Stories, updates and insights from B.C.’s social services sector

Table of contents

• Reconciliation
• Careers and events
• Families
• Get Well Canada toolkit webinar
• Children
• Stronger Together 2025
• Women
• Seniors
• Youth
• Disabilities
• Good news

Reconciliation

Here’s how the 15th Red Dress Day is being marked in B.C. | CBC News

May 5 marks the 15th Red Dress Day in Canada, a national day of awareness and remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress project. Across British Columbia, ceremonies, marches and installations of red dresses are taking place to honour those lost and to call attention to the ongoing violence Indigenous women face — 63 per cent have experienced assault, and they are six times more likely to be murdered than other women in Canada. The day also draws attention to the lack of justice in many cases, including those of Tatyanna Harrison, Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O’Soup, whose deaths in Metro Vancouver in 2022 remain under investigation. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Justice for Girls will join families of the women to make a statement, reinforcing calls for justice and safety. Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to wear red in solidarity.

Related:

• Minister’s, parliamentary secretary’s statement on Red Dress Day | BC Gov News
• Will Carney’s Government Act on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Report? | The Tyee
• Red Dress Day in Kelowna includes march to the courthouse | Castanet

Careers and events

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!

Families

Rally in Maple Ridge, B.C., calls for more education funding amid ongoing cuts | CTV News

Parents, teachers and education advocates gathered outside Education Minister Lisa Beare’s office in Maple Ridge, B.C., on May 3 to demand increased funding for public education amid widespread budget cuts. Organized by local parent advisory councils, the rally highlighted growing concerns about mounting deficits across B.C. school districts and the impact on students, especially those with disabilities or mental health needs. Laura Kwong, chair of the New Westminster District parent advisory council, said cuts to staffing, transportation, learning support and school maintenance are pushing the system to a “tipping point,” with federal pandemic funding now depleted and inflation worsening the situation. Similar rallies are planned across the province, including in Kamloops and Surrey, where roughly 50 positions are being eliminated due to a $16-million shortfall.

Related:

• A family and a festival: How Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day tragedy unfolded | Global News
• Will B.C. family farmers be left behind in Trump’s trade war? | The Narwhal
• Chilliwack family appeals for support after losing home in late April fire | Fraser Valley Today

Get Well Canada toolkit webinar

“What if we treated housing, income, child care and education as essential health infrastructure?”

That’s the bold premise behind the Get Well Canada campaign — and it’s backed by science. Join us on May 15 for a free webinar designed for social services organizations.

Let’s talk about strategy, budget influence and real change.

Register here.

Children

Kelowna kids with mobility challenges walk with robotic aid | Vernon Morning Star

Six children with mobility challenges, including four-year-old Prescott, had the chance to walk with the help of a robotic exoskeleton during a visit from Trexo Robotics to Kelowna’s Kids Physio Group on May 4. The Toronto-based company brought one of its adjustable devices — designed to suit each child’s size, strength and mobility needs — for families to try free of charge. Trexo sales specialist Marc Robert said the goal is to gradually reduce the machine’s motorized assistance as a child gains strength. For Prescott, who first used the robot at age two to take her first steps, it was a welcome return. Her mother, Lindsey Roche, said seeing her daughter standing and interacting with other kids was exciting, as Prescott typically spends most of her time sitting or lying down.

Related:

• City of Duncan receives $3 million from province for new childcare facility | Chemainus Valley Courier
• Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) Report – A Parent’s Duty | Province of British Columbia
• Fishing derby on Okanagan, Shuswap Lakes raising funds for BC Children’s Hospital | Castanet

Stronger Together 2025

 

Join us on June 12–13 in Kelowna for Stronger Together 2025, The Federation’s annual conference and AGM presented by the Federation Association Benefit Plan.

This year, we’re diving deep into resiliency and exploring how we can strengthen our collective voice to ensure a strong, thriving community social services sector.

Don’t miss out! Early bird pricing and hotel group rate for Stronger Together 2025 are available until May 12.

• Early bird: $239
• Hotel group rate: $279

Register now.

Because we are stronger together — and altogether better.

Women

Women on Wheels teaches mountain biking basics in Osoyoos | Castanet

The Osoyoos Bike Club is offering Women on Wheels mountain biking classes this spring, with sessions scheduled for May 16 to 18 and May 23 to 25. Announced by the Town of Osoyoos on Wednesday, the classes aim to teach women the basics of mountain biking safety while encouraging outdoor fun. Previous sessions have covered topics such as bike setup, body position, braking techniques and basic maintenance. Participants are required to bring a well-maintained mountain bike with disc brakes and a helmet.

Related:

• Netflix’s ‘Maid’ sparks idea for Nanaimo group to support women leaving intimate partner violence | Chek News
• The ACTION Project provides support for female apprentices | Okanagan College

Seniors

 

Harrison residents may be able to live in City Hall: report | Penticton Herald

The Village of Harrison Hot Springs is considering a redevelopment plan combining seniors housing with a new civic office on its four-acre Hot Springs Road property. All three proposed designs include dedicated space for older adults, which is projected to occupy a quarter of the site, alongside a new city hall, public park, daycare, and arts and culture amenities. One option — favoured by residents at a recent open house — would seek funding through BC Builds to deliver stand-alone seniors housing with added supports. Another design proposes a health-focused anchor tenant to provide preventive and ongoing care for older adults. While councillors expressed concerns about mixing residential and civic uses in one building, staff emphasized the plan is still conceptual and elements from all three proposals could be blended in the final design.

• ‘How did it come to this?’: Penticton seniors struggling to find affordable housing as community resources overwhelmed | Castanet
• Support the well-being of seniors in our community | Vernon Morning Star
• Seniors nearly homeless | Castanet

Youth

 

Katisha Paul, UBCIC Youth Representative, Elected Global Indigenous Youth Caucus Co-Chair at the United Nations Permanent Forum | UBCIC

 

Katisha Paul — the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ youth representative — has been elected co-chair of the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus at the 2025 United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. A member of W̱SÁNEĆ (W̱JOȽEȽP) and Lil’wat Nations, Paul will help coordinate Indigenous youth representatives from seven global regions and serve as a key liaison with governments and UN bodies. In her remarks, Paul emphasized the importance of youth leadership in advancing Indigenous rights, environmental justice and self-determination. The UBCIC, which attended the forum to advocate for binding action on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, praised Paul’s appointment as a powerful step toward centring Indigenous youth voices in international decision-making.