Why Celebrating Canada’s Diversity Matters More Than Ever in 2025

This year, as we mark Canada Day, we’re reminded that inclusion, respect, and cultural diversity are more than just values—they’re vital protections against isolation, discrimination, and abuse. At a time when divisive rhetoric and the erosion of rights are making headlines globally, it’s more important than ever to celebrate Canada’s multicultural identity and recommit to building communities where everyone—especially older adults and those made vulnerable by systemic inequities—can feel safe, heard, and valued.

Coming just days after National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada Day also offers a time to reflect on the deep history, wisdom, and resilience of Indigenous communities across this land. Honouring the voices and leadership of Indigenous Peoples—and acknowledging both the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the strength of culture and tradition—is essential to building true reconciliation and equity. We all have a role to play in advancing this work, together.

On Canada Day, we celebrate not only the rich cultural fabric of this country, but also the collective strength and unity that comes from working together toward a safer, more inclusive future for all.

Seniors’ Advocates Join Forces to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, BC CRN joined key partners for a media event in Vancouver on June 12 to spotlight the urgent issue of elder abuse and celebrate the resilience of older adults. Centered on the theme “Be Bold, Age with Attitude,” the event drew strong media attention and highlighted ongoing efforts across B.C. to support seniors in living with dignity and confidence. As Executive Director Heather Treleaven shared, it was a powerful moment of unity and advocacy for seniors’ rights and safety.

Read the full news release

CRNs in the Community: Shining a Light on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

On June 15th, CRNs across BC came together to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) with a wide range of creative events and campaigns. From purple-themed displays to community walks and information booths, these efforts helped raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect, while promoting dignity, inclusion, and respect for older adults. Thank you to all our dedicated CRN coordinators, Regional Mentors, volunteers, and community partners for making a difference.

View highlights from across the province

BC CRN Spotlight: Meet Lorna Penner, Regional Mentor for the Northeast

Since joining BC CRN, Lorna Penner has brought heartfelt dedication and decades of experience to her role as Regional Mentor for the Northeast. A longtime support worker, Lorna is focused on building Community Response Networks, raising awareness about adult abuse and neglect, and fostering culturally safe spaces. Despite challenges like limited resources and volunteer burnout in small communities, she sees great potential in their strong personal connections. Her first major event—a packed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gathering in Fort St. John—was a promising start. Passionate, community-driven, and creative, Lorna is committed to growing the CRN presence across the region.

Learn more about Lorna

BC CRN 2024-2025 Annual Report

The 2024-2025 annual report and financial statements are now available for viewing on the website.

The Evaluation Report has the latest data gathered on activities in 2024 as part of a multi-year developmental evaluation which began in 2012 on the work of the BC CRN in growing and strengthening the CRNs in British Columbia.

A summary of the Evaluation Report can be viewed in the Annual Report, or the full report is available to download from the website.

Read Annual Report

See all Reports

Board of Directors Update

BC CRN has been very fortunate to have Elisse Tan, MSW, RSW, serve as a Director and Board Secretary on the BC CRN Board for the past several years. We are grateful for her time and have been enriched individually and collectively by her leadership, clinical expertise, and deep commitment to adult protection. Elisse brought over fifteen years of frontline and community-based health care experience to the Board, along with her perspective as a designated responder and coordinator under the Adult Guardianship Act. Her mentorship, education, and contributions—including her role in the Vancouver Coastal Health Re:Act Adult Program and as a presenter in our Provincial Learning Event series—have left a lasting impact.



BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (Rescheduled)

Provincial Learning Event Webinar

September 16, 2025 | 10:45 am - 12:00 pm PDT

BC’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, was unable to join us for our May 20 webinar due to illness. She extends her sincere apologies and thanks everyone for their understanding. We are pleased to share that her presentation has been rescheduled and will now take place on Tuesday, September 16 at 10:45 am, our next scheduled date for our Provincial Learning Event. All existing registrations will carry over automatically – there is no need to re-register. We look forward to welcoming you in September for what promises to be an insightful session. Read more.

Register

2025 BC CRN Conference Aims to Prevent Abuse Through Community Connection

In-Person Event

October 7 - 9, 2025

Invitations have gone out to our members for the 2025 BC CRN Conference, Oct 7-9 at the River Rock Resort & Casino in Richmond, BC. The organizing committee has worked very hard to build a fun and engaging program for our time together. (Did we say, karaoke and open mic?).

Register early to help us be able to include as many representatives as possible! A limited number of bursaries will be available to cover the costs for a second delegate from a CRN to attend.

Future conferences have not been confirmed, so you’ll want to take part in this one. We are noting dietary restrictions including the request for an all-chocolate event! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with your BC CRN counterparts.

Register for the 2025 BC CRN Conference