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Message from the Executive Director
As we move into the winter season, I want to extend warm wishes to our Board of Directors, and all our coordinators, provincial team members, volunteers, partners, and community members across BC. This time of year can bring both connection and challenges, especially for older adults who may be isolated or at risk, and your ongoing commitment makes an incredible difference.
In this issue of our E-Connector, we bring you a mix of events, news, and resources from across our networks. You’ll find details on our upcoming January provincial learning event on dementia care, information on free community presentations, a spotlight on one of our dedicated Regional Mentors, and reflections from CRNs making an impact in their communities. We’re also sharing important national developments, partner resources, and practical tools to help prevent fraud, scams, and coercive control, issues that continue to affect older adults every day.
Wishing everyone a season filled with peace, connection, and moments of joy, in whatever ways you and your loved ones choose to gather and celebrate. May the weeks ahead bring comfort, friendship, and renewed energy for the important work we share.
Warm Regards,
Heather Treleaven
Executive Director, BC Association of Community Response Networks
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Introduction to Extreme Clutter
Online Presentation
December 2, 2022 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PST
You’re invited to join BC CRN’s online presentation exploring clutter, hoarding, collecting, and squalor. Participants will learn how to distinguish between these conditions, understand hoarding disorder, its patterns, statistics, and the reasons behind it, and gain insights on how to assist those affected. The session will also cover the relationship between hoarding and abuse. For more information or questions, contact programs@bccrns.ca.
Register for the presentation
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Unintentional Emotional Abuse:
How to Strengthen Relationships in Dementia Care
Provincial Learning Event Webinar
January 20, 2026 | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PST
Join us for a provincial learning event with Karen Tyrell, CPCA, CDCP, founder and CEO of Dementia Solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Karen is a leader in transforming dementia care through compassionate, person-centered education and consulting. Her practical, personalized strategies help families and professional caregivers navigate dementia with confidence and understanding.
Register for the learning event
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Bring BC CRN’s Free Presentations to Your Community
BC CRN offers free, province-wide presentations on key issues affecting older adults, from It’s Not Right and See Something, Say Something to sessions on ageism and extreme clutter. Available in-person or online, these presentations spark awareness and empower communities to better support vulnerable adults. To book or learn more, visit bccrns.ca/programs or email programs@bccrns.ca.
Learn more about BC CRN's presentations
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Connecting, Learning, and Growing Together: Reflections from the 2025 BC CRN Provincial Conference
CRNs and Regional Mentors from across BC shared heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to connect at the 2025 BC CRN Provincial Conference. They celebrated the chance to exchange stories, learn from one another, and bring inspiration, knowledge, and new ideas back to their communities.
Read reflections from the conference
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BC CRN Spotlight: Meet Betty Anderson, Regional Mentor for Cariboo Chilcotin
Betty Anderson serves as a Regional Mentor with BC CRN, bringing compassion and deep community roots to her role. Raised in the Cariboo Chilcotin, she draws on her social work experience - especially with First Nations communities - to support local CRNs. Betty also contributes as a Cariboo Regional District Director, helping bridge local government and community response efforts.
Learn more about Betty
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BC CRN Joins National Effort to Strengthen Protections for Seniors Experiencing Coercive Control
Too often, older adults are controlled or isolated by those they depend on. BC CRN is joining a national effort to make sure the law protects them too. This coalition is advocating for stronger legal protections that extend beyond intimate partners to include adult children and other trusted caregivers.
Link to full story
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Canada Takes Stronger Steps to Protect Seniors from Financial Scams and Abuse
Over the past few years, we have all witnessed an increase in targeting of older adults by fraud and scams. To tackle this, Canada is rolling out its first National Anti-Fraud Strategy, creating a dedicated Financial Crimes Agency, and introducing a Code of Conduct for banks to spot and prevent economic abuse. These measures aim to give older adults more security, independence, and peace of mind.
Link to full story
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RCMP Launch New National Reporting System to Help Protect Canadians from Fraud and Cybercrime
Online scams and fraud are on the rise, targeting thousands of Canadians, especially older adults. The RCMP’s new Report Cybercrime and Fraud website makes it easier to report scams and help protect others. Learn how you can take action and stop fraud before it spreads.
Link to full story
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SUBMIT YOUR STORIES AND TESTIMONIALS HERE!
Stories of impact from our CRNs are the best tool we have for illustrating the value of what we do. Use our form to submit your event photos and stories so we can share them with our BC CRN community.
SUBMIT HERE
| | WEBINARS FROM OUR PARTNERS | | |
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BC’s Human Rights Code: Educational Session
Partner Webinar
December 10, 2025 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm PST
Explore your rights and responsibilities under BC’s Human Rights Code in a free, 90-minute introductory session offered by the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner. Participants will learn how the Code applies in areas like housing, employment, and services and how to recognize illegal discrimination. This interactive workshop is open to landlords, tenants, employers, service providers, and everyday community members.
Learn more and register
| | PAST PROVINCIAL LEARNING EVENT | | | | |
November Provincial Learning Event: Unintentional Emotional Abuse –
How to Strengthen Relationships in Dementia Care
Chelsea Siler from the BC Securities Commission shared practical tips for spotting and avoiding investment scams, including threats from online platforms and new technologies like AI-driven deepfakes. Participants learned how to recognize, reject, and report suspicious activity to protect themselves and their communities.
Watch the full webinar recording
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For more on BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at bccrns.ca.
BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
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