In a gathering marked by fervent dialogue and strategic collaboration, the 2024 Pacific Canada Social Policy Forum illuminated pathways toward bolstering societal support systems. Hosted by The Federation of Community Social Services of BC in conjunction with Board Voice, the event convened a mosaic of stakeholders, including Federation members, sector partners, and governmental representatives, under the overarching mission of advancing social policy efficacy.
The forum, spanning from February 14th to February 16th, delved into multifaceted issues, ranging from child and youth advocacy to homelessness eradication. Distinguished speakers such as Tim Agg of Board Voice, Jennifer Charlesworth, the Representative for Children and Youth of BC, and Sylvia Ceacero of the Alliance to End Homelessness in the Capital Region, lent their expertise, igniting insightful discussions and innovative propositions.
Central to the forum’s ethos was the cultivation of collaborative networks and the fortification of advocacy frameworks. Participants gleaned from thought leaders, engaged in critical discourse, and forged connections destined to catalyze actionable change within their respective spheres. Emphasizing inclusivity, the event beckoned attendees to be architects of societal progress, inspired by a collective vision of empowering vulnerable demographics.
Our Executive Director Sylvia Ceacero presented on the 2025-2030 Community Plan and a robust conversation was had, especially around the areas of prevention upstream in the homelessness sector.
Beyond intellectual discourse, the forum bore witness to moments of conviviality, notably during the Networking Dinner where participants indulged in lively exchanges amidst a backdrop of live entertainment. Such interludes fostered camaraderie, underscoring the significance of solidarity in effecting societal transformation.
As the curtains drew on the 2024 Social Policy Forum, its resonance reverberated far beyond the confines of the conference hall. Armed with newfound insights and fortified resolve, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, poised to champion equitable social policies and champion the welfare of their communities.
The forum’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of collective endeavor in shaping a more just and compassionate society, underscoring The Federation’s unwavering commitment to effectuating positive change on behalf of all British Columbians.
