CSSHSA at the 2025 Social Policy Forum

CSSHSA Team, Left to right: Therese, Tigran, Suncha, and Ana at the 2025 Social Policy Forum in Victoria.

The Federation of Community Social Services of BC (FCSSBC), in partnership with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and Board Voice, recently hosted the 2025 Social Policy Forum in Victoria. CSSHSA was proud to support the forum as one of the sponsors and presenters. The event brought together over 130 community-serving organizations to discuss the pressing social policy issues affecting communities today.

Our team started the conference with an internal strategic meeting focused on creating a culture of psychological safety in the workplace, a topic that resonated strongly with attendees. This set the stage for our involvement throughout the event, where we presented our expertise on fostering workplace well-being. A session led by our own Suncha Satney, Psychological Health & Safety Consultant, attracted 38 participants and sparked valuable conversations on how to build a culture of care in the social service sector. 

The forum also featured powerful presentations from influential figures, including the Honourable Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development, Sheila Malcomson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, BC Representative for Children and Youth. These leaders emphasized the importance of aligning services across the province to create more effective and transparent processes for communities, families, and children.

Carla Duffey, Indigenous photographer and artist from Quadra Island, showcasing her illustrations.

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, we connected with member organizations including the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and Friendship Centres throughout the province. We also had the pleasure of meeting artist and graphic recorder Carla Duffey, whose vibrant illustrations beautifully captured the essence of the event’s discussion. Check out Carla’s work here! 

The forum highlighted the importance of working together with shared values and goals to support communities. We look forward to continuing our active participation in these conversations, ensuring that our sector remains at the forefront of positive change.

One of Carla Duffey's illustrations, capturing the essence of the 2025 Social Policy Forum.