white and green syringe applying a shot on a virus representation - photo by ivan diazivan diaz

Community Social Services: Weekly Bulletin Aug. 22, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

August 22, 2024

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Table of contents

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

Health & Mental Health

Covid Restrictions Rescinded, Changes to Vaccination Requirements | BCGEU

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

Resources:

Reconciliation Book Club

Telling Truth: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada

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

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

Communities & Families

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

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

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Training Opportunities

Children & Youth

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

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

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Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

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

Toxic Drugs

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

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

Related:

Career Opportunities

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

Reconciliation

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

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

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FSGV

FSGV Benefit Wayfinder 2024 | The Federation

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

Homelessness & Housing

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

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

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Good News

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

Note

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

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