It’s Not Right! Online Workshop
2024-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse among older adults and determine how to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussions and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for more information.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) - National Webinar Event
2024-06-12 09:30 - 11:00
Speaker line up coming soon!
We invite individuals of all ages to join the National WEAAD Virtual event on June 12th, 2024 from 9:30 – 11:00am PST.
We all have a role to play in protecting the rights of older people. There are a few easy ways you can participate in WEAAD, joining the movement to end elder abuse in Canada once and for all. No matter where you live in Canada, you can be part of this shared journey to create a safe and supportive society.
Secure your seat now, as space is limited, and share widely with your networks!
Webinar provided with an ASL and LSQ Interpreters.
Register now.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
2024-06-15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is June 15th, 2024.
1 senior mistreated is 1 too many.
Unfortunately, when it comes to showing just how urgent a problem elder abuse is, the numbers don’t lie:

1 in 2 people are prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, World Health Organization)
In Canada, a 2015 study estimated that 7.5% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
Women aged 55-64 years comprised the largest proportion of victims of femicide (19%) (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2020)
In Ontario, there was a 250% increase in calls to the Seniors Safety Line in 2020 (Assaulted Women’s Help Line, 2021)

Looking for more information on how you can get involved or plan a WEAAD activity for your Community Response Network? View our Information and Resource page for CRNs.

Introduction to Extreme Clutter Online Presentation
2024-09-03 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s online presentation. Register now.
Clutter is formally defined as “a large group of usually unrelated or marginally related objects piled together in a disorganized fashion in spaces designed for other purposes (e.g. tabletops, floor, hallway).”
Help people understand what clutter, hoarding, collecting and squalor are. Understand that not everyone who collects, lives in clutter or squalor is actually affected by the Hoarding syndrome.
After the presentation participants will:
• Understand the differences between clutter, collecting, squalor and hoarding.
• Understand what the hoarding disorder is..
• Understand the statistics, the “why” and patterns of the hoarding disorder.
• Understand how you can assist.
• Understand its relationship to abuse.
View presentation flyer.
Register now.

Provincial Learning Event: Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community
2024-09-17 10:30 - 12:00
Register now.
Queer and trans elders have been described as ‘The Silent Generation’, since they have lived through times when their sexual and gender identities were criminalized and pathologized. This session will be of interest to anyone working with older adults, including medical professionals, care providers, police, counsellors, community developers and policy makers.
Speakers:
Dr. Gloria Gutman and Dr. Claire Robson will share information on the lived experience of elder abuse of transwomen, gay men and lesbians including financial abuse, physical and sexual abuse, homophobic abuse, and neglect within partner relationships, residential care, in home care, and religious organizations. Information for this part of the presentation is drawn from their 2023 book, published with Dr. Jen Marchbank and Makaela Prentice, called, “Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community: The Impact of Homophobia and Transphobia.” Data will also be presented from analysis by Dr. Gutman, Dr. Heather Stewart and Dr. Mojgan Karbakhsh of Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging participants. This analysis gives us numbers heretofore unavailable in Canada comparing rates not just by abuse type but also by victim sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI). Perpetrator characteristics across abuse types and SOGI groups will also be reported – with some interesting differences highlighted.
Register now.

Spotlight on Ageism Online Presentation
2024-10-01 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to attend this online presentation. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Administration Orientations for CRN Coordinators
2024-10-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-24 10:00 - 11:00
The BC CRN would like to welcome all Regional Mentors and CRN Coordinators to join an online Administration Orientation hosted by the Administration Team. This is a great opportunity for both new CRN Coordinators and seasoned CRN Coordinators to connect with the team, review processes and procedures, find out what’s new, and ask questions.
We will be covering topics such as:

The new coordinator portal
Administration forms
Support for CRNs
Project grants
Coordinator grants
Reporting requirements
Programs
Educational and promotional material
…and more!

Please register for one of the following sessions. Each session will be approximately one hour in length.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM – Register now
Thursday, Oct 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM – Register now

If you cannot attend either of these sessions but would still like coordinator information, please email info@bccrns.ca and we’ll be happy to assist you.
We will be scheduling drop-in sessions going forward.

Provincial Learning Event: Navigating Home Care & Senior Housing
2024-10-15 10:30 - 12:00
Register now.
The legal framework governing home and residential care for older adults is complex and often confusing. As BC’s senior population grows, demands for home and residential care are increasing every year and the needs of those in long-term care are becoming more complex. It is important for older adults and their advocates to be well informed about the rights of seniors receiving care and strategies for resolving personal and health care problems that may arise.
Join us to learn about the types of personal care and health care that are available to older adults in British Columbia, as well as some key laws that govern home and residential care services, including what people have a right to expect and what service providers must do and provide. This learning event will be useful for family members, designated decision-makers, and advocates who are supporting and assisting older adults, in addition to older adults seeking or receiving personal and health care services either at home or in residential care.
Information shared in this presentation is drawn from “Navigating Home Care and Senior Housing: An Advocacy Guide”, a guide recently published by Seniors First BC on Clicklaw’s Wikibooks. Created by staff lawyers and researchers from Seniors First BC’s legal programs, this guide takes a client-centered, advocacy perspective to describe and understand the common legal matters affecting people who receive home and residential care.
This session is presented by Sara Pon, Lawyer and Legal Researcher from Seniors First BC, who previously presented “Financial Abuse: Protect What’s Yours”, as a part of the BC CRN Provincial Learning Events. Seniors First BC is a charitable, non-profit society that provides information, legal advocacy, support, and referrals to older adults across BC with issues affecting their well-being or rights, as well as concerned third parties. Services are delivered through its Seniors Abuse & Information Line, Victim Services, Public Education & Outreach Program, Elder Law Clinic, Legal Advocacy Program, and Advance Planning Clinics.
Register now.

See Something, Say Something! Online Presentation
2024-11-05 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online presentation. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
View presentation flyer.
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Provincial Learning Event: Older Adults Staying Safe Online
2024-11-19 10:30 - 12:00
Register now.
With digital literacy being a critical component to keeping older adults safe online, you will gain confidence by learning valuable information from outreach coordinators at Connected Canadians.
Learn how to recognize email phishing scams and other helpful prevention tips to protect yourself online. Also learn about free technology training & support for older adults as they engage and navigate online to meet their needs including banking, shopping, accessing government services, and so much more.
Speakers from Connected Canadians:
Jesse Smith, Instructor
Ken Roy, General Manager

Introduction to Extreme Clutter Online Presentation
2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s online presentation. Register now.
Clutter is formally defined as “a large group of usually unrelated or marginally related objects piled together in a disorganized fashion in spaces designed for other purposes (e.g. tabletops, floor, hallway).”
Help people understand what clutter, hoarding, collecting and squalor are. Understand that not everyone who collects, lives in clutter or squalor is actually affected by the Hoarding syndrome.
After the presentation participants will:
• Understand the differences between clutter, collecting, squalor and hoarding.
• Understand what the hoarding disorder is.
• Understand the statistics, the “why” and patterns of the hoarding disorder.
• Understand how you can assist.
• Understand its relationship to abuse.
Register now.

Administration Orientations for CRN Coordinators
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00
The BC CRN would like to welcome all Regional Mentors and CRN Coordinators to join an online Administration Orientation hosted by the Administration Team. This is a great opportunity for both new CRN Coordinators and seasoned CRN Coordinators to connect with the team, review processes and procedures, find out what’s new, and ask questions.
We will be covering topics such as:

The new coordinator portal
Administration forms
Support for CRNs
Project grants
Coordinator grants
Reporting requirements
Programs
Educational and promotional material
…and more!

Register now.
This session will be approximately 1 hour in length. Please email info@bccrns.ca with any questions.

It’s Not Right! Online Workshop
2025-01-07 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online workshop. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of abuse among older adults and determine how to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussions and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! View presentation flyer.
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for more information.

Provincial Learning Event Webinar: Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt
2025-01-21 10:30 - 12:00
Save the date! BC CRN is excited to welcome BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt for January’s Provincial Learning Event online webinar. Participants will learn about how BC is meeting the basic needs of its older residents and the areas in which the Office of the Seniors Advocate will focus on in the coming year.
Register
Biography: Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate
Dan Levitt has tirelessly championed the rights of seniors for 30 years at the local, provincial, national and international levels.
Prior to his appointment as BC’s Seniors Advocate, Dan held leadership positions in senior-living and long-term care homes in the Lower Mainland for more than 10 years where he helped shape a dementia-friendly future for seniors and their loved ones.
He was an adjunct professor of gerontology at both Simon Fraser University and a former sessional instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He has also been a surveyor with Accreditation Canada, reviewing quality improvement and person-centred care at long-term care homes and community-based service providers across Canada.
He is a certified health executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and achieved Fellowship status in the college in July 2024. He also received the Young Executive Award presented by the BC Lower Mainland Chapter Executive of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. On the global stage, Levitt recently served as a member of the board of directors of the Global Ageing Network and the International Federation on Ageing.
Dan earned an undergraduate degree from the UBC and master’s degree from the University of North Texas, Center for Studies in Aging. He has served on the board of directors for the Denominational Health Association and the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. He is inspired by the aging journeys of his grandparents and great-grandparents, and is now supporting his parents, who are living life to the fullest in their mid-80s.

See Something, Say Something! Online Presentation
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic online presentation. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for further details.

Provincial Learning Event Webinar: Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC
2025-02-18 10:30 - 12:00
BC CRN welcomes Lisa Dawson, Vice President of Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC) for February’s Provincial Learning Event online webinar.
Participants will learn about the rights and regulations of long-term care residents and their families. ILTCCABC represents the collective voice of residents, their families and representatives. Belonging to a council enables residents and families to become involved in decisions that affect residents’ care and quality of life at the local, regional and provincial levels.
Register
Speaker: Lisa Dawson
Throughout the years, Lisa has shown her exceptional dedication to improving the quality of life for older adults in long-term care (LTC) on all levels – locally, regionally and provincially. Her important work focuses on empowering residents and families, ensuring that high-quality care remains a top priority in LTC settings.
Regionally, Lisa is the co-founder and chair of the Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils (VCAFC), an organization that educates LTC communities about the importance of family and resident councils in improving care quality. Under her leadership, VCAFC has established 28 self-directed family councils and currently supports 35 others in the Vancouver Coastal Health region. These councils amplify families’ voices in decision-making and advocate for residents’ needs. Lisa’s work through VCAFC reflects her belief in the power of collective advocacy and collaboration between families and care providers.
At the provincial level, Lisa serves as Vice-President and Secretary of the Independent Long-Term Care Councils Association of BC (ILTCCABC), where she represents the collective interests of LTC residents and their families.

Virtual Administration Orientation for CRN Coordinators
2025-02-20 17:00 - 18:00
The BC CRN would like to welcome all Regional Mentors and CRN Coordinators to join an online Administration Orientation hosted by the Administration Team. This is a great opportunity for both new CRN Coordinators and seasoned CRN Coordinators to connect with the team, review processes and procedures, find out what’s new, and ask questions.
If you have already attended an orientation, you do not need to register for another session. However, if you would like to attend again as a refresher or to ask any questions, you are most welcome to join!
We will be covering topics such as:

The new coordinator portal
Administration forms
Support for CRNs
Project grants
Coordinator grants
Reporting requirements
Programs
Educational and promotional material
…and more!

Register now.
This session will be approximately 1 hour in length. Please email info@bccrns.ca with any questions.

Introduction to Extreme Clutter Online Presentation
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join BC CRN’s online presentation.
Clutter is formally defined as “a large group of usually unrelated or marginally related objects piled together in a disorganized fashion in spaces designed for other purposes (e.g. tabletops, floor, hallway).”
Help people understand what clutter, hoarding, collecting and squalor are. Understand that not everyone who collects, lives in clutter or squalor is actually affected by the Hoarding syndrome.
After the presentation participants will:
• Understand the differences between clutter, collecting, squalor and hoarding.
• Understand what the hoarding disorder is.
• Understand the statistics, the “why” and patterns of the hoarding disorder.
• Understand how you can assist.
• Understand its relationship to abuse.
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for more details.

💡From Credit Reports to Debt Relief – What Older Adults Need to Know: Provincial Learning Event Webinar
2025-03-18 10:30 - 12:00
💻 Register now | 📅 Date: March 18, 2025 | 🕒 Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm PDT
💡Our relationship with money is more than just numbers – it shapes our daily lives, well-being and future security. This informative webinar will help you understand what to do if you face a financial crisis. Learn about your legal rights, available remedies and practical options to regain financial stability. 🎯
Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and break the taboo around money challenges. Even if you are financially secure, a friend or family member may be struggling. Life’s unexpected turns – such as the loss of a partner, illness or financial fraud – can create serious financial difficulties.
Join us to gain valuable insights, tools and resources to protect yourself and support those around you.
Presented by Blair Mantin, President, Sands & Associates. With 15 years of experience, Blair helps individuals and organizations facing challenging financial situations to move forward from a position of strength.

🟡Spotlight on Ageism Online Presentation
2025-04-01 12:00 - 13:00
💻 Register now | 📅 Date: April 1, 2025 | 🕒 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PDT
Let’s talk about ageism!
Ageism affects people of all ages—whether young or old, many experience unfair judgments about their capabilities or status. It remains one of the most tolerated forms of discrimination in Canada, but we have the power to change that!
Join us online on April 1st as we explore what ageism looks like and how we can shift our mindset, challenge stereotypes and promote respect for all generations. 🌎💙
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and age-positive society! 🌿
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca for further details.

🏳️‍🌈 Including & Affirming 2SLGBTQI+ People: Provincial Learning Event Webinar
2025-04-15 10:30 - 12:00
💻 Register now |📅 Date: April 15, 2025 | 🕒 Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm PDT
Want to create a more inclusive and affirming space for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in your workplace or community? Join our free webinar and help build a world where everyone thrives authentically! 🌈

Understand Key Terminology – Gain clarity on the terms and identities of individuals within the 2SLGBTQI+ community and explore the significance of inclusive language.
Recognize & Address Discrimination – Learn how homophobia, biphobia and transphobia appear in various settings and learn about how these biases affect the well-being of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
Hear Real Experiences – Explore the challenges and resilience of 2SLGBTQI+ people.
Take Action for Inclusion – Walk away with practical strategies to foster respect, allyship and organizational change.

💡 Who Should Attend? Community members, leaders, educators and allies – everyone is welcome! Whether you’re new to these topics or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session provides a safe, respectful space for learning and growth.
Presenter:
Horst Backé (he/him) is the Co-Coordinator of Living OUT Visibly and Engaged Community Response Network (LOVE CRN), which has spearheaded several initiatives to decrease abuse, neglect and self-neglect of 2SLGBTQI+ adults. A retired public health nurse and healthcare manager, Horst has been an avid volunteer and since 1984 and is currently helping resettle LGBTQ+ refugees in Nanaimo in his role as the president of Reaching Out Assisting Refugees (ROAR).

✨ CRN Coordinators WEAAD 2025 Brainstorming Session & Orientation! 💜
2025-04-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-29 17:00 - 18:00
Calling all CRN Coordinators!
Are you ready to collaborate and ignite some World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) inspiration with fellow coordinators? Join us for a fun and dynamic virtual brainstorming orientation as we gear up for June 15th!
Together, we’ll:

Exchange creative ideas for WEAAD events and activities
Inspire and support one another
Celebrate the power of community action

1 senior mistreated is 1 too many. Let’s show B.C. how we care—with purple pride, hope and heart. 💜
Bring your energy, your vision and your voice. Let’s make this year unforgettable!
🔗Register now.
Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! Email us any time at info@bccrns.ca.

➡️Strategy to ACTION: Driving Change Across Canada (Virtual Event)💻
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:30
On Tuesday, May 6th join BC Community Response Networks and many of our provincial counterparts as we share an update on what has been happening across Canada over the past three years to prioritize prevention of elder abuse and neglect in every community!
Register

👀 See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults (Online Presentation) 🗣️
2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:00
💻 Register now |📅 Date: May 6, 2025 | 🕒 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PDT
Older adults living alone or in isolation may be at risk—but YOU can help! Join us for this dynamic online presentation to learn how to take action to keep older adults safe, secure and independent.
🔍 Who should attend this session? Anyone who interacts with older or vulnerable adults, including:
🏦 Bank personnel | 📬 Letter carriers | 🛒 Grocery store & restaurant staff | 🚗 Volunteers, caregivers & drivers |💊 Pharmacy & healthcare workers | ⛪ Church members & social groups
Let’s work together to build safer, more connected communities! 💙

📩 Questions? Email us at programs@bccrns.ca.

CRN Coordinators WEAAD 2025 Brainstorming Session & Orientation!
2025-05-08 17:00 - 18:00
Calling all CRN Coordinators!
Are you ready to collaborate and ignite some World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) inspiration with fellow coordinators? Join us for a fun and dynamic virtual brainstorming orientation as we gear up for June 15th!
Together, we’ll:

Exchange creative ideas for WEAAD events and activities
Inspire and support one another
Celebrate the power of community action

1 senior mistreated is 1 too many. Let’s show B.C. how we care—with purple pride, hope and heart.
Bring your energy, your vision and your voice. Let’s make this year unforgettable!
Register now.
Questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! Email us any time at info@bccrns.ca.

It's Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Families for Older Adults (Online Presentation)
2025-06-03 12:00 - 13:00
Concerned about an older adult? Learn what to look for and how to help. You’re invited to take part in this online Zoom presentation—your participation could have a meaningful impact on someone’s life.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn:

How to spot the warning signs of abuse and neglect
Why ageism matters — and how to challenge it
How to respond safely and supportively when something doesn’t feel right
Real-life video scenarios + practical skill-building exercises

Whether you’re a neighbour, friend, family member, or simply someone who cares, your voice matters. Together, we can help build more supportive and respectful communities for older adults.
View the presentation flyer.
Questions? Email us at programs@bccrns.ca.
Register now!

National World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Virtual Event
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for the National World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) virtual event as we come together to take action against elder abuse. This interactive session will feature a panel of experts and advocates sharing powerful insights on how we can protect the rights of older adults across Canada. Whether you’re an individual, organization, or government representative, you play a crucial role in creating a society where older adults are valued and supported.
Space is limited, so secure your seat now and be part of the movement to end elder abuse in Canada. Learn more about the National Virtual Event.
Register.

Protect Yourself: Frauds and Scams (Online Workshop)
2025-09-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join BC CRN as we welcome Linda Yauk, Learning Events & Outreach Coordinator at Seniors First BC, for an important and informative session on Frauds and Scams.
In 2024, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, there was 49,432 fraud reports processed, 34,621 victims of fraud, and $638M lost to fraud.
This free workshop will cover:

What frauds and scams are
How scammers target older adults
Common schemes to watch out for
Practical tips to stay safe
Where to go for help and support

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and others.
Email programs@bccrns.ca with any questions.
Register now!
