CAOT-BC: Promoting Occupational Therapy at Building Bridges

Promotion and Advocacy

CAOT-BC hosted a booth at the VCH 23rd Annual Building Bridges Occupational Therapy Education and Research Day on Feb 18th, 2020. 

• At this event, we:
• promoted the value of occupational therapy being included on extended health benefits plans and collected signatures from employees pledging to ask their union representatives about including OT on their EHB plans
• Highlighted the role of occupational therapists on Primary Care teams
• Networked with occupational therapists, vendors, and stakeholders

CAOT-BC Presentation: Updates, Responses, and Initiatives

• At our annual activity update, we highlighted our mission, vision, and Strategic Priorities for 2019-2021: Awareness, Access, and Organizational strength and excellence
• Encouraged attendance at the May 2020 CAOT conference in Saskatoon
• Highlighted our official response to ICBC on the recently announced changes and our role in representing  occupational therapy in upcoming consultation
• Featured our submitted comments to the government on the proposed changes to the provincial health profession  regulatory frameworks
• Outlined our Practice Networks including the possible new addition of a Primary Care  Community of Practice
• Reiterated our key advocacy messages: Occupational therapy is a vital profession and  increased access is needed, our provincial workforce is fragile and there needs to be increased training opportunities here in BC 

Highlights from the event:

• In her keynote address, Skye Barbic reflected on occupational therapy turning 100; she called for the evolution of occupational therapy’s identity, whilst maintaining its core principles and values in order to allow the profession to prosper for the next 100 years. 
• Awards presentations and education bursary draws
• Updates from the UBC OSOT, CAOT-BC, COTBC, and the HSA. Clinically relevant educational sessions were provided to attendees on burnout prevention, Indigenous safety, advocating for vulnerable clients, substance-use crisis, occupational therapy’s role in MAID, and trauma informed practice.

Thank you to VCH for continuing to host this annual event, and we look forward to next year!

Post by Amber Sands, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC

#OT365

CAOT-BC says BC Government is headed in the right direction by investing in residential care staffing levels

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists- BC Chapter (CAOT-BC) is encouraged by the BCGovernment announcement to invest in residential care staffing levels in order to increase the direct care seniors receive to 3.36 hours per-resident day. CAOT-BC believes the addition of new full-time equivalent positions, including 50 allied-health care professionals (occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work), will mean better quality care for BC’s seniors. Occupational therapists provide key services for seniors in residential care including preventing injuries, improving independence and enhancing quality of life.

However, more training is needed to meet the demand for occupational therapy in the province of BC.

CAOT-BC has long been calling for a strengthening of BC occupational therapy workforce. Currently there are just 48 occupational therapists graduating from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program every year, which is simply not enough to support BC’s aging population and the growing demand for services. Currently, BCs health employers are forced to recruit from other provinces or even other countries. What is needed is an immediate increase in funding to train occupational therapits here in BC. CAOT-BC has long advocated for improved access to occupational therapy services and will continue to meet and work with government to ensure BC’s seniors have access to the care they need.

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. OTs 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 and determining the necessary competencies and skills set to “manage” the business of “daily functioning and living” OTs 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:

Sarah Charles, OT

Service Coordinator, CAOT-BC

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

1-800-434-2268 ext. 245

#OT365

Representing occupational therapy at the Walk for Arthritis

Saturday June 2nd dawned cloudy and chilly, but that did not dampen the spirits of those attending the Arthritis Society's annual Walk for Arthritis. One of 8 events around BC, walkers of all ages gathered at Olympic Village in Vancouver for 1 or 5 km walks to raise awareness and funds for arthritis. CAOT-BC shared an "Ask the Expert" table with Physiotherapy Association of BC and Canadian Arthritis Trainee Association, and was represented by Lori Cyr, OT at the Mary Pack Arthritis Program. Lots of people came by the table, from people with arthritis , family members, a potential OT student and members of the public on their way to enjoy the seawall. Conversations ranged from the practical to the metaphysical to the inspirational! And of course, the CAOT-BC jar openers were a big hit.

A big thank you to Lori Cyr for representing CAOT-BC at this event!

#OT365

CAOT-BC 3rd Annual OT Day at the Legislature

CAOT-BC hosted the 3^rd Occupational Therapy Day at the Legislature on May 7^th, 2018. With a delegation of 13 CAOT-BC representatives, CAOT-BC hosted an open house for Ministers and MLAs and followed by attendance at question period. This was an excellent opportunity to engage Ministers and MLAs in discussions related to the critical role occupational therapy plays in the health and well-being of British Columbians and to highlight and advocate the need to strengthen our BC workforce.

We would like to thank Minister of Health Adrian Dix for welcoming us and his warm introduction of the delegation in the legislature [start time 01:36:20pm].

Occupational Therapy Representatives 

We would also like to express our gratitude to the CAOT-BC members who made up the volunteer delegation and to all members who contacted their MLAs to invite them to the open house. Your invitations made a significant difference as seen by the record number of RSVPs this year including 14 Ministers, 20 MLAs and 13 additional ministerial staff. 

Volunteer delegation:

• Tracy Adams - Vancouver Coastal Health, Mental Health & Addiction Intervention Practice Network
• Dr. Skye Barbic – University of British Columbia
• Meredith Blinkhorn – CAOT-BC Fieldwork Student (UBC MOT)
• Jeanette Boily – Vancouver Coastal Health
• Jeff Boniface – UBC graduate student
• Laura Bulk - Chair, CAOT-BC Advisory Committee
• Nicole Crampton – Northern Health
• Stephanie Glegg - Knowledge Broker Facilitator, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children
• Amit Kumar – CAOT-BC Private Practice Business Network
• Allison Patterson – Vancouver Island Health, CAOT-BC Advisory Committee
• Michelle Pidduck – Interior Health

BC Government
We heard positive feedback from those in attendance including:

• Hon. Adrian Dix (Minister of Health)
• Hon. Judy Darcy (Minister of Mental Health & Addictions)
• Hon. David Eby (Attorney General)
• Hon. Melanie Mark (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills & Training)
• Hon. Doug Donaldson (Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource & Rural Development)
• MLA Anne Kang (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health on Seniors)
• MLA Mitzi Dean (Esquimalt - Metchosin)
• MLA Simon Gibson (Abbotsford - Mission)
• MLA Leonard Krog (Nanaimo)
• MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard (Courtenay-Comox)
• MLA Norm Letnick (Kelowna – Lake Country)
• MLA Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver – Seymour) 
• MLA Laurie Throness (Chilliwack – Kent)
• MLA Linda Larson (Boundary – Similkameen) 
• MLA Joan Isaacs (Coquitlam – Burke Mountain)
• MLA Ben Stewart (Kelowna – West) 
• Jeff Groot (Office of Attorney General) 

Looking ahead, CAOT-BC will continue with active engagement with key government and stakeholders to build meaningful government relations to advance on issues that matter to BC occupational therapists.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay connected.

#OT365

CAOT-BC at HSA Convention 2018

On Friday April 27^th, 2018 CAOT-BC attended the 47^th annual Health Sciences Association (HSA) convention in Vancouver BC. Over 250 healthcare professionals from around the province gathered to discuss the 2018 HSA Annual Report.

Resolutions were debated over the course of two days, covering the areas of education, equality and social action, governance, health services, and labour relations.

Resolutions of note included:

• The HSA will “continue to resource the work that is being done on excessive workload through policy grievances and other means to improve members’ working conditions.” (Carried)

• The HSA will “lobby the provincial government and with [their] partners to provide funding required to provide adequate staffing levels in health care and community social services” (Carried)

• The HSA will “work with provincial government to review and expand the Child and Youth with Special Needs criteria to meet the needs of children with a broader range of disabilities.” (Carried)

• The HSA will “continue to advocate and lobby the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the provincial government to designate early intervention services as critical and provide financial resources consistent, attainable, and quality early intervention.” (Carried)

• The HSA will “lobby the government to improve services in residential care facilities across the province and ensure fairness across facilities by allocating resources more equitably, providing medically necessary equipment and staffing appropriately.” (Carried)

• The HSA will “advocate and lobby for the provincial government for mental health services for children and youth.”  (Carried)

In addition to the resolutions, different committees within HSA, such as the Political Action Committee, provided an annual report on their initiatives. The Political Action Committee shared their success with the Constituency Liaison program, in which HSA members are trained to meet with their MLAs to share information about HSA, for example the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams in treating mental health and additions. As well, the committee highlighted the success of Foundry and the establishment of seven new facilities across the province.

The Minister of Health, the Honourable Adrian Dix, was a guest speaker. He discussed provincial health initiatives, such as team-based primary care and reducing surgical wait times, as well as the importance of addressing the social determinants of health in reducing health inequality and improving access to public care in British Columbia.

Another point of interest was that HSA members across health disciplines met to establish bargaining priorities, such as workload and wages, for the March 2019 collective bargaining agreement with the provincial government. CAOT-BC will be following this as it unfolds.

To learn more about HSA, their initiatives, and how they represent occupational therapists visit http://www.hsabc.org

Post by Meredith Blinkhorn, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC.

#OT365

A step in the right direction: British Columbia government is launching a new, four-part surgical strategy aimed at reducing wait times for the health care British Columbians need.

However, BC’s Occupational Therapists say more training is needed to meet demand.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists- BC Chapter (CAOT-BC) supports Premier John Horgan’s announcement to launch a surgical strategy that will reduce wait times for British Columbians.

“We are especially pleased to see that the government recognizes the vital role occupational therapists (OTs) play in supporting this surgical strategy” said Giovanna Boniface, National Director of Professional Affairs of CAOT. Occupational therapy enables people to engage in necessary daily activities (also known as occupations) so they can get back to living their lives following injury, illness, disability or other barriers. These occupations include all the activities that a person needs and wants to do in their day; for example, self-care tasks, such as bathing, dressing and toileting, home-making, community access, leisure activities, driving and paid or unpaid employment.

CAOT-BC has long been calling for a strengthening of BC occupational therapy workforce. “Currently there are just 48 occupational therapists graduating from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program every year,” added Boniface. “That is simply not enough to support government’s surgical strategy. We are forced to recruit from other provinces or even other countries. What is needed is an immediate increase in funding to train OTs right here at home. Training more occupational therapists in British Columbia will assist in making the surgical strategy a success.”

About Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession whose role is to enable people to engage in necessary daily activities (also known as occupations) following injury, illness, disability or other barriers. OTs improve the health and well-being of Canadians by creating client-centred solutions that help them participate more fully in activities that are important to their everyday lives.

 

For media requests, please contact:

Giovanna Boniface, Reg. OT (BC)

National Director of Professional Affairs

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

613-523-2268 or 800-434-2268 ext. 265  Fax: 613-523-2552

#OT365

CAOT-BC says BC budget is headed in the right direction by investing in health

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists- BC Chapter (CAOT-BC) is encouraged by the BC Government budget announcement. “Investing in team-based primary care to expand services from physicians and other health care professionals like occupational therapists is a step in the right direction to transform how British Columbians access health services in our province” said Giovanna Boniface, National Director of Professional Affairs of CAOT.

CAOT-BC is also pleased to see investments in seniors care across the continuum including primary care, home and community care and residential care. We are optimistic that investments will be made to increase direct care hours to seniors in residential care including the addition of occupational therapy full-time equivalents (FTEs) to support seniors to maintain and thrive in their ability to participate in daily activities. According to the Seniors Advocate report of November 2016, there has been a downward trend in access to occupational therapy.Investments must be made to ensure seniors receive this vital service in a timely manner.

CAOT-BC has long advocated for improved access to occupational therapy services and will continue to meet and work with government to ensure British Columbians have access to the care they need.

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. OTs 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 and determining the necessary competencies and skills set to “manage” the business of “dally functioning and living” OTs 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

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

CAOT-BC Representing You @ HSA Meeting of Professional Associations

On June 8, 2017, Giovanna Boniface represented occupational therapists at the Health Sciences Association of BC meeting of Professional Associations. This bi-annual meeting is an opportunity for HSA professions to share information, highlight issues and collaborate on topics of mutual interest. The top issues raised by CAOT-BC included:

1) Recruitment & retention- specifically the shortage of MOT graduates from BC and the need to reduce reliance on in-migration, reduce waitlists for OT services and workload pressures;

2) The addition of occupational therapy to HSA members extended health benefits; and

3) The disparity among occupational therapists with Master v. Bachelor education (e.g. qualification differential and access to job postings/opportunities).

As HSA-BC starts preparing for early bargaining of the collective agreement in 2018, CAOT-BC will work with OT members to support bargaining proposals that can be submitted to HSA chapter(s) for consideration in early December 2017. 

Want to help? Send us an email caotbc@caot.ca

CAOT-BC at How Do We #MakeBCHealthier4Kids: A Discussion on Policy Options

On May 30, CAOT-BC represented BC occupational therapists at "How Do We #MakeBCHealthier4Kids: A Discussion on Policy Options" hosted by the BC Health Living Alliance and YMCA. 

The morning included an overview of the report Is "Good", Good Enough? The Health and Well-Being of Children & Youth in BC by Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, a presentation from the McCreary’s Youth Research Academy, panelist Q&A and a round table discussion. 

CAOT-BC at HSA Convention

On Friday April 7, 2017, CAOT-BC attended the Health Sciences Association (HSA) annual convention in Vancouver, BC. There were approximately 300 delegates from over 20 different health disciplines representing all regions of British Columbia. Categories of resolutions debated and voted on included: education, health services, labour relations, occupational health and safety, and political action, among others.

Resolutions of note:

• HSA will “continue to support public awareness of all professions in HSA, including those which may not have widespread recognition”. (carried)
• In regard to the limited resources of the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program, HSA will “lobby the government and health authorities to develop and implement alternative equipment loan strategies to adequately meet the needs of all clients in BC”. (carried)

John Horgan, from the NDP party, made the keynote speech and discussed the party’s proposed health care changes, pledging to advocate for the health sciences in providing better health outcomes for patients across British Columbia.

As voted by the delegates, Val Avery was re-elected as HSA’s president for another term.

To learn more about HSA and how they represent occupational therapists, visit http://www.hsabc.org

By Christl Bradley, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC

CAOT-BC Issue Papers: Re-assessment, case management, and fees

CAOT-BC issue papers discuss occupational therapy within the context of important practice issues. They serve as a resource to occupational therapists in guiding discussion and enhancing transparency in practice.

Occupational Therapy and Assessment/Re-assessment

Occupational Therapy and Case Management

Occupational Therapy and Fees Based on Experience

These papers are meant to be used as reference and shared widely. Please post and distribute to your networks as you see fit. 

CAOT-BC at the Community Rehab Forum

CAOT-BC attended the Community Rehab Forum at the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby on May 11, 2017, where we had the chance to talk with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and rehab assistants who were attending the day-long event. 

Over the lunch hour we spoke with many healthcare professionals about the work CAOT-BC is doing for OTs around the province and answered questions about practice networks, professional collaboration, and the resources that CAOT-BC offers to its members. Overall, it was a very exciting event!

By Christl Bradley, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC

CAOT-BC News Release: New funding to help create team-based primary care services throughout B.C is a positive step

CAOT-BC supports Minister Terry Lakes’ announcement to invest $90 million over three years to bring integrated team-based primary care services to more communities throughout British Columbia.

“The increased funding is a necessary step to begin to shift care to the community rather than in the hospital” said Giovanna Boniface, National Director of Professional Affairs of CAOT. “This is a move in the right direction that will lead to better use of non-physician resources such as allied health professionals. We are pleased to see that occupational therapists (OTs) will be included in these primary care teams. Occupational therapists first authored guidelines for patient centred practice in the 1980s, and this approach to practice has been embedded in the training curricula for decades. Occupational therapists are well poised to assist family doctors to better manage elderly patients with chronic and often difficult issues that interfere with the job of daily life. The care provided by OTs enables people to carry out their daily activities (“occupations”) so they can enjoy a full and independent life”.

However the CAOT-BC is concerned about where those additional occupational therapists will come from. to support the expansion of this model of team-based primary care across the province.

“Currently there are just 48 occupational therapists graduating from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program every year,” added Boniface. “That is simply not enough to support the expansion of this model of team-based primary care across the province”. We are forced to recruit from other provinces or even other countries. What is needed is increased funding to train OTs right here at home.”

 

CAOT-BC is looking forward to assisting the bringing integrated team-based primary care services to B.C. communities. We believe that training more occupational therapists in British Columbia will assist in making that plan a success.

About Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are integral parts of interdisciplinary teams, and offer practice and interventions that complement and enhance a team-based model of care. Investment in occupational therapy enables British Columbians living with injury, illness and/or disability to maintain their abilities and independence so they can remain healthy, happy, and independent.

 

For media requests, please contact:

 

Giovanna Boniface, OT

National Director of Professional Affairs

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

613-523-2268 or 800-434-2268 ext. 265  Fax: 613-523-2552

Access full CAOT-BC news release here

CAOT-BC Response to Ministry of Health Announcement

On March 9, 2017, Minister of Health, Terry Lake announced $500 million in additional funding for home and community care as well as $10 million for a new long-term care equipment purchase fund for wheelchairs and ceiling lifts for residential care facilities. CAOT-BC was pleased to be at the BC Legislature as a guest of the Ministry of Health to observe the announcement by Minister Lake and Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Darryl Plecas. It was wonderful to be welcomed by Minister Lake and to hear that the funding would improve access to occupational therapy in the residential care sector.

On behalf of the almost 2,400 occupational therapists in British Columbia and all of the clients they serve, Giovanna Boniface, CAOT National Director of Professional Affairs thanked Minister Lake, Dr. Plecas, and MLA Linda Larsen (Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Health) for this commitment.

The increased funding means 1,500 more health care professionals, including occupational therapists, will be hired in British Columbia’s residential care facilities to care for our seniors. It also means each senior will receive the recommended 3.36 hours of direct care provided by nurses and allied health staff, such as occupational therapists, every single day. Despite this commitment, CAOT-BC is still concerned about where those additional occupational therapists will come from. With just 48 occupational therapists graduating from the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy program every year, it is simply not enough to meet the needs of British Columbia’s growing population of seniors.

CAOT-BC is looking forward to assisting the provincial government in following through on its home and community action plan, and while there is much work to be done with respect to implementation, we are hopeful that access to occupational therapy will be improved for British Columbia seniors.

Read the BC Ministry of Health announcement

Read the full CAOT-BC press release 

Thank you to our Wellness Show Volunteers!

CAOT-BC would like to thank our dedicated volunteers who staffed the CAOT-BC exhibit at this year's Vancouver Wellness Show. 

CAOT-BC Volunteers:

Lisa Bunton

Laura Bulk

Helene Theriault

Hina Mahmood

Anica Villamayor

Julia Periera

Angeli Tabamo

Helen Tam

Negin Maghzy

Rosa Jafari

Lara Belagamage

Clarice Kwok

Jeff Boniface

CAOT-BC at the BC Legislature, again!

Dear colleagues,

March 9, 2017 marked another day in the history of the occupational therapy profession in BC. For the 2^nd year in a row, CAOT-BC organized a day of government advocacy in Victoria. With a delegation of ten (10) occupational therapists, CAOT-BC attended a question period, hosted a luncheon and met with key Ministers and MLAs including the Hon. Andrew Wilkinson (Minister of Advanced Education), the Hon. Michelle Stilwell (Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation), the Hon. Donna Barnett (Minister of State for Rural Economic Development, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) and MLA Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver). The focus of these meetings was to discuss the occupational therapy workforce and improving access to occupational therapy in underserved regions of our province.

Figure 1 (Left to Right) Andrea Mcneill (OT); MLA Katrine Conroy; Katrina Tilley (OT); Allison Patterson (OT); MLA Selina Robinson; MLA George Heyman, MLA Linda Reimer, MLA Richard Lee, Laura Bulk (OT), Hon. Andrew Wilkinson, MLA Doug Bing, Giovanna Boniface (OT), Dr. Susan Forwell (OT), Jeff Boniface (OT), Sarah Rosen (OT), Julia Periera (OT), Sharon Campbell (OT)

Introduction to the House
We would like to thank Dr. Darryl Plecas, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Seniors for a warm introduction at the start of the question period. He introduced each member of our delegation to the legislature. In addition, we thank MLA Judy Darcy (NDP Health Critic) for a kind welcome following Dr. Plecas’ introduction. You can watch the introduction here (Chamber Video at 9:50 mark)

Figure 2 (Left to Right) Julia Periera (OT), MLA George Heyman, Andrea McNeill (OT)

Occupational Therapy Representatives 
We would also like to express our gratitude to the CAOT-BC members who made up the volunteer delegation:

Laura Bulk - Chair, CAOT-BC Advisory Committee

Andrea McNeill - CAOT-BC Advisory Committee

Sharon Campbell - CAOT-BC Advisory Committee; Interior Health

Allison Patterson - CAOT-BC Advisory Committee; Island Health

Julia Periera - Private Practice Business Network

Jeff Boniface - Private Practice

Dr. Susan Forwell - Department Head, Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy UBC

Katrina Tilley - Neil Squire Society

Sarah Rosen - Island Health

Figure 3 (Left to Right) MLA Linda Reimer, Katrina Tilley (OT), MLA Doug Bing

BC Government Contact

Those in attendance for the introduction, announcement and/or CAOT-BC hosted luncheon included:

• MLA Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver)
• Hon. Donna Barnett (Cariboo-Chilcotin)
• MLA Richard Lee (Burnaby)
• Hon. Andrew Wilkinson (Vancouver)
• Hon. Terry Lake (Kamloops - North Thompson)
• MLA Darryl Plecas (Abbotsford) 
• MLA Doug Bing (Maple Ridge) 
• MLA Judy Darcy (New Westminster)
• Hon. Michelle Stilwell (Nanaimo/Parksville)
• Hon. Norm Letnick (Kelowna)
• MLA Don McRae (Courtney/Comox)
• MLA Sam Sillivan (Vancouver)
• MLA George Heyman (Vancouver)
• MLA David Eby (Vancouver)
• MLA Katrine Conroy (Kootenay West)
• MLA Selina Robinson (Coquitlam)
• MLA Linda Reimer (Port Moody-Coquitlam)
• MLA Gary Holman (Saanich North and the Islands) 
• Lorne Mayencourt (Office of the Premier)

Figure 4 (Left to Right) Giovanna Boniface (OT), Hon. Donna Barnett, Dr. Susan Forwell (OT)

Figure 5 (Left to Right) Laura Bulk (OT), MLA Don McRae, Allison Patterson (OT)

Figure 6 (Left to Right) MLA Jane Thornthwaite, Jeff Boniface (OT)

Figure 7 (Left to Right) Dr. Susan Forwell (OT), Hon. Michelle Stilwell, Giovanna Boniface (OT)

Thank you for your support
We would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to our members who provided sponsorship contributions to public awareness activities during renewal 2016. Those sponsorships were used to support this activity which is vital to ensure the voice of the occupational therapy profession is heard in our government.

As we approach the #BCElection2017, stay tuned for how you can participate and support the profession. We will be launching an advocacy toolkit along with a webinar in advance of the election.

Sincerely,

Giovanna Boniface

National Director of Professional Affairs

BC Care Providers Association- #CareCanBeThere Campaign

On January 24, the BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) announced the release of their report Strengthening Seniors Care: A Made-in-BC Roadmap and media campaign #CareCanBeThere. 
The BCCPA is calling for an annual investment of up to $337 million towards four pillars of seniors care: 

• People, including increased direct care hours and minimum home care visits 
• Infrastructure, such as the renewal and replacement of aging BC care homes 
• Quality of Life, including improved access to occupational therapy, and other services 
• Innovation, such as a new Care Credit model and Continuing Care hubs

CAOT-BC applauds BCCPA's recommendations to improve senior's access to occupational therapy, and echoed this call in recent letters to the Vancouver Sun, North Shore News and Tri-City News:

Read CAOT-BC response to article: 9 out of 10 seniors facilities in B.C. don't meet staffing guidelines published in Vancouver Sun (scroll to bottom of page)

Read CAOT-BC response to article: Seniors care short-staffed, advocate says submitted to North Shore News

Read CAOT-BC response to Editorial: Make elder care a priority submitted to Tri-City News

Read the BCCPA Report: Strengthening Seniors Care: A Made-in-BC Roadmap