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Nov. 29 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

November 29, 2024

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  • Health
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Housing
  • Opportunities
  • Homelessness
  • 2025 Social Policy Forum
  • Toxic Drugs
  • Career Opportunities
  • Mental Health
  • Survey
  • Good News

Health

New Hospital in Terrace Open for Patients | BC Gov News

The new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, B.C., officially opened on November 24, 2024, providing a state-of-the-art facility for residents of Terrace and surrounding areas. The $633-million project, funded by the provincial government and the North West Regional Hospital District, features 82 beds, private rooms, an expanded emergency department, advanced diagnostic equipment, and four operating rooms. The hospital, completed ahead of schedule, aims to improve local access to health care, reducing the need for patients to travel for specialized services. Plans are underway for the hospital to be designated as a Level 3 trauma center and to include a Tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit, enhancing care for high-risk pregnancies and newborns. Local leaders celebrated the opening as a milestone for the Skeena region, highlighting its role in strengthening community-based health care.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)

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 December 18, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)” by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and Liz Amini-Holmes. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Housing

Public Can Weigh in on Central Saanich Rental Buildings | Victoria Times Colonist

Central Saanich Council has revived a proposal for nearly 200 rental units, including affordable housing for seniors and health-care workers, at the corner of Hovey and East Saanich roads. Initially rejected in October, the plan by Aryze Developments and the South Vancouver Island Housing Society will now undergo two public hearings: one on Dec. 9 for Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments and another on Jan. 13 for land-use bylaw changes. The six-storey and four-storey buildings would replace five single-family homes, with rents for seniors ranging from $600 to $900 per month and 13 units for health-care workers at $1,200. Though inconsistent with the current OCP, the development addresses updated housing needs, which project a shortfall of 1,200 units by 2025. The developers have pledged financial contributions to local amenities and infrastructure alongside the housing. Mayor Ryan Windsor and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon have emphasized the importance of community input, highlighting the urgency of affordable housing for seniors and health-care workers.

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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.

Homelessness

Saanich to Look into Adding Warming Centres, Shelter Beds | Victoria Times Colonist

Saanich council has agreed to explore adding shelter beds and warming centres after Victoria urged the district to address its unhoused population rather than relying on downtown services. While Victoria operates 350 year-round shelter spaces and 73 extreme-weather spots, Saanich has just 25 beds at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, expandable to 33 in emergencies. The council voted to commission a report on its obligations under provincial legislation and the requirements for establishing additional facilities. Some councillors, like Nathalie Chambers, criticized the delay, urging immediate action and noting available funding from B.C. Housing. Mayor Dean Murdock suggested a warming centre could be set up through partnerships before the report’s 2025 completion. Victoria leaders, frustrated with carrying the regional burden, emphasized the need for Saanich and other municipalities to adopt emergency plans, warning that delays leave vulnerable people out in the cold.

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Register Now!

2025 Social Policy Forum

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.

Toxic Drugs

Plans for Overdose-prevention Sites at Island Hospitals Were Cancelled by BC Government | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

Plans to establish overdose-prevention sites at three Vancouver Island hospitals were cancelled after the BC government introduced a zero-tolerance policy for drug use in hospitals in April. Initially planned for Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, and North Island Hospital Campbell River, the sites aimed to provide monitored spaces for individuals to use illicit drugs with medical supervision. Leaked documents revealed that Island Health had paused these efforts following provincial direction. While the Ministry of Health confirmed existing overdose-prevention services could remain, they implemented a standardized policy prohibiting self-managed drug use outside designated areas. In response, independent advocates, including Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, organized a pop-up prevention site in Nanaimo, urging the government to reinstate hospital-based services. Advocates argue these services are critical for addressing the toxic drug crisis and preventing overdose deaths.

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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.

Mental Health

Canada’s 988 Suicide Prevention Line Taking Around 1,000 Calls a Day and Saving Lives, Service Says | CBC News

Canada’s 988 suicide prevention helpline has made a significant impact in its first year, answering over 300,000 calls and texts—approximately 1,000 daily—from individuals in crisis. Operated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and supported by 40 partner organizations nationwide, the federally funded helpline offers 24/7 confidential support by trained responders, who help callers cope and find paths to safety. Experts highlight its role in addressing Canada’s growing mental health needs, with suicide claiming 4,500 lives annually. The service also provides resources for those concerned about loved ones and is recognized as a vital tool for youth and families facing anxiety and emotional distress. Moving forward, the helpline aims to expand its reach and ensure that every Canadian knows about and can access this lifesaving resource.

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Survey

Supervisor Training Project for the Community Social Services Sector in BC

Social Services Sector Roundtable is developing a tailored training program to strengthen supervisory skills in social services, funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

How You Can Help: Take a 10–15 minute survey to share insights on essential skills, competencies, and preferred training formats. Take the Survey

● Deadline: December 20, 2024

Your input will directly shape this initiative. Please share the survey with your team!

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.

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