History made in BC with first CAOT-BC occupational therapy day at the BC Legislature!

May 12, 2016 marked the pinnacle event of the CAOT-BC public awareness campaign, an occupational therapy day at the BC legislature. The theme of the day was “Enabling British Columbians for the Occupations of Life” and included an entire day of activities. The Minister of Health sponsored occupational therapy day at the legislature and the following is a brief account of the events of the day at the BC legislature:

Meeting with Minister Cadieux

The day began with a productive meeting between CAOT-BC and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. CAOT-BC Managing Director Giovanna Boniface spoke with Minister Cadieux regarding several important issues, in particular, discussing issues of waitlists for occupational therapy services provided by child development centres, the challenges with the funding models for the At Home and School-Aged Therapies programs, occupational therapy workforce planning and the Registered Autism Service Provider program. 

(Left to right) CAOT-BC Managing Director, Giovanna Boniface with Minister Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development

This meeting was followed by the first “Team CAOT-BC” photo of the delegation who participated in the day long activities.

CAOT-BC representatives get ready to begin the day at the legislature.

Back Row (left to right): Katrina Tilley (Neil Squire Society), Charlene Gilroy (Northern Health), Giovanna Boniface (Managing Director, CAOT-BC), Andrea McNeill (WorksafeBC), Sharon Campbell (Interior Health), Lori Cyr (President, CAOT), Allison Patterson (Island Health).

Front Row (left to right): Sarah Sinanan (Vancouver Coastal Health), Jeff Boniface (Private Sector), Sarabjeet Charchun (Fraser Health), Nicole Matichuk (UBC MOT student).

Tour of BC Legislature

CAOT-BC representatives were provided with a personal, guided, behind-the-scenes look at the BC legislature by Lorne Mayencourt, Director of Outreach at BC Government Caucus and former MLA for Downtown Vancouver. 

CAOT-BC delegation in the Legislative Library

(Left to right) Sarah Sinanan, Nicole Matichuk, Jeff Boniface, Lori Cyr, Andrea McNeill, Allison Patterson, Sarabjeet Charchun, Giovanna Boniface, Katrina Tilley, Charlene Gilroy, Sharon Campbell

Introduction to House (5^th Session, 40^th Parliament) by Minister of Health

Following a brief tour of the legislature the Hon. Terry Lake, Minister of Health, introduced each occupational therapist member of the delegation to the house and invited all MLAs to the CAOT-BC Open House held later in the day. You can view the introduction by Hon. Dr. Terry Lake here.

Hon. Dr. Terry Lake, Minister of Health, Introducing CAOT-BC representatives to the Legislative Assembly

Lunch Meeting with Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors

Lori Cyr (CAOT President), Giovanna Boniface, (CAOT-BC Managing Director), Allison Patterson (Island Health), Sharon Campbell (Interior Health) and Charlene Gilroy (Northern Health), spoke at length with MLA Dr. Darryl Plecas during a working lunch. A range of topics were discussed with detailed discussions about lack of occupational therapy services in residential care, skill distribution in residential care services, maldistribution of therapists across health regions, workforce planning and “real life” examples of how occupational therapists provide innovative solutions to improving the health and well-being of British Columbians.

MLA Dr. Darryl Plecas

CAOT-BC Open House

All MLAs were invited to the CAOT-BC Open House held from 1:30pm-4:30pm at the BC Legislature. In addition, members of the CAOT-BC delegation circulated personal invitations to their respective MLA’s.

In total, 15 MLAs visited the CAOT-BC Open House and met with CAOT-BC representatives. In addition, we estimate that another 20-25 MLA’s were represented by their staff who dropped in, spoke to our delegation and took away materials highlighting the value of occupational therapy.

(Left to Right) MLA Mable Elmore, Sharon Campbell, Sarabjeet Charchun, Charlene Gilroy, Jeff Boniface, MLA Judy Darcy, Giovanna Boniface, Minister Terry Lake, Andrea McNeill, Lori Cyr, Sarah Sinanan, Katrina Tilley, Nicole Matichuk, MLA Melanie Mark

Open House visitors included:

• MLA Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver- Seymour)
• MLA Donna Barnett (Cariboo-Chilcotin)
• MLA Linda Reimer (Port Moody-Coquitlam)
• MLA Shane Simpson (Vancouver-Hastings)
• MLA Harry Bains (Surrey-Newton)
• MLA Judy Darcy (New Westminster)- Health Critic
• MLA Marc Dalton (Maple Ridge-Mission)
• MLA Dr. Doug Bing (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows)
• MLA David Eby (Vancouver-Point Grey)
• MLA Carole James (Victoria-Beacon Hill)
• MLA Rob Fleming (Victoria-Swan Lake)
• MLA Melanie Mark (Vancouver- Mount Pleasant)
• MLA Mable Elmore (Vancouver-Kensington)
• Hon. Dr. Terry Lake (Kamloops-North Thompson), Minister of Health
• MLA Dr. Darryl Plecas (Abbotsford South)
• Valerie Richmond, Chief of Staff, Minister Michelle Stilwell (Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation)
• Nichola Manning, Assistant Deputy Minister Employment and Labour Market Services Division, (Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation)
• Sue Mader, Executive Director on Accessibility, (Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation)
• Mark Armitage, Executive Director, Strategic Priorities (Ministry of Health)
• Karla Biagioni, Manager Health Professions (Ministry of Health)

In addition to the live event, there was much social media activity about our day at the #bcledge. A few highlights:

Even the Minister of Health joined the retweeting action!

The CAOT-BC public awareness campaign has laid a solid foundation that will serve the occupational therapy profession well in this time of health care reform in British Columbia. Not only has it has increased the visibility of our profession, but also highlighted the unique contributions made by our innovative and multi-skilled workforce.

CAOT-BC will build on lessons learned throughout this campaign and continue with active engagement in public awareness, media relations and government relations activities. These key leanings will also be transferred to national public awareness activities.

A sincere thanks to all the CAOT-BC member volunteers to contributed to the day at the legislature, and throughout this 18-month campaign. Your engagement in our occupational therapy community is an incredible investment in our profession.

Giovanna Boniface, OT

Managing Director CAOT-BC