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Policy and advocacy

The Federation has been a strong voice at the provincial government level since 1982, bringing forward issues and concerns, as well as possible solutions, on behalf of our members, our service recipients, and the broader community services sector. The Federation has a proud history of bringing balanced perspectives to discussions with provincial and national decision makers and driving improvements to practice, programs and public policy for the sector. 

Children and Youth with Support Needs

From 2022 to 2024, The Federation co-led the Community-Led Collaboration Project — a provincewide initiative that brought together families, service providers and community organizations to improve supports for children and youth with disabilities and support needs. In partnership with the BC Association for Child Development and Intervention (BCACDI), the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and Inclusion BC, the project supported 23 communities to host local conversations focused on inclusive, culturally safe, needs-based approaches to services. These conversations informed a final report — shared with the Ministry of Child and Family Development in early 2025 — that includes 11 calls to action and a vision for all children and youth to thrive in their communities. More than 2,000 participants shaped this work, and the outcomes reflect the strengths of community-led collaboration.

Partners in advocacy

The Federation works closely with the Representative for Children and Youth, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Inclusion BC and many other organizations to support shared goals across the sector. These relationships help us better advocate for stronger services, greater accountability and more equitable outcomes for children, youth, families and communities. By connecting regularly and sharing information with trusted sector partners, we strengthen our collective voice and ensure our work is aligned. We are proud to collaborate with organizations that bring deep experience, community leadership and strong commitments to reconciliation, inclusion and social justice.

Advocating together

The Federation is committed to bringing key issues forward and advocating on behalf of our members and the sector as a whole. Tables to date include:

  • Specialized Homes and Support Services

  • Children and Youth with Support Needs 

  • Child Care Funding Model

Our participation ensures frontline perspectives help shape provincial decisions. We know this work is ever-evolving and we will be responsive as issues come to light, so we remain ready to show up, speak out and collaborate to advance the sector’s voice. If there is a conversation you think we should be part of, let us know. We are committed to being where it matters most, with and for our members. 

Get Well Canada

Get Well Canada is a national alliance of researchers, community leaders and medical professionals working to shift how governments think about health care. A partnership between The Federation and Generation Squeeze, the initiative calls for greater investment in the social conditions that shape health — like affordable housing, living wages, quality child care and education, and a healthy environment. Together, we are urging the Government of British Columbia to redirect a larger share of its budget toward social services providers. Backed by strong health science, we know this is a smart, cost-effective strategy to reduce pressure on the medical system, improve well-being and create a healthier, more resilient province.

Government relations

The Federation acts as a bridge between the community social services sector and all levels of government, helping to ensure the voices of our members are heard in policy discussions and decision-making. By building strong, respectful relationships across ministries and agencies, we present a unified voice for the sector and help the government better understand the realities facing communities. At the same time, we support our members in connecting with policymakers and amplifying their on-the-ground expertise to shape solutions that work.

Labour market research

Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce has long been a challenge in B.C.’s community social services sector. To help address these issues, The Federation partnered with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) to develop the Social Services Training and Education Plan. The plan outlines practical, community-informed actions to strengthen education and training for the sector. It builds on previous labour market research and reflects input from employers, educators, unions, students and workers. The plan supports a more coordinated, responsive and sustainable workforce strategy — essential to the health and longevity of the sector.

Social Services Sector Roundtable

Chaired by the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the Social Services Sector Roundtable brings together senior government officials and representatives from across the community social services sector. The Roundtable supports ongoing collaboration and coordinated action on key sector issues. Areas of focus include reconciliation, procurement and contracting, workforce compensation, recruitment and retention, occupational health and safety, education and training, and addressing data gaps. This collaborative table is central to building stronger relationships between government and the sector, and to advancing shared goals for a more sustainable, equitable and effective system of care in B.C.

Youth Bursary

The Federation’s Youth Education Bursary assists young people that are or have been in care and want to pursue a career in the field of Human and Social Services. Bursaries support students with the financial costs of tuition, books, and supplies for post-secondary academic education. Since 2009, the bursary program has awarded $355,998 in bursaries to 272 students (as of August 2025). Learn more about our Youth Education Bursary, eligibility criteria, and ways you can support the bursary here.