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Oct. 11 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

October 11, 2024

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Table of contents

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

Mental Health

Mental Health in the Social Services Sector: Prioritizing Care for the Caregivers

World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10) is a timely reminder of the unique mental health challenges faced by social service workers, from burnout to trauma. In our latest blog post, we explore how promoting mental health in the workplace is key to creating healthier communities and supporting those who care for others. Discover strategies, resources, and the Federation’s role in fostering a supportive environment for social service workers. Read more here.

Reconciliation Book Club

Bone Black

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 October 23, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Bone Black” by Carol Rose GoldenEagle. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Toxic Drugs

BC Election 2024: Parties Weigh in on Province’s Toxic Drug Crisis | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

As the October 2024 provincial election nears, the toxic drug crisis has become a central issue for British Columbia’s major political parties. The BC NDP, BC Conservatives, and the BC Green Party agree that the crisis is a health issue, but their proposed solutions differ. The NDP focuses on expanding treatment centers and maintaining harm reduction services like safe consumption sites, while the BC Greens advocate for safer supply programs and evidence-based standards for treatment and recovery. In contrast, the Conservatives emphasize education and propose a “compassionate intervention” approach, which includes using the justice system to aid those struggling with addiction. All parties stress the importance of saving lives, though they diverge on the best methods to address the crisis.

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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.

Housing

What Are Comox Valley Provincial Election Candidates Saying about Housing? | The Discourse

In the Comox Valley provincial election, candidates emphasize different approaches to housing. The BC Conservatives propose speeding up development, reducing regulations, and offering financial incentives for renters and homeowners, such as a $3,000 monthly tax deduction. The BC NDP focuses on expanding affordable housing, regulating the market, and assisting first-time buyers while also building supportive housing. The BC Greens aim to create 26,000 affordable rental units annually and advocate for stronger tenant protections and co-op housing development. Independent candidates prioritize increasing housing supply and addressing mental health issues to alleviate the housing crisis. All candidates agree on the importance of supportive housing but differ in their methods of tackling affordability and homelessness.

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Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at The Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Homelessness

Would Rustad’s Tent City Demolition Plan Work? | The Tyee

BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad’s plan to clear tent cities and prohibit drug use in supportive housing while using involuntary care for those with addictions has sparked debate. Rustad aims to establish “low secure units” for treatment and enforce abstinence in supportive housing. However, critics, including lawyer Julia Riddle, argue that the plan is unrealistic, unconstitutional, and criminalizes homelessness. Riddle questions the feasibility of quickly building sufficient housing and institutional facilities, suggesting the plan could lead to heavily policed environments resembling prisons. Cities across BC have faced challenges managing tent cities, with legal rulings emphasizing the right to shelter if adequate housing isn’t available.

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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.

Health

23 Doctors Sign Letter Questioning B.C. Conservative Policies | CTV News

In an open letter, 23 doctors and one nurse practitioner from Metro Vancouver express concerns over potential health care cuts and privatization if John Rustad’s B.C. Conservatives win the upcoming provincial election. While not endorsing any party, the signatories emphasize the progress made in improving health care, particularly in Surrey, and caution against losing momentum due to budget cuts. They criticize Rustad’s comments undermining public health advice and warn that privatization could erode services, as seen in other countries. The letter also acknowledges shortcomings in the current NDP government but highlights successful collaboration in addressing Surrey’s health care challenges.

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BC Election

How Do British Columbia’s Three Main Parties Compare on These Election Issues? | CBC

Read the promises of British Columbia’s three main political parties on the pressing issues in the 2024 provincial election. The CBC will update these as parties add to their platforms ahead of the election.

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way 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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