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Community Social Services: Biweekly Bulletin Oct. 08, 2024

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

October 08, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Reconciliation
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Children
  • Opportunities
  • Communities
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Youth
  • Career Opportunities
  • Women
  • Seniors
  • BC Election
  • Good News

Reconciliation

Government of Canada Announces Support for Indigenous-led Climate Solutions in Remote Indigenous Communities | Canada

The Government of Canada has announced Phase 2 of the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI) Cohort 2, where 10 Energy Champion teams from remote Indigenous communities will each receive up to $500,000 to support community engagement, training, and the development of Community Energy Plans. The initiative, part of a $300 million clean energy investment, aims to reduce diesel reliance in these communities. The selected teams include Nations from British Columbia, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, and Ontario. Upon completing this phase, they may be eligible for further funding in Phase 3. This initiative supports Indigenous-led climate solutions, advancing self-determination, clean energy leadership, and reconciliation.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

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

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

Children

‘Team Nicky’: Group Raises $5m for BC Children’s Hospital | Ctv News

Fifteen-year-old cancer survivor Nick Cannon and his community, known as “Team Nicky,” have raised $5 million for BC Children’s Hospital to establish the Team Nicky Hospital Chair in Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplant. Diagnosed with Stage 4 sarcoma at age 12, Nicky underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation, spending over 170 days in the hospital. What began as a local effort to support Nicky during his cancer battle evolved into a large-scale fundraising campaign, with contributions from various donors, including a $1 million gift from the Beedie Foundation. The new hospital chair will fund specialized care and innovative treatments, helping children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. Nicky and his family expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support.

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Opportunities

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

Communities

Anti-SOGI Protests Outnumbered by Counter-protests | The Peak

Recently, anti-SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) protests were held across British Columbia, organized by groups opposing the inclusion of SOGI resources in schools. These protests, part of the “1 Million March 4 Children,” were outnumbered by counter-protests supporting the SOGI initiative, which promotes inclusivity for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Although not part of the official BC curriculum, SOGI resources are endorsed by the provincial education ministry and used by some teachers to foster welcoming classrooms. Critics of the program, including the BC Conservative Party, argue for “parental rights” in education, while advocates highlight the importance of SOGI for the well-being of queer and trans students, emphasizing that inclusive education reduces bullying and benefits all students. The debate around SOGI has become a central issue in the upcoming provincial election.

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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.

Youth

BC Teen Gives Back after Life-changing Diagnosis | CTV News

After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age five, Andrei Marti turned his personal challenge into a mission to help others. Despite the hardships his family faced, including the financial strain of managing his condition, a charity’s support inspired Andrei to give back. Over the years, he has raised tens of thousands of dollars through various fundraisers, from plant sales to street performances, to support those facing similar challenges. Now 14, Andrei balances his passion for soccer with advocacy work, volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and raising awareness about diabetes. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he remains committed to finding a cure and using his experience to help others.

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Career Opportunities

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

Women

NDP Have Most Women Candidates, Conservatives Fewest | Victoria Times Colonist

In the upcoming 2024 B.C. provincial election, women represent about 60% of B.C. NDP candidates, 45% of Green candidates, and only 25% of Conservative candidates. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenge of achieving gender parity in politics, with Equal Voice noting that 42.5% of MLAs elected in the last election were women, falling short of the 50% goal. Experts Kimberly Speers and Michael MacKenzie emphasize the importance of political representation reflecting the population’s diversity, particularly women, who make up over half of B.C.’s population. Barriers such as violence, unequal resources, and household responsibilities continue to hinder women’s participation in politics, though research shows women may have an electoral advantage in winnable ridings due to public dissatisfaction with the typical male politician archetype.

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Seniors

Vernon Seniors Rallying for Government Attention on Poverty Issues | Castanet

Seniors in Vernon rallied again to demand more government support, particularly for higher pensions and improved access to healthcare, as many continue to live in poverty. Carole Fawcett from Senior Tin Cup emphasized the persistence of their efforts, highlighting the struggles faced by seniors, including a woman forced to live in an RV due to medical expenses. The rally took place near MP Mel Arnold’s office, coinciding with BC Premier David Eby’s visit for a healthcare announcement. The provincial government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy aims to halve seniors’ poverty by 2026, but Fawcett believes more immediate action is needed. The rally received strong community support.

BC Election

How Do British Columbia’s Three Main Parties Compare on These Election Issues? | CBC

Read the promises of British Columbia’s three main political parties on the pressing issues in the 2024 provincial election. The CBC will update these as parties add to their platforms ahead of the election.

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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