Post-election update: a new toolkit for connecting with your MLA

After the election: building relationships that strengthen communities

The Federation is closely monitoring B.C.’s election results and what the change in government could mean for our members and the communities they serve. With the Conservatives set to form government and the NDP becoming the Official Opposition for the first time in nearly a decade, we recognize that this is a significant shift. We are watching for the announcement of cabinet and new ministers, as these appointments will help clarify the government’s priorities and where key decisions affecting community social services may take shape. While it will take time for the new government to establish its direction, we will continue to track developments and keep members informed as we gain a clearer understanding of what lies ahead. Our focus remains on ensuring members’ experiences, priorities and the realities facing community social services organizations inform the conversations and decisions that affect your work and the people you support.

Community social services are part of B.C.’s essential infrastructure

Across B.C., community social services organizations work every day with children, youth, families, seniors and people experiencing challenges that can affect their ability to participate fully in their communities.

Much of this work is preventative. It happens before a situation becomes a crisis, helping people build stability, remain connected to their communities and access the supports they need.

This work also contributes to stronger communities and a more resilient province. When people can access timely, community-based supports, families can remain connected to work and community life, organizations can respond to local needs and pressure on other systems can be reduced.

As B.C. enters a new political chapter, decision-makers must understand this contribution and the realities of delivering services in communities across the province.

Building relationships close to home

One of the most important ways to strengthen that understanding is through local relationships.

Members of the Federation work in communities across B.C. and have a direct understanding of what people and families need, what is working and where there are opportunities to improve how services are delivered.

That local knowledge matters.

Elected representatives hear directly from constituents about the issues affecting their communities. Community social services organizations can add another important perspective by sharing what they see every day and explaining how provincial decisions affect the people they support.

To support this, the Federation has developed the post-election 2026 toolkit: an engagement guide for Federation members.

Our intention with the toolkit is to encourage members to build relationships with newly elected and re-elected MLAs, particularly those who may not be familiar with the important work of community social services organizations in their constituencies.

There is real value in introducing an organization, sharing information about the services it provides and helping an MLA better understand the needs and challenges in their community. These introductory and informational conversations can help establish a foundation for ongoing dialogue and a stronger understanding of the sector.

The objective is simple: build relationships, share knowledge and create opportunities for collaboration.

Three areas where community experience matters

The toolkit identifies three priorities that can help guide conversations with elected representatives.

Sustainable funding and modern contracts

Community social services organizations need predictable investment that reflects the actual cost of delivering quality services. This includes the costs associated with wages, administration, technology, facilities, insurance and inflation.

Modern, sustainable contracts allow organizations to plan for the long term, support their workforces and maintain reliable services in their communities.

A strong community social services workforce

People are at the heart of community social services.

Recruitment, retention, competitive compensation, training and workforce development all contribute to a skilled and stable workforce. Supporting good community jobs also helps organizations maintain relationships and continuity for the people who rely on their services.

Prevention and community-based care

Early intervention and community-based supports can help people access assistance before challenges become crises.

Investing in prevention can strengthen families and communities, support participation in work and community life and reduce pressure on more intensive systems.

These priorities will look different in different communities. That is why local experience is so important. The toolkit encourages members to connect provincial priorities to what they are seeing and hearing in their own communities.

Understanding the rules for communicating with MLAs

As organizations build relationships with elected representatives, they should also understand the requirements of B.C.’s Lobbyists Transparency Act.

Introductory and informational conversations — such as introducing an organization, explaining its services and sharing information about community needs — do not necessarily constitute lobbying under the Act.

However, an important distinction exists between sharing information and seeking to influence government decisions, including decisions about policy, legislation or funding. Whether a conversation constitutes lobbying, and whether registration is required, depends on its purpose and content. The requirements apply to both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, although some limited exemptions exist.

Conversations can also evolve. An introductory meeting may move into discussion intended to influence policy or funding decisions. Members should be mindful of that distinction and consider whether registration requirements apply as the conversation develops.

The Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists (ORL) provides information and guidance to help organizations understand their responsibilities under the Act. The temporary fine freeze, which ran from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2026, was intended to help eligible unregistered organizations come into compliance. It did not remove the requirement to register where applicable.

Members can consult the ORL’s resources for further information:

• Information for nonprofit organizations
• Guidance for nonprofit organizations under the Lobbyists Transparency Act
• Frequently asked questions
• Information on the temporary fine freeze

This information is intended to help members identify when they may need to consider their obligations. Organizations should consult the ORL’s guidance or seek appropriate advice if they are unsure whether a particular activity requires registration.

Listening is part of the work

Effective government and community relationships are not one-way conversations.

Members are encouraged to learn about their MLA’s priorities, ask what they are hearing from constituents and identify areas where there may be shared interests. A conversation does not need to resolve every challenge. It can be the beginning of an ongoing relationship.

For the Federation, these local conversations are also an important source of collective intelligence. What members hear from elected representatives, and what they are experiencing in their communities, helps inform the Federation’s work with government and sector partners.

When local knowledge comes together across B.C., it strengthens the sector’s ability to contribute to provincial conversations with a clear, credible, solutions-focused voice.

Building B.C. together

The post-election period is a time of transition, but it is also an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen understanding of the role community social services play in B.C.

The Federation will continue monitoring developments, engaging with government and partners and bringing members’ experiences into provincial conversations.

For community social services organizations, there is also an opportunity to build connections close to home, to invite elected representatives into their communities, share the work being done and help demonstrate how strong community-based services contribute to the well-being, stability and resilience of people across B.C.

The Post-election 2026 toolkit is one way the Federation is supporting members in that work. By building relationships, sharing local knowledge and working toward shared solutions, we can help ensure community experience remains part of the conversation as B.C. moves forward.

Read and download the toolkit: post-election toolkit