Two individuals sitting on a bench outdoors, both wearing face masks. The person on the left wears a dark coat, a knitted hat with a pom-pom, and sunglasses, while the person on the right wears a patterned sweater and rests their hand on their cheek. The background features lush greenery and a blurred figure in the distance. Photo by Centre for Ageing BetterCentre for Ageing Better

Jan. 10 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

January 10, 2025

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Table of contents

  • Health
  • 2025 Social Policy Forum
  • Mental health
  • Opportunities brought to you by the Federation
  • Communities
  • Housing
  • Drug crisis
  • Homelessness
  • Good News

Health

Masking required at all BC health-care facilities once again | CBC News

Effective January 6, 2025, masks are once again mandatory in BC health-care facilities for staff, patients, visitors, and volunteers in areas where care is actively provided, as announced by the province’s Health Ministry. This measure responds to a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV, while COVID-19 remains stable but shows early signs of increasing. The mask mandate, reinstated for the flu season in October 2023, mirrors previous practices during respiratory illness peaks and will likely remain until spring 2025. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19 as cases climb, particularly among children following the holiday season. Exceptions to the mandate include eating or visiting single-patient rooms. Some health professionals advocate for additional measures, such as providing monoclonal antibody shots for infants to protect against RSV, which are already offered in other provinces.

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Register now!

Last chance to save: early bird registration ends soon!

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.

Mental health

BC ‘full speed ahead’ on involuntary care, aims to open 2 facilities by spring | Global News

Premier David Eby announced that BC will open its first two involuntary care facilities by spring, fulfilling a key campaign promise to address public safety and support individuals with severe mental health, addiction, and brain injury issues. The Surrey Pretrial Centre and Alouette Correctional Facility in Maple Ridge will host 10 secure treatment beds and secure housing, respectively, and serve as templates for broader expansion. While advocates acknowledge the potential necessity of involuntary care as a last resort, concerns persist about safeguards, patient rights, and the need for robust community mental health support. The government has yet to clarify the operational details and plans for further expansion.

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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!

Communities

Ferries in BC Kootenay region run ‘as normal’ after Labour Relations Board ruling | CTV News

Ferry services in British Columbia’s Kootenay region, including the Harrop-Procter and Glade ferries, will continue operating normally “indefinitely” following a stay granted by the province’s Labour Relations Board to Western Pacific Marine, the company operating the ferries. This stay halts an earlier ruling that would have allowed reduced ferry services amid an ongoing strike by BC General Employees’ Union members, who have been seeking wage increases, scheduling adjustments, and extended benefits since November 3. The potential reduction in service had sparked protests from affected communities, but the Labour Board is now planning a new hearing to reconsider the original order, with dates to be announced next week.

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Housing

Kitsilano decision could affect entire province | Victoria Times Colonist

The BC Court of Appeal recently declared the Municipal Enabling and Validating Act (No. 5), or MEVA 5, unconstitutional, striking a blow to the provincial government’s attempt to bypass public input and procedural fairness in local zoning decisions to expedite a social housing project in Vancouver. The case, initiated by the Kitsilano Coalition, challenged the truncated public hearing process and lack of community consultation, particularly given the proximity of the proposed site to an elementary school. The court ruled that the legislation violated constitutional principles, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse viewpoints in a democratic society. Premier David Eby and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, citing the urgency of the housing crisis, pushed the legislation despite concerns, with Attorney General Niki Sharma’s role in advising on its constitutionality now under scrutiny. The ruling forces the government to decide between rewriting the law, appealing to the Supreme Court, or invoking a notwithstanding clause, with significant implications for housing policy and individual rights.

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Drug crisis

Provincial Decriminalization Legislation repealed | Union of BC Municipalities

On December 19, 2024, the provincial government repealed the “Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act,” which had been blocked by a court injunction since its passage in November 2023. The repeal was deemed appropriate as federal exemptions amended by Health Canada in May 2024 already covered the intended restrictions, prohibiting drug use in public spaces like hospitals, transit, parks, and schools. Illegal drug possession remains allowed in private residences, designated health-care sites, and legal overnight sheltering locations for unhoused individuals. The decriminalization pilot project, allowing limited drug possession under specific conditions, will continue until January 31, 2026.

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Homelessness

‘Guy is thriving’: from living on BC’s streets to helping people survive them | Ucluelet Westerly News

Vernon’s Upper Room Mission has shared the inspiring story of Guy, a former client who transformed his life and now gives back as a volunteer driver for the Mission. Once homeless and struggling with alcoholism, Guy faced numerous challenges, including arrests and jail time, before deciding to turn his life around. With the Mission’s support, he overcame addiction, rebuilt relationships with his wife and daughter, and achieved independence. Today, two and a half years later, Guy is thriving, living sober with his family and helping the Mission serve others in need. His journey highlights the power of perseverance, hope, and community support.

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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 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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