Government Relations in Action: Provincial Director’s Update

Dear Members and FRP agencies, 

I am excited to share an update on the meaningful provincial government relations work FRP-BC undertook in Victoria last month.   

Recognition in the Legislature 

On 21 October 2025, FRP-BC was formally recognized in the B.C. Legislature during Question Period, with our delegation welcomed as guests in the gallery. It was a meaningful moment met with enthusiastic waves, smiles, and nods of support from several MLAs and Ministers. The recognition was a welcome acknowledgement of the critical role Family Resource Programs play in supporting families and strengthening communities across the province. 

Provincial meetings at the Legislature  

While in Victoria, the FRP-BC Board & staff met with: 

• Hon. Jodie Wickens, Acting Minister of Children and Family Development (MCFD) 
• Hon. Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour and MLA for New Westminster–Coquitlam 

These meetings in Victoria were a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with key decision-makers. Both Ministers were highly supportive, deeply engaged in the discussion and clearly well-versed in community-based programming. They affirmed the essential role of FRPs as community-based hubs for family well-being, providing early support that prevents more costly interventions later. We also discussed current pressures facing the sector, including funding shortfalls and wage disparities that impact recruitment and retention. 

Context and next steps

These conversations took place amid mandate-letter emphases on “efficiency” and fiscal restraint, underscoring the importance of visibility and ongoing relationship-building. Our message resonated: Family Resource Programs are preventive, cost-effective, relational, and critical to community health. 

Minister Wickens encouraged us to continue mapping community gaps and sharing frontline data with MCFD. She further expressly acknowledged that our MLA Campaign, emphasizing that this proactive, community-level engagement is vital to ensuring FRPs remain visible and supported across BC. 

A huge thank you to the FRP-BC Board, who brought their skills, professionalism, experience, and quite simply, their A-game. It was an important relationship-building moment, one we intend to carry forward. 

With thanks, 

Tara Nargang 

Provincial Director, FRP-BC