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BC Budget 2026 Webinar: What It Means for Non-Profits

BC Budget 2026 Webinar: What It Means for Non-Profits

by | Feb 6, 2026 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations, Webinar

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Watch the recording: BC Budget 2026 — What It Means for Non-Profits 

Following the release of BC Budget 2026, Vantage Point hosted a timely webinar unpacking what the announcements mean for non-profits across the province. 

Vantage Point staff walk through key highlights from the Budget before a panel of sector leaders share their first reactions, explore what may be missing, and discuss the real-world implications for organizations and communities. We are grateful to our panelists — Andrew Price of ViaSport, Daljit Gill-Badesha of AMSSA, Jill Atkey of BC Non-Profit Housing Association, and Matt Cook-Cantois of New Relationship Trust — for sharing their insights and perspectives. 

Whether you’re looking for a clear summary, sector-informed analysis, or space to reflect on what comes next, this recording will help you make sense of the Budget and its potential impact on your work. 

WATCH THE RECORDING

About the Webinar

The BC government has announced that their 2026 Budget will be released on February 17. This will follow a Speech from the Throne on February 12, outlining the government’s priorities for the coming legislative session.

The Budget will lay out the government’s spending plan for the year and show non-profits what to expect, making it arguably 2026’s most important piece of legislation.

Our written submission to last year’s budget consultations were reflected in the Finance Committee’s recommendations of “stable, multi-year core funding” and “updating contract and funding formulas to reflect current operational realities.”

📅 Join us on February 19, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 pm for a timely and insightful webinar unpacking BC Budget 2026

Vantage Point staff will walk through key highlights from the Budget before a panel of sector leaders share their first reactions, explore what’s missing, and discuss the real-world implications for non-profits across the province.

Whether you’re looking for a clear summary, sector-informed analysis, or space to reflect on what comes next, this session will help you make sense of the Budget and its impact on your work.

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Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

by | Apr 26, 2023 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

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Apr 26, 2023

Townhall with Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman – A Recap

By Jenessa Ellis, Sector Development Coordinator at Vantage Point

On Wednesday, April 12, Vantage Point hosted a town hall with the Parliamentary Secretary (PS) for Community Development and Non-Profits, Megan Dykeman. Over the hour-long event, PS Dykeman shared details about the 2023 BC Budget, the provincial government’s priorities for the year ahead, and what the non-profit sector can expect from her as she advocates for the sector.  

Many of you may remember that the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits was created in 2020 after advocacy from the non-profit sector to create a home in government for our issues. Similar advocacy is taking place in other provinces and at the federal level. 

In BC, the PS works with the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to advance social impact initiatives, and PS Dykeman’s mandate letter can be viewed here. 

A sincere thank you to thank Parliamentary Secretary Megan Dykeman and her team for joining us for this event. Vantage Point hosts town hall events to convene the sector, provide a platform to hear from and ask questions to elected officials and other people of influence, and give organizations an introduction to key decision-makers that impact our work. Vantage Point looks forward to hosting more opportunities to connect with elected officials and other influential sector leaders. 

Fifty organizations joined to hear PS Dykeman share about her mandate, the 2023 BC Budget, and how the government is working to support non-profits in BC. Registration information was shared with Vantage Point members in advance, then opened on a first-come, first-serve basis. A few of the highlights from PS Dykeman’s message:  

  • Non-profits are partners in creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative economy that works for all people in the province.
  • In BC, the unemployment rate is near historic lows (5.1% in February) but is leading to high job vacancies in some sectors. Inflation has started to ease (6.2% in February) but affordability challenges remain, while interest rates are high.
  • Budget 2023 is focused on making smart investments to tackle today’s biggest challenges and help individuals, families, businesses, and communities today build a stronger more secure future.
    • Government initiatives support health, affordability, reconciliation, climate, and emergency preparedness, and provide infrastructure supports for all communities across BC.
    • BC Budget highlights include permanent increases to the Climate Action Tax Credit, a Renter’s Tax Credit, enhancements to the BC Family Benefit, and free prescription contraception. The full BC Budget can be found here.

Participants – from the BC Association of Farmers Markets, Small Business BC, BC Community Response Networks, and more – asked questions and raised important topics at the event. Questions ranged from asking about core funding and trust-based granting to inquiring about the progress the government is making on adapting the Lobbyist Transparency Act to better support non-profits, to asking about plans for supporting non-profits and charities in BC. During the question period, PS Dykeman shared:  

  • She is aware of the challenges caused by short-term funding. As an advocate and ally to the sector, she is committed to working with colleagues to address these issues.  
  • PS Dykeman and her team are looking to the Recovery and Resiliency fund to learn more about the potential benefits of trust-based funding and the new distribution model it represents. Recipients of funding from the Recovery and Resiliency Fund will be announced this spring and Parliamentary Secretary Dykeman will continue the advocacy started by her predecessor Niki Sharma on this new model that distributes funding through Foundations closer to communities, instead of through decisions made solely in government. 
  • The Lobbying Transparency Act remains a priority for Minister Sharma in her new role as Attorney General. Working with the Minister and others, the PS will continue to advocate for changes to reduce the administrative burden on non-profits and welcomes suggestions from the sector.
    • The Office of the Registrar recently revised documents for non-profits, available here.
  • Parliamentary Secretary Dykeman is actively interested in hearing about the on-the-ground challenges non-profits face. She will continue to participate in town halls, roundtables, and one-on-one meetings with organizations to hear from and understand the needs of the sector.

Have a suggestion of whom we should invite to speak at a future town hall event? Reach out to us at info@thevantagepoint.ca to share your recommendations!  

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The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

by | Feb 23, 2022 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Feb 23, 2022

The BC Budget 2022 Recognizes the Role of Not-for-Profits

by Cherie Payne, Director of Government Relations and Sector Development at Vantage Point

It was extremely windy and surprisingly cold along the water in Victoria on Tuesday February 22, as stakeholders walked over to the Crystal Garden near the BC Legislature to hear from Finance Minister Selina Robinson about the details of BC Budget 2022. 

Vantage Point had two asks of the government with this budget. The first was for support for not-for-profit organizations recovering from the pandemic. The second was support for increased access to high-speed internet. The news was very positive. 

Budget 2022 invests more than $289 million in new funding as part of a five-year plan to connect First Nations, rural, and remote communities to high-speed internet.   

It provides $25 million to the tourism sector for pandemic recovery, including arts and culture organizations –- key tourism draws in every region of the province. Arts Impacts and Amplify BC will flow funding through to communities to support the safe restarts of fairs, festivals, and events around BC.  

The budget gives stable funding to 50 community-based sexual assault response organizations to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.  

190 community organizations working to address racism in BC will benefit from new data legislation that will collect demographic data to help identify gaps in services to Indigenous and racialized communities.  

Notably, Parliamentary Secretary Niki Sharma announced the creation of a $30 million Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund:  

 

“Budget 2022 makes an historic $30 million investment in a new Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund. BC’s non-profits have been there for communities through difficult times. We will be there for them as we recover.”  

  

The Non-Profit Recovery & Resiliency Fund will be administered by the Vancouver Foundation and United Way BC. This is a significant benefit for charities across the province.   

We’re looking forward to hearing from members and stakeholders about the work still to be done, and questions you may have for government. As we come together to share learnings, observations, and feedback as a sector, we will lift each other up. 

 

Read more:  

Budget materials: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/default.htm  

Non-profit fund is mentioned on page 3 of the budget speech: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Budget_Speech.pdf  

And on page 7 of the highlights document: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Highlights.pdf 

Page 141 of the Fiscal and Economic Plan gives key details: https://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2022/pdf/2022_Budget_and_Fiscal_Plan.pdf  

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Democracy Depends on You – Jennifer Wolowic

Democracy Depends on You – Jennifer Wolowic

by | Jan 26, 2022 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Jan 26, 2022

Democracy Depends on You

By Jennifer Wolowic

Jennifer Wolowic, PhD, leads the Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative at the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Its work focuses on how to change local, everyday experiences of democracy. 

Having led the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative for the last few years, I’ve talked with hundreds of different groups and individuals about democracy. Among most, I hear a similar hesitation to engage with the word and its ideals. As a word, democracy is intimidating and as an idea, democracy is difficult to connect to our everyday experiences directly.  

One thing I do know: democracy is much more than politics.  

Its values and practices are core to our civic communities and the work of non-profits. The skills and values that uphold democratic systems and engagement are a part of every program, every organization and service.  

Another thing I know: everything we do can either weaken or strengthen our democracy.  

As leaders, service providers, and advocates, it is crucial for non-profit leaders to check in every once in a while and think about how they contribute to strengthening a culture of democratic leadership and participation. How are you helping your team and your communities learn and grow as members of our democracy?  

Democracy is still a big word, so let me break it down into five principles for your reflection:  

Principle 1: Remember to build people's capacity to participate 

Under your leadership, are people learning and practicing skills that help them be a part of decision-making processes? Are you helping create the time to reflect on those opportunities? 

Principle 2: Try to foster a commitment to democratic values 

What democratic values are important to you as a leader? How do you embody in your leadership and collaborations? How do you create space to name and talk about them? 

Principle 3: Create opportunities to build relationships and social connections 

How often do you participate or lead activities that prioritize building social connections? How do they create joy and feelings of influence? 

Principle 4: Show up and be equitable and caring 

How do you ensure all people are comfortable in your organization and in your spaces? What do people learn that they can take into other spaces? 

Principle 5: Don’t be afraid to be held accountable 

How often do you create space for feedback? How do you demonstrate to others that you are using that feedback to improve?   

Take a few minutes and answer each of these questions honestly. Then, assess your role in empowering people and participating as an active member of our civil society.  

The other thing I know: democracy takes a lot of hard work.  

 At this time, society is coming to grips with just how much work we have to do to live up to our stated ideals. This is the hard work of reconciliation, anti-racism, and community-based solutions. It is about setting up our services and organizations in ways that help people feel empowered rather than nameless clients. It is also the work of improving our democracy.  

 Each of us has a role to play. And these principles guide us in some concrete directions that each of us can lead. So I hope you will reflect on your role in our democracy and use these principles to talk with your staff and communities.  

 Any improvement begins by identifying our weaknesses and asking for input from others. It is the first step in growing as individuals and organizations. It is how we are accountable to ourselves, our organization, and our communities.  

Democracy is up to you.  

I hope you will use these principles to create opportunities to actively talk about how you are already helping to strengthen our democratic culture within our non-profit work and identify how you can do more within your organization. Then activate your ideas and create opportunities for others to better engage and participate in our democracy. 

For more on these principles and steps you can take to evaluate how well you are strengthening democracy, check out our two episodes with Jennifer Wolowic: The Five Principles of Democratic Engagement and Bringing the 5 Principles of Democratic Engagement to Life.

Dr. Jennifer Wolowic leads the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative. The initiative pilots democratic interventions, explores reforms, and develops education to spark dialogue on how we can make our culture of democracy stronger. Jennifer has led several of these programs including a collaboration with the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia that used game design to help improve how we can talk through difficult issues. She joined us back in 2020 to talk about 5 principles of democratic engagement, so now she’s back to talk about how we can use those principles to evaluate whether or not our organizations are helping to strengthen our democratic culture.

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A New Parliamentary Secretary Creates Positive Impact on Communities

A New Parliamentary Secretary Creates Positive Impact on Communities

by | Nov 26, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

A New Parliamentary Secretary Creates Positive Impact on Communities

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Nov 26, 2020 | 0 comments

Vantage Point congratulates Niki Sharma on being appointed Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits and pledges its support for unleashing the potential of charities and not-for-profits in BC’s recovery
 
November 26, 2020 – Vantage Point’s Executive Director Alison Brewin congratulates Niki Sharma on being appointed Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits today, and applauded Premier Horgan for his government’s commitment to cultivating a stronger relationship with BC’s charities and not-for-profits.
 

Not-for-profits and charities have stepped into pandemic response over the past eight months with great resilience and creativity however, as shown in the No Immunity Report published earlier this year, 23% of charities and not-for-profits said they’re at risk of closing their doors because of urgent threats caused by the pandemic— even as demand for their services is rising.

These organizations have been on the frontlines of providing critical services and maintaining resiliency throughout each wave of the virus. But now, with revenue and income shrinking, their very existence is at risk. We need to move quickly in collaboration to ensure these organizations can continue to action their missions and lift our communities while continuing to provide essential services and resources.

With the newly appointed Parlimentary Secretary, there is renewed ability to mobilize the not-for-profit and charitable sector’s 86,000 employees to even greater ability as the sector deals with challenges such as the overdose crisis, climate change, homelessness, and racial justice. Vantage Point looks forward to being able to collaborate with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma in leveraging the sector to continue to do this crucial work that contributes $6.7 billion to BC’s GDP and serves tens of thousands each year.

Vantage Point is excited to collaborate with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma to engage charities and not-for-profits in key elements of the government’s Stronger BC recovery plan: a nimble workforce, expanded community infrastructure, and wraparound supports like childcare, mental health services, and food security initiatives. With this appointment the government is saying it understands the critical contribution this sector makes to the wellbeing of people and communities across the province.

Quote

Alison Brewin, Executive Director of Vantage Point

"This is an exciting decision of the government and one that can have deep and positive impact on communities, the economy, and the environment. It is a clear sign that the government seeks to partner with the sector to find solutions and build back better together"

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About Vantage Point
Vantage Point exists to support the people moving these organizations forward – Executive Directors, board members, senior leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers. Our mission is to transform not-for-profit organizations by convening, connecting, and equipping leaders to lift organizational capacity. Every client leaves our programs with resources to excel in their role and grow the impact of their organization. thevantagepoint.ca

Media Contact
Nav Nagra, Communications and Inclusion Manager
Email: nnagra@thevantagepoint.ca
Phone: 604-562-4757

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Government Announcement of a Home for the Sector

by | Nov 26, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Government Announcement of a Home for the Sector

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Nov 26, 2020 | 0 comments

Today, Nov 26th, 2020 the BC Govenment announced its Cabinet. Part of that annoucement included the welcome announcement of a new Parlimentary Secretary of Community Development and Non-Profits. Niki Sharma, a rookie MLA but very experienced board member -- including many years on the board of Vancity Credit Union – has been appointed to the role within the Ministry of Social Services and Poverty Reduction.

Although Vantage Point has been advocating for a full Ministry dedicated to the sector (such as the 90s-era Ministry of Community, Co-ops, and the Voluntary Sector), we are happy to see a clear and leader to support meaningful partnerships with our sector.

What will it mean to have a ‘home for the sector’ in the BC Cabinet? What is the opportunity this new Parlimentary Secretary role presents?

As we know, not-for-profits have stepped into pandemic response in the past nine months in remarkable and creative ways to meet community needs. Many have adjusted our operating models and funding allocations to be able to respond to emerging priorities.

And those needs grow daily as we find ourselves in the second wave of COVID-19.

But while the pandemic creates greater need than ever for the services of the charitable and not-for-profit sector, it also threatens our future. Fundraising revenue has fallen sharply, and over twenty-five percent of BC’s not-for-profits are now in danger of closing their doors, threatening not just the vital work of those organizations, but also the jobs of 86,000 British Columbians employed in this sector. Seventy-four per cent of workers in this sector are women, a demographic already hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

Like those facing the public sector and the private sector, the challenges facing the “third sector” and its important work are urgent and complex. Unlike the public and the private sector, or other major economic sectors such as tourism, health, and forestry, there has been no central place in government for BC’s charitable and not-for-profit sector. A home for the sector in government is the way to ensure our critical community contributions have the right coordination, investment, and connections to unleash the potential of our hard work.

A Parliamentary Secretary does not sit at the Cabinet table, that is the role of the Minster of Social Services and Poverty Reduction – longtime MLA and former social worker Nicolas Simons. But Parliamentary Secretaries and their Minister can build great systems together. Mitzi Dean was Parliamentary Secretary on Gender Based Analysis in the Ministry of Finance and was able to accomplish a great deal because of the positive and active relationship between her and the Honourable Carole James. We will look for that same level of mutual support between the Honourable Simons and Ms Sharma.

We will look to the mandate letters now - the express direction the Premier gives to each Minister - to see if the focus will be able to  build resilency in the sector and identify opportunities for growth is a critical part of the pandemic recovery. By taking a coordinated approach to marshalling the considerable resources of our sector, the Parlimentary Secretary and the Minister maybe be able to deliver several new benefits such as the ability to:

  • Set and advance common goals for public wellbeing
  • Leverage donor dollars and private funding through partnerships
  • Build government capacity to understand and address the unique needs of not-for-profit organizations and the opportunities to work together
  • Aggregate information and support necessary innovation, capacity, and impact of not-for-profit organizations
  • Mobilize volunteers in every corner of the province, providing the equivalent of 146,000 full-time positions
  • Foster new partnerships to build community infrastructure and bridge the digital divide
  • Reach into cultural and linguistic communities to provide essential supports
  • Advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in communities around the province
  • Seed charities and not-for-profits as key enablers of green technology and sustainability
  • Update rules and streamline regulatory obstacles to success

The challenges facing our province today demand new solutions and fresh ideas. Charities and not-for-profits are proven innovators, fluent in collaboration with an ability to attract investment from outside government. We hope to see greater alignment with government planning and priorities to leverage these assets for the common good. This new role will help ensure our sector meets its potential to improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes for all British Columbians.

We applaud this move on the part of the government. Vantage Point looks forward to working with Parlimentary Secretary Sharma to amplify the breadth, innovation, and resilience of our wonderful sector.

Author

Alison Brewin

As Executive Director, Alison Brewin is responsible for executing the Vantage Point’s mission and vision. Alison graduated with a Law Degree from the University of Victoria in 1991 and was called to the Bar in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, she worked in non-profit management, as political assistant...

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Our Take on the Budget 2021 Consultation Report

by | Sep 3, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations

Our Take on the Budget 2021 Consultation Report

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Sep 3, 2020 | 0 comments

Earlier this summer, we shared with you our second written submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (the Committee) for the provincial budget 2021 consultation, which took place this year between June 1st to 26th. The consultation process started with the Minister of Finance’s consultation paper, which outlined the provincial government’s COVID-19 action plan and three guiding priorities: 1) health and safety, 2) immediate supports for individuals, and 3) business and economic recovery.

The Committee released the Report on the Budget 2021 Consultation on August 21st with 124 recommendations (full list found on page 106 to 119).

How to read the report

Before diving into the details, keep in mind that $1.5 billion of the $5 billion COVID-19 action plan has been earmarked for economic recovery but remains unallocated. While the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts are unquestioned and underscored throughout the report, the Minister informed the Committee that many of the government’s priorities remain the same (see page 7 “Minister of Finance Briefing”):

  • K to 12 education
  • Childcare
  • Advanced education and skills training
  • Infrastructure (ex. roads, hospitals, schools)

Therefore, it is no surprise that these themes are represented throughout the report. Further, it is worth taking a moment to celebrate that this year’s consultation process had the highest participation level in nearly 10 years! The Committee heard and received 281 presentations, 1362 submissions, and 3624 survey responses.

The recommendations span over 12 themes, each making up a section in the report. Each theme/section has its own sub-sections that include impact of COVID-19, survey highlights (if any), detailed discussions, and the Committee’s recommendations for each theme.

Highlights

In Vantage Point’s submission, our three recommendations emphasized the opportunity for budget 2021 to be an investment in public wellbeing through funding and partnership with the not-for-profit sector.

Reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion

The Committee made the explicit call to action for the upcoming budget to “address inequities and make significant progress on reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and accessibility” in all areas. Further, the Committee recommends “ensuring ministries adopt a diversity and inclusion lens and recognize systemic barriers to address the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic, and providing programs and supports for equity-seeking groups who face systemic barriers” (see the executive summary on page 2).

Similar points about the importance of gender equity, truth, reconciliation, and decolonization were incorporated throughout Vantage Point’s submission. The not-for-profit and charitable sector is comprised of organizations working to advance similar goals every day and the Committee’s recommendations validate the importance of the work made possible by our sector.

Digital connectivity

The necessity of internet access, reflected in Vantage Point’s recommendations, is another clear theme in this report. The report recognizes inequities related to digital infrastructure and “recommends accelerating investments…including addressing challenges related to affordability” and references this is an area requiring collaboration with the federal government and telecommunication companies.

Multi-year stabilization funds

While the report does not make an explicit recommendation for a not-for-profit sector stabilization fund (Vantage Point recommended a $500 million stabilization fund for the sector), it does suggest a need for urgent recovery funding and multi-year stabilization supports to several sectors.

To note, “non-profit” or “not-for-profit” is mentioned 19 times in total throughout the report. It has its own sub-section under the “Health” theme, and an entire recommendation based on it:

  • Recommendation 65: Provide urgent and stable funding to the charitable and non-profit sector so that they can continue to provide services to British Columbians, including exploring the provision of incentives to donate such as a donation-matching program, and increasing the charitable donation tax credit.

It is not only a pivotal moment that not-for-profits are mentioned, moreover, “non-profit” is recognized as a whole sector. This is welcomed language for those in the sector who have and continue to define the sector and raise its profile.

However, the report falls short to include not-for-profits in the Economic Development section. As mentioned in our submission for the Provincial Budget Consultation, BC’s not-for-profit sector contributes $6.4 billion to the provincial GDP. Jobs and service provisions, as well as losses in this sector need to be seriously considered in the context of a resilient provincial economy.

Other recommendations with implications on the sector

While the not-for-profit sector as a whole is only directly referenced in two themes – first in Health, and secondly, in Social Services, Community Social Services and Social Policy - there are several recommendations for other sectors that could impact BC’s not-for-profits whose work is related to those sectors. These include:

  • Arts and culture: targeted, multi-year recovery funding through BC Arts Council. Donation incentives, tax breaks, infrastructure investments. Increased funding for Creative BC and Amplify BC. Work with other levels of government and community partners to increase investments.
  • Digital media, music, film: explore new measures to address inequities and barriers for underrepresented groups in this industry.
  • Long-term care: sustain investments, especially for staffing and care standards.
  • Mental health and addiction services: invest in continuum of services, culturally safe supports and services, family supports, services for children and youth.
  • Housing: accelerate construction of continuum of affordable and social housing, especially for women facing violence, gender-specific supportive housing, expanded housing options for people with disabilities, youth, and low-income seniors. Expand investments in Indigenous housing with Federal Government.
  • Public safety and justice: increase investments in legal aid and community restorative justice programs. Provide operational funding to child and youth advocacy centres.
  • Childcare: invest in affordable childcare, and funding through Ministries of Children and Family Development and Health to improve access to supports for children and youth with accessibility needs, and their families.
  • Youth: improving supports for youth aging out of care and marginalized youth. The report names Boys and Girls Club, and Right to Play as organizations to provide care and wrap-around programs for marginalized youth.
  • Advanced education: increase adult education resources, including broadening course offerings and skills training (especially important because of COVID-19 and other disruptive workplace forces that could displace workers).
  • Social services: develop a comprehensive, outcome-focused social policy framework. Continue funding provincial poverty reduction strategy. Review the framework for income and disability assistance. Address recruitment, retention, and compensation challenges within community services sector.
  • Fiscal and regulatory policy: apply a gender-based analysis plus lens in policy development and economic recovery, as well as “equity, reconciliation, and climate action lenses”. Ensure federal and provincial programs continue supporting individuals and businesses in recovery. Transition emergency funding to targeted investments that are based on individual and sectoral needs. Review opportunities to temporarily adjust the Employer Health Tax. Introduce a municipal finance reform so there are more tools to address financial pressures related to housing issues, the opioid crisis, and other priorities.

Now what?

Budget 2021 will be presented on the third Tuesday in February (Feb 16, 2021). While the release of the report ensures the public can access the Committee’s recommendations, it is important to recall this report is written and has been submitted to members of BC’s legislative assembly. If you want to engage with your MLA about this report and budget 2021, make sure you are familiar with the Lobbyists Transparency Act.

Overall, the report recognizes many of the key points raised in our recommendations for the sector, namely that there is an immense financial impact due to COVID-19 and strong need for stabilization supports. The report also echoes the reality that the pandemic has revealed the need for resources to address gaps in supports and services for British Columbians. These are all encouraging signs that budget 2021 may reflect the needs and supports we have collectively identified for our sector.

If you want to get further involved in these discussions and the advocacy work that Vantage Point is doing, we encourage you to become a member. During the COVID-19 crisis we have made membership free. You can learn more and sign-up here.

Author

Joyce Lin

Joyce is the Sector Development Coordinator for Vantage Point - she facilitates the foundational work involved in Vantage Point’s goals to contribute to a healthy and thriving not-for-profit sector in BC. On any day, she is monitoring and sharing information that will support sector success and...

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Our Letter on BC’s Recovery

by | Jul 16, 2020 | BC Non-Profit Network, Blog, Government Relations, Policy and Advocacy

Our Letter On BC's Recovery

Culture: People First
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by Vantage Point | Jul 16, 2020 | 0 comments

The Government of BC has asked for feedback on their discussion paper, BC’s Recovery from COVID-19. This is a great opportunity to influence BC's recovery. We are sharing some resources for not-for-profits who would like to provide input. Vantage Point sent the letter below to provide our input on the importance of investing in not-for-profits for the recovery. The deadline to for input is Tuesday, July 21, at 4pm.

Ways you can provide input:

Letterhead Header

The Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia

Office of the Premier
West Annex Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

The Honourable Minister Carole James
Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier
Room 153 Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

July 10, 2020

RE: Now more than ever, is the time to invest in BC not-for-profits.

Dear Premier Horgan and Minister James:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on how best to invest the $1.5 billion Economic Recovery Fund. I am writing to you today on behalf of Vantage Point and our member organizations. We are a charity based in Vancouver, BC on the unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and shíshálh (Sechelt) nations. Vantage Point supports not-for-profits and charities across the province with leadership development, board training, strategic planning, and more. We represent over 545 not-for-profit members from 48 communities across the province.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the not-for-profit sector has been devastating and requires your urgent attention and action. Vantage Point’s research on COVID-19’s impact on the sector clearly confirms troubling impacts on not-for-profit organizations and the communities we serve. The research documented an increased demand for community services as well as a massive loss of income. The most worrisome estimates suggest that one in five not-for-profits will not survive this crisis.1 Closures of this scale will have irreparable impacts on BC’s economy and communities. The people who depend on these services, often some of the most vulnerable people in society, face increased risks of falling through the cracks. While our sector is innovative and resilient, our capacity to navigate COVID-19 is has reached a breaking point.

Not-for-profits are critical to the lives of people in British Columbia. As we adapt to different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, BC's not-for-profits and charities continue to provide a critical level of support to the Government of British Columbia, businesses, and the public. We provide everything from the provision of health and other essential frontline services, to supporting victims of domestic violence, to deploying volunteers safely, to providing arts and culture services. The not-for-profit sector has long been recognized as vital to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our province. We are an essential safety net for the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. From all angles, an investment in the not-for-profit sector aligns with the key values outlined in the recovery consultation discussion paper.

We acknowledge the remarkable work the BC Government has done to support our communities during the extremely challenging environment of the COVID-19 crisis. We have been encouraged by your explicit acknowledgement that “supporting… not-for-profits throughout the pandemic is vital to BC’s response to and recovery from COVID-19.”2 We have also been pleased to know that your Economic Recovery Task Force includes representation from the not-for-profit sector. We encourage you to continue deepening and expanding this engagement to ensure that the full breadth of not-for-profits expertise is adequately reflected in your consultations, advisory groups, and recovery planning efforts.

Recommendation One: Create a $500 million stabilization fund for the not-for-profit sector

Following our recommendations for the Budget 2021 consultation, we insist that a $500 million stabilization fund for the not-for-profit sector is required to ensure that organizations can survive, adapt to new circumstances, and position themselves to actively contribute to our recovery. A stabilization fund of this magnitude is critically important to sustain not-for-profits.

Current measures announced by the Federal and Provincial governments have failed to recognize:

  • the unique situation facing charities and not-for-profits
  • the efforts not-for-profits have continued to make to serve their communities in unprecedented circumstances, and
  • the distinct role that not-for-profits must play in our recovery from COVID-19.

Make funding flexible: It is critically important that stabilization funding is truly flexible and allows not-for-profits to allocate funding where they need it most. Current funding and granting systems often limit spending in our organizations solely on direct program delivery without strengthening our operational capacity. These systems also burden organizations with rigorous reporting requirements. Funding restrictions often cause not-for-profits to drift from their mandate as they often are forced to adapt to evolving funding priorities. These restrictions create precarious working conditions and stifles investments in employee benefits, stable governance, and adequate resources for efficient operations.

Commit to gender equity: We know that gender equity is a priority for the BC government. A stabilization fund will ensure women, who make up 74% of the not-for-profit sector, stay employed. Further, this will allow organizations that serve women and other populations who experience discrimination, oppression, and violence, to continue safely providing services in-person and virtually. Not-for-profits are leaders in anti-racism and social justice work, they are also providers of community-based health and wellbeing programs.

Invest in not-for-profits to stimulate the economy: We encourage you to think of stabilization funding and stimulus spending beyond customary criteria narrowly focused on business, employment, and “shovel-ready” projects.

Invest in not-for-profits to support public health: A stabilization fund of this magnitude would be equivalent to an investment in public health and prevention. These investments can help ensure British Columbians are supported to recover from the mental health effects of prolonged isolation, depression, and stress. It will also help address other healthcare crises, such as the recent increase in opioid overdoses, from worsening.

Partner with well-established and trusted funders: We recommend that a not-for-profit stabilization fund be administered through networks of funders with deeply established relationships with local not-for-profits and charities. Examples of such funders include provincial community foundations such as Victoria Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, United Way, and Vancity Community Foundation. It is particularly important to direct funding to organizations and funders that are led by and are working with Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), and others who face systemic discrimination.

Municipal and regional governments also have well established relationships and partnerships with charities and not-for-profits within their jurisdictions. Funds distributed through municipalities and explicitly earmarked for supporting their local ecosystem of not-for-profit organizations could help strengthen local economies and reduce the load on other municipal and provincial services.

Recommendation Two: Use an equity lens to invest in province-wide internet access, connectivity, and infrastructure

We echo the views in the Building BC’s Recovery Together report of the urgent need for province-wide internet access.

We urge the BC Government to immediately invest in affordable high-speed internet in rural communities, households across BC, and not-for-profit organizations and housing providers. We encourage you to work with network service providers to create equitable access to internet. We encourage you to remove network deployment barriers and use government assets effectively to reduce costs and accelerate the expansion of connectivity in rural BC. As you develop plans for these investments, we encourage you to uphold your commitments towards a Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) framework as a way to ensure equitable access and connections for all, particularly for women, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities.

We ask that you make funds available for not-for-profits to access reliable and adequate technology as this is one of the key impacts and barriers of COVID-19 on the sector. We encourage you to improve and update funding systems such as the rules for BC’s Community Gaming Grants to allow more flexibility for funds to be used for training and updating technology.

Work with the not-for-profit sector

Once again, we thank you for allowing us to join fellow British Columbians in sharing what is most important for our community’s wellbeing going forward. We urge you to work with the not-for-profit sector to strengthen public wellbeing and stabilize our economy. We look forward to continuing to contribute towards our province’s recovery through constructive investment and partnerships with the Government of British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Alison Brewin
Executive Director, Vantage Point
T: (604) 637-8207 E: abrewin@thevantagepoint.ca
www.thevantagepoint.ca

cc: Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, Hon. Michelle Mungall Minister of Labour, Hon. Harry Bains Mr. Spencer Chandra Herbert, Vancouver-West End Riding

 

[1] Vantage Point (2020). No Immunity Report. Retrieved from https://www.thevantagepoint.ca/blog/no-immunity-impacts-covid-19-our-sector

[2] Government of BC. (2020). Budget 2021 Consultation. Retrieved from https://www.leg.bc.ca/content/CommitteeDocuments/41st-parliament/5thsession/fgs/Budget2021Consultation/Budget_2021_Consultation_Paper.pdf

 

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Author

Alison Brewin

As Executive Director, Alison Brewin is responsible for executing the Vantage Point’s mission and vision. Alison graduated with a Law Degree from the University of Victoria in 1991 and was called to the Bar in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, she worked in non-profit management, as political assistant...

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by Vantage Point | Jul 2, 2020 | 0 comments

This year was Vantage Point’s second time making a submission for the BC Budget Consultation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. Of course, this year looked very different than other years, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a major role in the way we approached our recommendations.

To prepare this submission we gathered input from our members, spoke to BC not-for-profit umbrella organizations, co-led a virtual gathering of 90 not-for-profits leaders that came together to speak to the budget process. We also reflected on many other convening conversations about COVID-19 we’d held since March 2020 and the input from 1119 BC not-for-profit leaders that were documented in our No Immunity Report.

We were heartened to see that the Budget 2021’s Consultation Paper stated that “supporting… not-for-profits throughout the pandemic is vital to BC’s response to and recovery from COVID-19.” We advocated that the not-for-profit sector is in fact essential to ensure the wellbeing of individuals and communities in British Columbia.

In this submission we ask the Provincial Government to:

1. Create a $500 million stabilization fund for the not-for-profit sector

Not-for-profits have been heavily called upon to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis – through access to food, housing, mental health supports, and other necessities. We urged the Provincial government to invest in the not-for-profit sector to ensure not-for-profits will survive this crisis. Both front line organizations directly supporting those affected by pandemic, to arts and culture organizations that are so critical for wellbeing.

2. Use an equity lens to invest in province-wide internet access, connectivity, and infrastructure

Now more than ever, the world is relying on internet and mobile access. We heard from many not-for-profit organizations of the urgency to address this issue in BC. Especially for vulnerable populations and rural communities, some services can only be accessed virtually.

3. Invest in the Ministry of Citizens’ Services to create a home for the sector in government

In our budget submission last year, we recommended that the Government of British Columbia establish a home for the not-for-profit sector in government. We recognize that some not-for-profits operate under the jurisdiction of certain ministries, but there are vast portions of the sector that do not have a central ministry to turn to for direct collaboration with government and support. We argued that now is a critical time that calls for clear lines of communication between the Provincial Government and the not-for-profit sector.

We encourage you to read the full submission and reach out to Omar Dominguez at odominguez@thevantagepoint.ca with any feedback.

Read Full Submission

Author

Vantage Point

We are a team of passionate and dedicated not-for-profit professionals dedicated to providing not-for-profits with high quality leadership training. We are here to set you up for success. Learn more about our team at www.thevantagepoint.ca/about/our-people/

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by Vantage Point | Jun 12, 2020 | 0 comments

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Rt. Hon Justin Trudeau, PC, MP
Prime Minister of Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6

June 10, 2020

Subject: Increasing Federal Government Support for the Charitable and Not-for-Profit Sector

Dear Prime Minister,

We are joining colleagues across Canada to emphasize the urgency of a federal proposal to support and strengthen charities and nonprofits across the country.

In the face of our global emergency, BC's not-for-profit and charitable sector has been called on to provide a soaring level of support to the Government of Canada, its businesses, and the public. From the provision of front-line essential health services, to supporting victims of domestic violence, and deploying volunteers safely, the not-for-profit sector is vital to the safety and wellbeing of our country. But the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the not-for-profit sector needs your urgent attention and action.

Vantage Point exists to uplift and support nonprofits across BC. One of our core principles is to meet nonprofits and their leaders where they are at, adapting programs and services to reflect the capacities of the organizations we serve. We see ourselves as representing portions of the sector often left our of conversations - smaller organizations, volunteer-run or with small staff teams, organizations facing all the pressures of other business.

The not-for-profit sector in British Columbia

British Columbia's not-for-profit sector is vast in size, scope, and impact. It consists of over 25,000 societies providing immeasurable value to the economy and lives of people across British Columbia. These organizations also provide a crucial source of employment for more than 86,000 people and contributes up to $6.69 billion in programs and services across the province.[1]

Despite the fundamental impact on the quality of life for Canadians, not-for-profit organizations languish under economic policies and regulations which undermine our efforts. In 2019, the Senate report on the Canadian charitable sector found that while community-based organizations are resilient and innovative, our potential is limited by complex, outdated rules and a lack of coordinated government support.[2]

Here in British Columbia, we released the No Immunity report to highlight the early impacts of COVID-19 on BC’s charities and nonprofits.  At the time of data collection in April, of the 1,119 respondents, 23% did not think they can stay open past 6 months and 74% were experiencing reduced revenue from fundraising. As overburdened not-for-profit employees experience increasing difficulties delivering essential services, our deep concerns for the sector also grows. Our colleagues at Imagine Canada estimate the projected financial losses for registered charities alone to be between $9.5 billion and $15.7 billion.

Here is what is at stake for our sector and the Canadian public:

  • Services to racialized populations and social justice support. Urban Indigenous, Black, and immigrant communities have been particularly affected by the pandemic. Our sector is the primary provider of skills, language and literacy training, justice and social equity support, anti-racism resources and programs as well as advocacy for these communities.
  • Support for women. Charities report that domestic violence is intensifying under lockdown, with additional support needed to engage children who are experiencing violence at home. Women and their families will need additional support to find safety and support.
  • Mental health services. Whether by directly providing mental health services, or providing Canadians with a semblance of normalcy (e.g. through amateur sports or arts), our sector will be at the forefront of helping Canadians cope with the experience we have all shared.
  • Services to people with disabilities. Charities and nonprofits ensure people with disabilities have a voice through advocacy efforts and a valuable place within society through career support, social activities, training, accessibility workshops, and more.
  • Childcare services, after school programs, and day camps. These are vital to ensure parents are able to return to work. If charities and nonprofits are unable to offer these services, there will be disproportionate impacts to women and single-parent families.
  • Services to seniors. Services provided by these organizations help seniors deal with isolation imposed by the pandemic and the resultant deleterious mental and physical health consequences.
  • Environmental sustainability. These organizations are crucial for creating the kind of recovery Canadians want. From the preservation of ecosystems, to the protection of threatened species, and the development of sustainable solutions for communities, their work needs to continue.
  • Health services and support. These organizations play an important role in preventative care, matching individuals to the right services, and providing support that enables individuals experiencing health problems to enjoy a higher quality of life.

At the outset of the pandemic, our sector identified the need for a grant program to ensure that organizations can survive, adapt to changed circumstances, and position themselves to actively contribute to the recovery. The financial measures announced so far have met a portion of what is required for those who are eligible, but much remains to be done. We urge you to work with your colleagues – primarily the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development – to finalize and implement a grant program that recognizes the unique situation facing charities and nonprofits, the efforts they have continued to make to serve their communities in unprecedented circumstances, and the role that they can and must play in Canada’s recovery from COVID-19.

We urge you to expand the criteria used to make policy and investment beyond a narrow focus on business and employment growth. Our current policies make sense when the metrics for economic success are based on GDP growth. But if the measure of success was to maximize public wellbeing, then the focus of infrastructure stimulus investment would look very different. Under this lens, it is clear that our sector is here to support common government objectives and that we need to work closer together. Our sector is Society’s Partner in Wellbeing. We encourage you to call on our expertise to inform and improve public policy decisions in ways that maximize public wellbeing. We urge you to engage in conscientious dialogue with our sector and to work together to recover from the pandemic, build healthy communities, and a resilient economy. Investing in, working with, and supporting the sector improves the lives of all people all Canadians.We encourage you to work with our sector to develop and incorporate a national wellbeing strategy to the stimulus spending that will be required to recover from the crises our nation is facing.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Alison Brewin
Executive Director
Vantage Point

cc: Hon. Bill Morneau, PC, MP
Minister of Finance
Hon. Ahmed Hussen, PC, MP
Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development

[1] Please see infographic attached.  

[2] Mercer, T., Ratna Omidvar. (2019). Catalyst for Change: A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector. Ottawa, Ontario: Senate Special Committee on the Charitable Sector. 190.

 

 

Letterhead Footer

Author

Alison Brewin

As Executive Director, Alison Brewin is responsible for executing the Vantage Point’s mission and vision. Alison graduated with a Law Degree from the University of Victoria in 1991 and was called to the Bar in 1992. Throughout the 1990s, she worked in non-profit management, as political assistant...

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