niagara Falls shining bright — even in a trade war | 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