On March 15, 2019, First Call submitted a response to the BC Government’s call for feedback on the potential for a basic income approach to reducing poverty. While the First Call Coalition does not have an official position on a basic income, we believe all families should have enough income, MORE
Media Release For immediate release February 19, 2019 BC Budget 2019 Brings Financial Relief for Low-income Children, Youth and Their Families (Victoria, BC) First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition applauds the Provincial Government for significant improvements to the child tax benefit announced in today’s budget. The MORE
Today, First Call sent an open letter to the Honourable Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, calling on him to table legislation at the next sitting of B.C.’s Legislative Assembly aimed at protecting children and youth from employment-related injury and exploitation. In British Columbia, children as young as 12 years old can MORE
On October 16, 2018, First Call sent a letter to Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen on behalf of the Early Childhood Development Roundtable. The roundtable has been discussing concerns arising from the experiences of families who have children with special needs about the fees they are being MORE
On November 2 2017, First Call sent Minister Dix a letter asking for more details about this change from his ministry, and for the minimum outdoor play space per child to be increased. Sue Bedford, Director of Community Care Facility Licensing and Assisted Living Registry, responded on Minister Dix’s behalf on October 31, 2017, explaining MORE
On Wednesday November 21, we emailed a letter to all BC Members of Parliament with a copy of our 2018 BC Child Poverty Report Card. In the letter, we note that “We are encouraged by the federal government’s tabling of Bill C-87, an Act respecting the reduction of poverty, which MORE
On Wednesday November 21, we emailed a letter to all BC Members of the Legislative Assembly with a copy of our 2018 BC Child Poverty Report Card. In the letter, we note “We are disappointed to report that 20.3% (1 in 5) of BC’s children were living in poverty, using MORE
On November 2, 2018, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson wrote First Call a letter to update about the processes, targets, and next steps toward the poverty reduction initiative in BC. He explained the process of consultation, including engaging 8,500 people, hosting 28 facilitated meetings, and appointing MORE
First Call submitted our BC Budget 2019 consultation on October 15, 2018. Our submission raises concerns and makes recommendations affecting children youth and families in BC that have been raised by our research and our member organizations regarding various themes. We highlight four recommendations: Enhancing and expanding BC’s child benefit to reduce MORE
On October 16, 2018, First Call sent a letter to Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen on behalf of the Early Childhood Development Roundtable. The roundtable has been discussing concerns arising from the experiences of families who have children with special needs about the fees they are being MORE
On September 28, 2018, First Call submitted recommendations to The Advisory Council on the Implementation of a National Pharmacare Program. The submission recognizes that socioeconomic position is one of the most important social determinants of health. Our submission highlights five recommendations: Recommendation 1: Implement a national pharmacare program with a high-level focus MORE
On November 2 2017, First Call sent Minister Dix a letter asking for more details about this change from his ministry, and for the minimum outdoor play space per child to be increased. Sue Bedford, Director of Community Care Facility Licensing and Assisted Living Registry, responded on Minister Dix’s behalf on MORE
The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services is currently inviting British Columbians to share their ideas and priorities for the next provincial budget. We are recommending improvements to BC’s Early Childhood Tax Benefit. In our annual Child Poverty Report Cards we have been calling on government to improve MORE
Today, First Call submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Labour and The Law Institute of B.C. calling for better government protection for children who are working. First Call’s recommendations provide a framework for the B.C. government to develop employment standards consistent with Canada’s commitment to establish 16 as the age MORE
Today in Ottawa, advocates released an open letter urging the Prime Minister to make good on his commitment to the right to housing by enshrining that right in upcoming National Housing Strategy legislation. The letter has been signed by over 150 organizations and prominent Canadians, including First Call. It was MORE