This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
More than 35 local governments support awareness campaign to recognize importance of community-based social services.
Vancouver (18 March 2010) - More than 35 local governments across British Columbia have passed resolutions supporting the campaign to recognize March as Community Social Services Awareness Month and to raise awareness of the importance of community-based social services across the province.
 |
"From Victoria to Golden, from Vancouver to the Northern Rockies, and everywhere in between, local communities in regions across the province have joined with us to declare March to be Community Social Services Awareness Month," says Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).
"We're thrilled and extremely grateful that local governments are showing their support for the thousands of British Columbians who rely on community-based social services, and the many committed workers who deliver them."
Since mid-February, community social services workers have fanned out across B.C. to speak to municipal councils about the vital services they provide. Workers have also been organizing events, hosting information tables, attending important membership meetings and speaking to local media.
"Their dedication to this campaign mirrors the heart and commitment they bring to their work every day," says Walker.
Community Social Services Awareness Month is an annual campaign and part of ongoing efforts to raise the profile of – and build greater public support for – the critical work performed by social services workers.
"The support of local governments and communities has given this campaign a great boost," says James Cavalluzzo, chair of BCGEU's community social services component. "We're hoping that the provincial government will join with all of us in this important initiative."
The following boards and councils have passed resolutions in support of Community Social Services Awareness Month: Belcarra, Burnaby, Campbell River, Central Saanich, Comox Valley Regional District, Courtenay, Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Gibsons, Golden, Kelowna, Ladysmith, Langford, Mission, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver, Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Oak Bay, Parksville, Penticton, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Princeton, Saanich, Squamish, Surrey, Terrace, Trail, Vancouver, Victoria, View Royal, White Rock and Williams Lake.
Visit the Community Social Services Matter website regularly for updates to this list and news about B.C.'s community social services workers.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• Community Social Services Matter
• Community Social Services Awareness month