PHABC’s response to BC Budget 2024

Compassion, innovation and collaboration advance public health in the province

 

Summary

  • PHABC applauds BC Budget 2024 for recognizing and acting on urgent public health matters.
  • PHABC also acknowledges the Province’s progressive new initiatives, including the anti-hate community support fund, the Intimate Images Protection Service, and the upcoming publicly funded IVF program.
  • PHABC’s recent 70th year gala recognized public health non-profits and associated organizations as vital to public health advancements. PHABC commends the budget for investing in public health.

 

Victoria, B.C., March 21, 2024 – The Public Health Association of BC (PHABC) applauds BC Budget 2024 for recognizing and acting on urgent public health matters. As a province, we are collectively experiencing the ongoing impacts of an aging workforce, increasing cost of living, mental health crisis, and hate crimes. PHABC commends the Province for providing vital investments in these areas.

“Multiple measures have been taken to address equity concerns that will lay the groundwork for well-being and safe communities,” said Shannon Turner, PHABC’s Executive Director. “The ongoing investments in climate action, sustainable job growth, mental health, addictions, and the housing crisis are just a few examples of investments in a healthy province.”

PHABC also acknowledges the Province’s progressive new initiatives, including:

  • the anti-hate community support fund, which was introduced in response to the Anti-Racism Data Act;
  • the recently launched Intimate Images Protection Service, which is a step forward towards equity concerning gender, sexuality, youth, and the ever-transforming digital landscape;
  • and the upcoming publicly funded IVF program, which recognizes the evolving family structure and barriers to access fertility options.

PHABC values and practices collaboration, innovation and compassion through all of our intersectoral work, which is further highlighted by our strong partnerships and network. Recently, we honoured several of our community partners through our annual awards, which was showcased at our 70th anniversary gala.

“Public health non-profits and associated organizations are vital to the strategic direction, implementation and ongoing efforts of public health advancements, which are reflected in the 2024 BC Budget investments,” Turner emphasized.

PHABC’s 2023 organizational award recipients include the Health Officers Council of BC, the Vancouver Coastal Health public policy team, Rethink Urban, and United Way BC. These organizations demonstrate commitment to community development, equitable practices, and public health promotion.

As a member-driven organization, PHABC fulfills our mission through advocacy, collaboration and engagement activities, education, and research throughout the spectrum of public health practice and systems including prevention, promotion, protection and policy. These collaborative efforts are proven worthwhile through the budget’s progressive public health investments.

 

Shannon Turner
Executive Director
Public Health Association of BC