National Fraud Prevention Month
2020-03-01 - 2020-03-31
March is Fraud Prevention Month, a month of activities and events that aims to help Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. Did you know that the fight against fraud starts with you? The old saying is true: knowledge is power. Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to recognize the signs, reject the claims that seem too good to be true and reporting them to the authorities. Seniors and vulnerable adults are frequently the targets of scams. Fraudsters continue to target Canadians, stealing their hard-earned money and leaving them devastated. The latest data shows Canadians lost approximately $97 million to fraud.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Never give out your personal, confidential information over the phone
Protect your banking information, never reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone
Never pay money to claim your money or a prize, there should be no processing fee
Keep your personal information safe, an identity thief will go through garbage and recycling bins
Be skeptical, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is

Help keep yourself and other vulnerable adults safe by sharing information about scams with them. At times, vulnerable adults can feel confused or pressured, you must be informed that it’s okay to hang up the phone or delete an email. Fraud prevention is a responsibility we all share.
For more information, contact your local CRN.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
2020-03-21
For more information, see the United Nations website.

17th Annual Geriatric Services Conference
2020-03-27 07:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Convention Centre
Dialogue on Aging Geriatric Services Conference: Creating Synergy, Inspiring Change – Providence Health Care
March 27, 2020, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC
Save the date! Join colleagues from across the province for another day of inspiration, latest research and best practices. Faculty includes Dr. Brendan McCormack internationally recognized in leading person-centred practice development.
View more information.

National Volunteer Recognition Week
2020-04-19 - 2020-04-25
National Volunteer Recognition week is from April 19-25, 2020. The theme for 2020 is “It’s Time to Applaud this Country’s Volunteers”. Volunteers give their time in support of various causes and ask for nothing in return, in fact volunteers work tirelessly to help their community, city and country.
Many older adults are in a position where they can give their time, skills and energy to volunteering. Organizations must rethink and remove barriers that may result in enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer.
Organizations can recognize volunteers by acknowledging their contributions with thank you events, dinners, teas or BBQs.
Organizations should consider developing and implementing family volunteering opportunities as there is an increase in multi-generations living together and providing support for each other.

Provincial Learning Event - Predatory Marriage
2020-04-21 10:30 - 12:00
Our provincial learning events are always virtual, so it’s safe to still participate in them during the COVID-19 emergency.
Participants will hear an overview of the legal, policy, and social issues surrounding predatory marriage. The concept of capacity to marry will be placed in its historical context, and you will learn how capacity to marry engages competing policy considerations in modern society.
An overview of the legal implications of marriage with reference to recent case law, and some of the warning signs of abuse to help guard against abuse will also be provided.
Emily Clough is a Partner with Clark Wilson LLP, a general practice law firm in Vancouver, BC. She frequently advocates on behalf of older adults and adults with cognitive impairment. She assists clients in navigating issues of elder abuse, including dealing with the Public Guardian and Trustee, the health authorities, the police, and the courts. Emily was the successful lawyer on a leading case in BC where a predatory marriage was declared invalid.
Provincial Learning Events are toll-free teleconferences that take place the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm.
Everyone is welcome.
Email info@bccrns.ca to receive notifications of upcoming teleconferences and to receive dial-in info.
Review the presentation materials.

Provincial Learning Event: Elder Abuse and Natural Disasters - Lessons Learned that could Apply to COVID-19
2020-05-19 10:30 - 12:00
May 19, 2020: Elder Abuse and Natural Disasters – Lessons Learned that could Apply to COVID-19 presented by Gloria Gutman, Professor Emerita, Gerontology, Simon Fraser University and Board Member, BC CRN.
Access Presentation Materials here
Since Hurricane Katrina, seniors are at greater risk of dying than other age groups during natural and human-behaviour stemming emergencies and disasters. There is reason to believe they are also at increased risk of elder abuse and neglect. This session will review the evidence and discuss ways in which abuse and neglect could be expressed during the current Coronavirus pandemic. Participants can expect to learn more how to detect, mitigate and prevent adult abuse and neglect, and form new partnerships in community with first responders and humanitarian agencies in today’s reality during the COVID-19 emergency.
Gloria M. Gutman, PhD, FCAHS, LLD (Hon.), OBC, CM, is president of the North American Chapter International Society for Gerontechnology; vice-president of International Longevity Centre Canada; professor/director emerita of Simon Fraser University’s department of gerontology and Gerontology Research Centre. She is also a Board member of the BC Association of Communication Response Networks (BC CRN).
Provincial Learning Events are toll-free teleconferences that takes place the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.

20/20: A Vision for Seniors – 43rd Annual Conference
2020-05-24 08:00 - 2020-05-26 17:00
20/20: A Vision for Seniors – 43rd Annual Conference
May 24-26, 2020, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, BC
BC Care Providers Association’s annual conference will take a retrospective view of the past twenty years, and focus on what seniors’ care and living should look like twenty years from now. Along with looking at best practices and innovative models and solutions being employed internationally; the conference will also cover how we can work collaboratively to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population with increasing expectations.
Call for presenters for the 2020 conference is now open. View more details.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2020-06-15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was developed and launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). Our Executive Director at that time, Alison Leaney, was invited to speak at the United Nations for the launch.
WEAAD activities are intended to bring greater recognition of abuse and neglect of older adults in British Columbia or wherever they live, and to highlight the need for prevention and community involvement in a response to the issue. We work to give abuse and neglect of seniors a relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the year and for years to come.
Community Response Network communities throughout BC will be collaborating in multigenerational and multidisciplinary activities, events and initiatives in recognition of WEAAD.
Learn more about how CRN’s are raising awareness for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, 2020!

Annual General Meeting of the Association
2020-06-18 17:00 - 18:00
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
OF
THE BC ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY RESPONSE NETWORKS

The Board of Directors of the Association hereby gives notice that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held at 5:00 PM. on the day of Thursday, June 18, 2020:

To receive the report of the Directors to the Members.

To receive and approve the Audited Financial Statements of the Association for the period ended March 31, 2020.

To appoint an Auditor for the Association for the ensuing year.

To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Provincial Learning Event - Cannabis and Older Adults
2020-09-15 10:30 - 12:00
Provincial Learning Event – Cannabis and Older Adults presented by Jane Hanson and Vijay Morancie, RCMP “E” Division/Government of Canada, Crime Prevention Services
Believe it or not, it’s been almost two years since cannabis was legalized in Canada. During this time, we have seen the use of cannabis and cannabis products increase significantly among older adults. The RCMP has been working hard to educate British Columbians on safe and legal use. Jane Hanson and her colleague Vijay Morancie will be online in this session to answer all of your “burning” questions about cannabis and cannabis laws in Canada.
In this interactive session, participants will have opportunities to discuss:
• What cannabis is and how it is used
• Health risks and potential benefits
o Effects on the brain
o Prescription drugs and medications
o Heart conditions
o Mental health
• Medical cannabis
• Responsible Use
• Cannabis laws and where to purchase legal cannabis products
Jane Hanson is a community crime prevention specialist who has been with the RCMP for over 14 years. She works with BC communities to identify and address crime and community safety issues. Vijay Morancie is BC RCMP’s Cannabis Engagement Coordinator. She leads the coordination of cannabis and substance use prevention and engagement activities in BC and the Yukon, providing guidance, resources, and workshops to communities.
We’re online! Provincial Learning Events are now being offered as free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in participating, please sign up for the session by registering online now.
Email info@bccrns.ca to receive notifications of upcoming teleconferences and to receive sign-in info.

National Seniors Day
2020-10-01 - 2020-10-02
October 1 is National Seniors Day, an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate older adults. The intent of National Seniors Day is to showcase the contribution seniors make to the Canadian economy and that their contribution is valuable and ongoing. Seniors helped build our communities and our country.
BC Community Response Network’s intent in connecting to this event is to bring awareness to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of our vulnerable seniors.
Join BC CRN’s free Zoom event called the Week of the Older Person from September 28 – October 2nd starting at 10am. Click on the flyer preview below for registration information!

Canadian seniors make up more than 15.6 percent of the population. By 2030, seniors will reach 9.5 million and make up 23% of Canadians.
Sadly, many older adults are vulnerable to multiple forms of abuse and need everyone to be supportive. It is easy to show your respect and gratitude for the older adults in your life. There are many options to thank the seniors in your life for all their hard work and show them just how much they’re appreciated.
Here are just a few:

Say “thank you”
Take a walk together
Cook a meal together
Treat them to a day out
Send a card to a senior you care about
Smile and just say “hi”
Post a message on the Seniors in Canada Facebook page

Show you care. Your local CRN can provide information and support to seniors.

Provincial Learning Event Webinar - Exploring Restorative Approaches to Adult Abuse, Neglect & Self Neglect
2020-10-20 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for our next Provincial Learning Event webinar!
Topic: Exploring Restorative Approaches to Adult Abuse, Neglect & Self Neglect – presented by Dr. Alana Abramson (Criminology, Faculty @ Kwantlen Polytechnic University) and BC CRN Regional Mentor Jane Osborne
When: Oct 20, 2020 10:30 AM PDT
Register now!
Our provincial learning events are always virtual, so it’s safe to still participate in them during the COVID-19 emergency.
In this packed online session, some of the questions up for discussion include:
• What is the potential role for a restorative justice response to adult abuse and neglect? Why would we consider this approach?
• Who has a role to play in the process?
• Why do Community Response Networks or Community Health Networks facilitate this approach?
• What protocols need to be in place between the responding agencies?
• What are the criteria for making a referral? What are the skills and experience needed for facilitators of these types of cases?
• What are some examples of restorative responses to abuse and neglect cases?
After a 30-year career in information technology management and organizational development (IBM, UBC and Metro Vancouver among others), Jane Osborne retired to explore the joys of working in community. Over the past 20 years, she has focused her energies on project and volunteer work provincially and locally; initially on the North Shore of Vancouver and more recently on Central Vancouver Island as a passionate advocate for social justice. Dr. Abramson has been involved in the field of restorative justice (RJ) as a researcher, practitioner, and trainer since 1999. She has extensive experience implementing RJ in community, prison, and school contexts. In 2017, Dr. Abramson was the recipient of the Restorative Justice Award from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. She also worked to develop the first victim-sensitive principles and standards for restorative justice providers in BC. Dr. Abramson is currently a full-time Criminology Instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Coordinator and Facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project, member of the Interior Restorative Justice Hub, Inside Out Instructor, Board Member for BC Bereavement Society and the BC Association of Restorative Justice, and trainer for Achieve/Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
Email info@bccrns.ca to receive notifications of upcoming provincial learning events.

BC Crime Prevention Week
2020-11-01 - 2020-11-07
Nov. 1-7 is BC Crime Prevention Week. Seniors are safer when we reach out and show them, we care. Elder Abuse is a growing problem in Canada. Involved, caring communities keep all vulnerable adults safe.
Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse although these statistics may not show the true picture as some adults do not report crime or abuse.
Everyday, citizens especially seniors are impacted by the effects of crime in our communities. Awareness is the best protection against crime. Many people may not realize the simple actions make a difference not only their own lives, but the lives of those in their communities. Power to instill change is found in the knowledge each of us hold. This creates a responsibility to do what we can in our communities to bring awareness to the issues impacting the sense of safety and well-being.
It must be noted that abuse can fall into 2 categories: criminal and non-criminal offences. Possible signs of abuse:

the onset of unexplained physical injuries, like bruising, sprains or broken bones
a change in financial status
abandoning / leaving a dependent elder alone for long periods of time
a sudden change in the elder’s appearance
bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect
belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses or those who should be in a position of trust are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse
frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person

If you suspect an individual is the victim of abuse or a scam, talk to the individual or a local agency. Contact your local CRN for additional information.
Additional Sources:
Crime Prevention Week Tips
Elder Abuse (Vancouver Police Department)

It's Not Right! Zoom Presentation
2020-11-02 13:00 - 14:30
It’s Not Right! Zoom Presentation
A workshop/presentation on ageism, senior abuse, and ways of keeping each other safe.
Hosted on SHAREvirtually.com. Register now!

Provincial Learning Event - How to Protect Your Finances in Uncertain Times
2020-11-17 10:30 - 12:00
How to Protect Your Finances in Uncertain Times will be presented by Robert Paddick, Deputy Ombudsman, Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI).
The coronavirus pandemic is making Canadians feel more vulnerable than ever. But our health isn’t the only thing we need to protect. In uncertain times, we must look to our financial wellbeing as well.
In this webinar, participants will learn more about:
• Some examples of scams we need to avoid,
• How to change unhealthy financial behaviour, and
• How to resolve a complaint against your financial services provider.
Robert Paddick is a Deputy Ombudsman, overseeing investments and banking complaints. He is a member of the Ontario bar, and holds a B.Sc. (Hons) from the University of Western Ontario and a law degree from Queen’s University. He joined OBSI as a Senior Investigator in 2003 and was promoted to Deputy Ombudsman in 2006. Prior to joining OBSI, Robert was Director, Mutual Fund Compliance and in-house counsel at a large national mutual fund dealer. Before entering the financial services industry, he practiced law in Ottawa.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in participating, please sign up for the session by registering online now.
Email info@bccrns.ca to receive notifications of upcoming provincial learning events.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2020-12-03
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on December 3 around the world. Disabled adults must also be acknowledged for their strengths, and not just for their vulnerabilities.
An estimated 14% of the Canadian population lives with some form of disability. Disabilities become increasingly common with age, ranging from a low of 6.3% of those between the ages of 15 and 29 to a high of 45.7% among those aged 65 and over. Adults with disabilities may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Many disabled adults are lonely and isolated.
Past themes associated with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities include:

Dignity and Justice for all of us
Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
E-Accessibility
The Future is Accessible
Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality

While Government support plays an important role, community members who care and reach out with assistance can make a big difference in the lives of persons living with disabilities.

More Inclusive Care for LGBTQ2+ Seniors
2021-01-11 12:00 - 13:30, 2021-02-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2021-03-02 14:00 - 15:30
This session is targeted towards is managers, administrators and key staff of LTC, AL and supported independent living.
Presented by: Nicole Tremblay, MSW, MPA
What will be covered:
• Lived experiences of LGBTQ2+ seniors
• Terminology used to refer to the range of people in LGBTQ2+ communities
• Opportunities for reflection on assumptions and stereotypes related to LGBTQ2+ communities
• What organizations and individuals can do to provide more inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ2+ seniors
Register now.

BC CRN Provincial Learning Event - Ready for the Unexpected? Why you should have an Advance Care Plan
2021-01-19 10:30 - 11:30
Our provincial learning events are always virtual, so it’s safe to still participate in them during the pandemic.
January 19, 2021: Ready for the Unexpected? Why you should have an Advance Care Plan presented by Horst Backé, CRN Coordinator, Vancouver Island Living Out Visibly Engaged (LOVE) CRN; and Jane Osborne, BC CRN Regional Mentor – Vancouver Island Central and North.
Planning for incapacity is very important for all adults regardless of age or relationship status. The session will provide an overview of incapacity planning options to address money, assets, legal affairs, health care and personal care. The overview includes these topics:
• Temporary Substitute Decision Maker
• Medical Assistance in Dying
• No CPR
• Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST)
• Organ Donor Registry
• Advance Directive
The primary focus though will be on Representation Agreements and their role in assuring you get the health care you want and need. This is the first of two presentations. Horst Backé is a retired health care manager. He has a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Horst has been an avid volunteer and activist for most of his adult life, starting in 1984 with community-based efforts to address what we now know as the AIDS crisis. His current volunteerism in Nanaimo include activities to:
• Support resettlement of refugee families,
• Resettle persecuted LGBTQ refugees to live in safety in Canada
• Coordinate the Vancouver Island LOVE CRN, which among other activities includes;

An ongoing initiative to encourage inclusive and affirming care of LGBTQ2S seniors, and
A project intended to encourage all British Columbian adults to have Advance Care Plans.

After a 30-year career in information technology management and organizational development, Jane Osborne retired to explore the joys of working in community in all its diversity. Over the past 20+ years, she has focused her energies on project and volunteer work provincially and locally, initially on Vancouver’s North Shore and Sea-to-Sky corridor and more recently on Vancouver Island as a passionate advocate for social justice. She is passionate about working towards communities where all adults are free from abuse and neglect, and brings a restorative justice, community health network and more recently, an anti-racism and reconciliation lens to the work. Jane is also a member of the United Way’s Community Based Seniors Sector Leadership Committee.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in participating, please sign up for the session by registering online now.
Email us to receive notifications of upcoming provincial learning events, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest information on our webinar line up for next year.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome. Remember, our webinars are always virtual, so it’s always safe for all involved.
Did you know: Recordings of past webinars, plus any presentation materials, are now available free of charge through the BC CRN website! Get caught up on all of our sessions from 2020 in the comfort of your own home, and at your own pace until we resume our live webinar schedule in 2021!

Provincial Learning Event - Legal Framework and Guiding Principles for Best Practice
2021-02-16 10:30 - 12:00
Our provincial learning events are always virtual, so it’s safe to still participate in them during the pandemic.
February 16, 2021: Elder Abuse and Neglect: Legal Framework and Guiding Principles for Best Practice in BC presented by Krista James, National Director, Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL)
In this session Krista will identify key BC laws relevant to elder abuse response and share 12 guiding principles for best practice.
The session will cover adult guardianship, family violence legislation, care facility requirements, and criminal law.
Krista James is a lawyer and National Director of the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL). She represents the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch on the BC Council to Reduce Elder Abuse, sits on the Seniors First BC Board, and is a member of the BC Adult Abuse and Neglect Prevention Collaborative. Krista’s work at the CCEL explores legal and policy issues related to aging, including legal research, policy analysis, and public legal education. In her 13 years at the CCEL, she has written on topics such as abuse and neglect of older adults, mental capacity, health care consent, discrimination, and caregiving policy. She has a particular interest in how aging, gender and other aspects of identity intersect to impact experience. Before joining the CCEL, Krista worked as an advocate and a victim assistance worker. You can find most of her writing at www.bcli.org/ccel and on Twitter at @KristaElan.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in participating, please sign up for the session by registering online now.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or email us to receive notifications of upcoming webinars and to receive advance registration information.

Gatekeeper: Assisting older and vulnerable adults in being safe, secure, and independent: A community responsibility.
2021-02-18 14:00 - 15:30
Assisting older and vulnerable adults in being safe, secure, and independent:
A community responsibility.
The Gatekeeper Program is designed to help citizens identify high-risk people, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Gatekeepers can play an important role in the community in keeping our citizens safe, secure, and independent.
Who are Gatekeepers? Anyone who has contact with our elderly – YOU!

Bank personnel
Meter readers
Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
Pharmacy personnel
Neighbours/friends
Post office workers, letter carriers
Restaurant personnel
Grocery store clerks
Churches, social clubs

Come Join Us and Learn
Date: February 18, 2021
Time: 2 PM
Where: Zoom Virtual Platform – Register now!
For more information on the Gatekeeper Program, please contact your local Community Response Network (CRN) coordinator or call your East Kootenay BC CRN Mentor at 204-793-0347.

It's Not Right! Community Presentation
2021-02-24 13:00 - 14:30
It’s Not Right! Community Presentation, hosted by the West End Seniors’ Network.
Adult abuse is a serious problem in Canada. Neighbours, friends, and family members are first to see warning signs, but often don’t know what to do about it.
It’s Not Right! is a presentation intended to educate and engage all Canadians on the issue of older adult abuse and neglect. After this presentation, you will:
• Recognize warning signs and risk factors of adult abuse and neglect.
• Learn small, practical steps that add up, and make a difference in a life, and in the community where you live!
Let’s work together to create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and supported.
Register now!

Elder & Senior Abuse Prevention Workshop - Vancouver Indigenous CRN
2021-02-26 13:00 - 15:00
Elder & Senior Abuse Prevention Workshop hosted by the Vancouver Indigenous Community Response Network.
Indigenous and Metis Elders and Seniors are invited to join us online to share and discuss. We will talk about ageism, the signs & risk factors of adult abuse and keeping each other safe.
Sign up online or email PAFNWworkshops@gmail.com for more information.

Provincial Learning Event - The Fraud Double Feature
2021-03-16 10:30 - 12:00
Our provincial learning events are always virtual, so it’s safe to still participate in them during the pandemic.
March 16, 2021: The Fraud Double Feature, co-presented by the Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement Unit – BC, RCMP and the Currency Awareness and Education Team, Bank of Canada – BC and Yukon Regional Office.
In recognition of Crime Prevention Week this month, BC CRN is presenting a special double feature on the topic of fraud.
In part one of the session, Corporal Ngo presents Top Frauds Affecting Seniors.
Scammers employ many tactics to defraud Canadians of their hard-earned money – unsolicited mail and email, robocalls, text messages. The messages often touch on our most raw of emotions: you’ve won a fantastic prize (surprise), or your financial institution is seeking your personal information (worry), or a government agency is looking to take legal action against you (fear). This first presentation looks at the top fraud schemes BC seniors seem to fall prey to most frequently.
In part two, Mr. Salji presents Counterfeit Money: How to Know if You’ve Received a Fake Bank Note
The RCMP and the Bank of Canada work closely together to inform the public on bank note security features, encourage bank note verification at points of sale, and urge retailers and their staff to implement the regular practice of note checking. As the sole issuer of genuine currency in Canada, the Bank of Canada is responsible for issuing quality bank notes that are readily accepted and secure against counterfeiting.
In this presentation, participants will learn more about banknote security features, the latest trends and stats, and what to do if you receive a counterfeit note. You will also learn a little about US currency and how the Bank of Canada works with the US Secret Service.
Corporal N. is a member of the RCMP’s Federal Policing Prevention and Engagement unit in British Columbia. He is working to realize the unit’s objectives by engaging partners and bringing awareness on financial crime to communities across the Province.
Farid Salji has worked in the banking industry for 13 years. Currently, he ensures the delivery of the Bank of Canada’s currency education program, which includes an outreach program that aims to increase public awareness of anti-counterfeiting features of Canadian bank notes, and monitors developments relating to currency and its security in the BC and Yukon region. In cooperation with private sector partners, he is also responsible for overseeing and monitoring the bank note distribution system.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re interested in participating, please sign up for the session by registering online now.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or email us to receive notifications of upcoming webinars and to receive advance registration information.

Regional Symposium - The Isolation Pandemic: Covid-19 and the Social Determinants of Health
2021-03-18 10:00 - 15:00
The Isolation Pandemic: COVID-19 & the Social Determinants of Health
The Lower Mainland Living Out Visibly Engaged (LOVE) CRN is hosting a free daylong online event focusing on the topic of the effects of prolonged isolation resulting from the pandemic.
The program so far includes:

Two panel discussions that focus on:

Learning about and sharing what is known about the pandemic and its effects.
Learning more about the longer-term effects of prolonged isolation and strategies for reducing the isolation of vulnerable populations

A presentation from the City of Vancouver on their report on how vulnerable populations have been affected by COVID-19.
A presentation from SFU Gerontology to share the results of a national study of the effects of the pandemic on social health determinants they participated in.
A presentation from the City of Surrey focusing on the relationships that have been built between the municipality and local community organization to combat the virus and isolation.
Opportunities to share your unique learnings with other like organizations and teams.
Opportunities to network.

View the material from the symposium now!
All are welcome to participate. More program details to come. Please check back for updates!
Please note: This event focuses on the Vancouver Lower Mainland perspective and will offer examples from the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions.
Learn more about the Lower Mainland LOVE CRN. To get involved in this event or with the LOVE CRN, please contact CRN Coordinator Neil Fernyhough at communityprograms@alexhouse.net or 604-535-0015 Ext. 236.

Provincial Learning Event - Keeping Seniors and Vulnerable Adults Safe at the End of Life
2021-04-20 10:30 - 12:00
Keeping Seniors and Vulnerable Adults Safe at the End of Life, presented by Jennifer Mallmes, Registered Community Health Worker, birth doula and end-of-life care doula/Registered Care Aide.
This session will provide insight into how the risk of abuse may increase as a person nears the end of life.
Registration is now open.
Participants can expect to learn more about the needs of the dying and how to support someone in an appropriate way.
We will also discuss the possible areas of abuse, how to recognize abuse, and who to call if you are concerned for someone’s safety.
Jennifer Mallmes has spent the last 20 years as a caregiver to persons at the end of life, beginning of life and the in-between. She is a mother of five and resides in the Lower Mainland of BC. She received her Bachelor of General Studies in Sociology/Gerontology from SFU in 2009 and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Community Studies. She developed the End-of-Life Doula curriculum in partnership with Douglas College and is also a Director of the End-of-Life Care Association of Canada. Jennifer’s passion for quality end of life care inspired her to share her experience and empower others to fully live out their life.
Register online now.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
View BC CRN’s events calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or email us to receive notifications of upcoming webinars and to receive advance registration information.

National Day of Awareness and Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse kin
2021-05-05
Today is May 5, National Day of Awareness and Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse kin, also known as #RedDressDay.
Today we remember all of the lives and spirits of those who have been taken too soon, we lend our thoughts and prayers for the victims of colonialism, patriarchy and all of the oppressive forces, institutions and policies that have and continue to inflict a genocide on Indigenous peoples. Women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people have been most impacted and today, rather than reducing each sacred life that has gone missing or been murdered to a statistic, we do what we need to do to remember, to name the perpetrators of this ongoing gender-based violence, to honour their lives, to take care of ourselves, to march in solidarity, to organize, to be with loved ones, to keep striving for justice, equity and peace. We remember the families left searching for answers, closure and justice. We remember the strength of our ancestors, our families, and we uplift the young ones inheriting this ever-evolving world.

Provincial Learning Event - The Metis People of British Columbia
2021-05-18 10:30 - 12:00
May 18, 2021: The Métis People of BC, presented by Daniel Fontaine, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Minister for the Métis Nation BC (MMBC).
Registration is now open for this session.
Métis Nation BC (MNBC) has a total of 22,000+ registered citizens who reside in communities across the province. According to Statistics Canada, Métis are the largest single group of Indigenous people in BC, with 90,000+ (citizens and self-identified) individual residing in our province. With almost 100 full-time staff, MNBC is the recognized government for Métis people in BC. It is headquartered in Surrey with seven regional hub offices located in a number of major centres. Métis people have a deep and rich history in our province. Some of Canada’s most well recognized individuals such as Terry Fox identifying as Métis.
In his presentation, Mr. Fontaine will provide a brief history of the key contributions Metis people have made and continue to make in British Columbia regarding whom many refer to as ‘the forgotten people’. As we move toward an era of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in BC, MNBC is at the forefront of advocating for self-government and the protection of Metis rights as set out in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.
Fontaine will also speak about the current and future challenges Métis people face in BC as they begin a journey and reconciliation and a pathway toward self-government. He will also speak to the unique challenges faced by Métis people as they forge a new government-to-government relationship with the Canadian, British Columbia and First Nation governments. Fontaine will also highlight some of the unique cultural components of being Métis and how critical it is to retaining the Michif language, which is not considered as ‘endangered’.
About our presenter: Mr. Fontaine has worked in the private and not-for-profit sectors as well as government. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Manitoba, Mr. Fontaine went on to complete the Media Writing and Public Relations certificate from Langara College. He was appointed to the Board of Directors for Douglas College and served on the BC College of Psychologists from 2004-2010. He also served on the Board of Directors for SafeCare BC which has a mandate to reduce workplace injuries in the long-term care sector.
Mr. Fontaine is the former weekly civic affairs columnist for the 24 Hours Newspaper and political commentator on Global TV & Global BC1 news channel. He actively participated in the weekly civic affairs panel for the top-rated Bill Good Show on CKNW radio.
In 2012 Mr. Fontaine was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for public service. He was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba and moved to British Columbia in 1989.
Advance registration for this presentation is required. Register now.
Provincial Learning Events are free webinars that take place the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Everyone is welcome.
View BC CRN’s events calendar. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or email us at info@bccrns.ca to receive notifications of upcoming webinars and to receive advance registration information.

Intergenerational Day Canada
2021-06-01
June 1st is the 11th annual Intergenerational Day in Canada!
To learn more, select “continue reading” below.
https://intergenerational.ca/i2i/ig-day/
