CAOT-BC Responds to BC Budget

NEWS RELEASE

Budget update moves in the right direction

September 11, 2017-

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists- BC Chapter (CAOT-BC) is encouraged by the BC Government budget update. “Today’s update provides much needed resources to respond to the fentanyl crisis that includes prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery efforts” said Giovanna Boniface, National Director of Professional Affairs of CAOT. Investment in youth mental health such as Foundry centres is a step in the right direction to transform how young people access health and social services in our province. Occupational therapists play a key role in enabling individuals to engage in healthy patterns of activity and meaningful participation in the community.

“This budget is a very good start and key investments in the health care workforce, in particular occupational therapy, will be needed to help the government deliver on its mandate to improve mental health and addictions services” added Boniface. With only 48 graduates from the single educational program in the province (UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy), the time is now to invest in our workforce to ensure we can deliver timely, quality care when it is needed most.

Despite being the third largest provincial population behind Ontario and Quebec, BC hosts the smallest English-speaking program in Canada. It is imperative to increase the supply of occupational therapists trained in BC in order to provide much needed health services. CAOT-BC looks forward to working with the new Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to deliver the health services British Columbians can count on.

 

About Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) improve the health and well-being of people by creating client-centred solutions that help them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives. Whether working in homes, communities, hospitals, workplaces or schools, OTs are valued members of health teams as their interventions improve lives and save money. OT’s work with patients in a range of settings with a wide variety of physical, mental and cognitive conditions that are chronic or episodic in nature.  By considering the individual, in his or her environment, determining the necessary competencies and skills set to “manage” the business of “dally functioning and living” OT’s are able to unleash an individual’s potential so that s/he can participate and thrive in daily life.

About CAOT-BC

CAOT-BC is a regional chapter of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the voice of occupational therapists in British Columbia.

 

Contact:

Giovanna Boniface, OT

National Director of Professional Affairs; Managing Director (CAOT-BC)

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

1-800-434-2268 ext. 265