Stronger Together 2025: agenda
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Mohammed Hashim, Canadian Race Relations Foundation
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Tackling hate, advancing equity: building a Canada free of racism
Join Mohammed Hashim, CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, for a powerful and timely keynote on confronting systemic racism and hate in Canada. A nationally recognized human rights advocate and strategic policy leader, Hashim brings over two decades of experience working across government, non-profits and the labour movement to drive legislative change and advance equity.
At the helm of the CRRF — and as chair of the national “Hate Crimes Taskforce” with the RCMP — Hashim is leading efforts to strengthen justice system responses, support communities and identify systemic gaps in the fight against hate. His keynote will explore the urgent need for innovation in public policy and the collective responsibility we all share in building a more just and inclusive Canada.
This is more than a keynote — it’s a call to action. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the country’s foremost voices on anti-racism, justice and national reconciliation.
Networking & Refreshments
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Concurrent breakout sessions
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Reconciliation Workshop with Dr. Dustin Louie
CARF Input Forum about Specialized Homes and Support Services
How can CARF accreditation standards better align with the day-to-day realities of Specialized Homes and Support Services? In this dynamic input forum, Penny Gagnon — Chief Advisor at CARF Canada — will guide a conversation with current and prospective SHSS providers to explore practical solutions for improving efficiency, reducing duplication, and streamlining processes in response to evolving Ministry requirements. Your input will help shape priority actions and support better alignment between service delivery and quality standards.
With more than 20 years of leadership in health and human services across Canada, Penny brings deep expertise in person- and family-centred care, quality frameworks, and operationalizing standards in real-world settings. She’s passionate about building systems that enhance lives and elevate service quality — and she’s ready to help you make a plan.
Networking & Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Focusing on the Centre: Identifying Key Advocacy Priorities
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Networking & Refreshments
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stories of Community Collaboration and Impact: Panel Discussion
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Reception hosted by FABP
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Breakfast & Registration
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Representative for Children and Youth
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
No Time to Wait: transforming systems of care for children and youth
Join Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth, as she leads a powerful keynote session grounded in urgency, insight and action. A long-time advocate for child welfare and social innovation, and a former Executive Director of the Federation, Dr. Charlesworth brings decades of experience to the table, along with a deep commitment to culturally safe practices and systemic change.
In this keynote, she will unpack the findings of “No Time to Wait,” her office’s report on workforce challenges in the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She’ll also explore how the new Specialized Homes and Support Services model fits into a broader transformation of care — one that places children’s wellness, connection and belonging at the centre. This is more than a policy discussion — it’s a call to rethink service delivery across systems, sectors and communities.
Whether you work in frontline services, lead a social service agency or influence policy, this session is a vital opportunity to engage directly with one of the province’s most influential child advocates and help shape a future where no child falls through the cracks.
Don’t miss this call to collective action. There is no time to wait.
Networking & Refreshments
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Annual General Meeting
10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.