Blog Posts and Updates
Changes happen quickly in our sector. Check this space for Weekly Updates from our Executive director, news releases, issue tracking, and posts from our leadership blog.
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Early Years Community Consultations
/in Member Engagement, Programs & Services, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonFrom January to March, MCFD, ECL Early Childhood Consulting, and The Federation of Community Social Services of BC are teaming up to host brand-new training and dialogue sessions for early years providers across BC. We’ll be coming to locations across the province (see below for a full list of dates and communities) and each date […]
Report on the 2019 Budget Consultations & Social Services Investments
/in Member Engagement, Programs & Services, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonLast fall, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services held public consultations on the upcoming provincial budget. This process happens every year—and every year The Federation presents to the committee and provides input on what we believe should be the priorities for the provincial budget. The result of those consultations was released in […]
Legislative Roundup and Recap 2018
/in Programs & Services, Resources, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonThe Federation’s focus on advocacy takes different forms at different times. But a big part of this work involves closely monitoring legislative changes and policy developments that affect the well-being of British Columbians. That’s why we’re providing summaries of some of the changes that will affect our sector and the people we serve the most. A […]
Research Bulletin November 2018: Income Supports and Services
/in Programs & Services, Research Bulletin, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonThis month’s research bulletin focuses on research and reports related to income and disability supports, poverty reduction, and welfare-related service delivery. The articles and reports below discuss income supports for the working poor, asset-based poverty reduction, supporting employment and income assistance recipients, and the perils of downloading the cost of welfare reform. They also include a […]
Legalization of Cannabis: Implications, Resources, and Research for Federation Members
/in Member Engagement, Resources, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonAt the October Conference, we hosted an Open Space session focused on concerns about the legalization of cannabis. Members hosted sessions focused on HR implications, practice implications, the history of how Canada got to this place, and what the future might look like. Following that session, The Federation committed to two follow-up actions: an informational webinar […]
Charities and Political Activities: Update and Next Steps
/in Member Engagement, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonLast month, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau tabled a motion in the House of Commons that would, among other things, amend Canada’s Income Tax Act in order to “remove the limits on political activities for charities, so that they may pursue their charitable purposes by engaging in non-partisan political activities and in the development of public policy.” […]
Research Bulletin October 2018: Substance Use, Treatment, and Recovery
/in Programs & Services, Research Bulletin, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonThis month’s research bulletin focuses on research and reports related to substance use, treatment, and recovery as well as perceptions and stigma related to drug use and the ongoing overdose crisis. The articles and reports below discuss strategies for improving recovery services and treatment programs, recommendations to guide drug policy reform, as well as ways […]
What it means to be a part of this Federation
/in Conferences, Federation News, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonIt was great to see so many of you at The Federation’s October Conference and General Meeting last week. And I am very happy to announce that our Federation is even stronger after welcoming the Prince George Native Friendship Centre and The Foundry as new members. The theme of this conference—Caring for Our Clients, Caring […]
October Projects and Issues Update
/in Member Engagement, Programs & Services, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonAs always, The Federation has been focused on a number of ongoing projects and issues on behalf of our members. Your board members, Rebecca, and I have been advocating and bringing forward issues and concerns (as well as ideas, approaches, and solutions) in meetings and on calls. And behind the scenes, our staff team has […]
Poverty Reduction in BC: New Legislation & Next Steps
/in Member Engagement, Weekly Update /by Marshall WatsonLast week, our provincial government tabled the Poverty Reduction Act (Bill 39). The proposed legislation uses the Market Basket Measure (which is now Canada’s official poverty line measure) and identifies the following targets—decreasing the overall poverty rate by 25% and the child poverty rate by 50% over the next 5 years. Under the legislation, the government must release […]