Over 250 people - all with a stake in the future of BC's seniors care system - gathered in Whistler for three days this week to participate in the 33rd annual BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) General Meeting and Conference.
The theme of this year's event - Harmony: Managing Needs and Demands - sparked a wide-ranging discussion and analysis of the many challenges care providers are experiencing in the face of an aging society and growing demands associated with more complex care requirements.
Delegates, commercial vendors and guest speakers attended from every region of British Columbia and across Canada, including BC Ombudsperson Kim Carter, BC Alzheimer's Society CEO Jean Blake, MLA John Les on behalf of Health Minister Kevin Falcon and representatives of the Ontario and Alberta Long Term Care Associations. Delegates also enjoyed a special session from the Disney's Institute for leadership training.
A new BCCPA Board of Directors was selected and policy resolutions were passed to promote safety of staff and accountability of the Healthcare Benefit Trust.
BCCPA CEO Ed Helfrich said, "We were very encouraged by the attendance at the various workshops and pleased that delegates also found some time to socialize at various sponsor receptions and industry trade show. I want to thank everyone who attended and welcome Mary McDougall as new BCCPA President." Mary replaces Christine Nidd who served three terms as BCCPA President. Christine will remain on Board as past-President. Congratulations as well to David Cheperdak and Andre van Ryk who will serve as Vice President and Treasurer respectively.
In the coming days, we will post some additional items from the conference at www.bccare.ca including special photo gallery and follow-up actions related to the policy resolutions that were passed.
