Church Teaching Solidarity is found in a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour.
The good of one is the good of all, and the other is as important as the self.
Injustice done to another is an injustice that affects everyone.
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 193
Support for the Marginalized and the Vulnerable
Some people are born into economically stable families, receive a fine education, grow up well nourished, or naturally possess great talent. They will certainly not need a proactive state; they need only claim their freedom. Yet the same rule clearly does not apply to a disabled person, to someone born in dire poverty, to those lacking a good education and with little access to adequate health care. If a society is governed primarily by the criteria of market freedom and efficiency, there is no place for such persons, and fraternity will remain just another vague ideal. Pope Francis – Fratelli tutti, 109
So many needy brothers and sisters are waiting for help, so many who are oppressed are waiting for justice, so many who are unemployed are waiting for a job, so many peoples are waiting for respect. How can it be that even today there are still people dying of hunger? Condemned to illiteracy? Lacking the most basic medical care? Without a roof over their head?
The scenario of poverty can extend indefinitely, if in addition to its traditional forms we think of its newer patterns. These new patterns often affect financially affluent sectors and groups which are nevertheless threatened by despair at the lack of meaning in their lives, by drug addiction, by fear of abandonment in old age or sickness, by marginalization or social discrimination… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 5
Disabilities, Mental Health & Addictions
Persons with disabilities are fully human subjects, with rights and duties: “in spite of the limitations and sufferings affecting their bodies and faculties, they point up more clearly the dignity and greatness of man.” Persons with disabilities are to be helped to participate in every dimension of family and social life at every level accessible to them and according to their possibilities… They too need to love and to be loved, they need tenderness, closeness and intimacy according to their capacities. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 148
Indigenous Peoples & Reconciliation
The relationship of Indigenous peoples to their lands and resources deserves particular attention, since it is a fundamental expression of their identity. These peoples offer an example of a life lived in harmony with the environment that they have come to know well and to preserve. Their extraordinary experience, which is an irreplaceable resource for all humanity, runs the risk of being lost together with the environment from which they originate. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 471
The Canadian Catholic Church supports the work of the Truth and Reconciliation commission. We are called to support thriving Indigenous communities in Canada, rooted in their unique cultures and traditions.
Northern & Rural Communities
Looking after the common good means making use of the new opportunities for the redistribution of wealth to the benefit of the underprivileged that until now have been excluded or cast to the sidelines of social and economic progress. Too often, social services and infrastructure development suffer from neglect in rural areas. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 299, 300, 363
Agricultural labour merits special attention… considering the many problems that need to be met in the context of an ever more globalized economy as well as its growing significance in safeguarding the natural environment. Radical and urgent changes are therefore needed in order to restore to agriculture — and to rural people — their just value as the basis for a healthy economy… Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 363, 299.
Refugees, Immigrants & Newcomers
Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided; this entails creating in countries of origin the conditions needed for a dignified life and integral development. Yet until substantial progress is made in achieving this goal, we are obliged to respect the right of all individuals to find a place that meets their basic needs and those of their families, and where they can find personal fulfilment. Our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarized by four words: welcome, protect, promote and integrate. – Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti, 129
In the modern world, where there are still grave inequalities between rich countries and poor countries, and where advances in communications quickly reduce distances, the immigration of people looking for a better life is on the increase. These people come from less privileged areas of the earth and their arrival in developed countries is often perceived as a threat to the high levels of well-being achieved thanks to decades of economic growth. In most cases, however, immigrants fill a labour need which would otherwise remain unfilled… Institutions in host countries must keep careful watch to prevent the spread of the temptation to exploit foreign labourers, denying them the same rights enjoyed by nationals, rights that are to be guaranteed to all without discrimination. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 297, 298
We are called to welcome immigrants and refugees with generosity and good will, as if they were Jesus Christ himself. Matthew, Chapter 25
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.
The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you,
and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt:
I am the Lord your God.
Lev. 19:33-34)
Christian Heritage Party of British Columbia Supporting the Marginalized
Mental Health Care
The party states that:
– increasing numbers of British Columbians are struggling with their mental health and we need to treat it like any other health issue by properly resourcing it in our public system.
– mental health care is failing at all levels, from early intervention for children and youth through to tertiary care for adults with complex psychological problems. In addition to concerns arising from the pandemic, young people are also facing compounding crises of climate change and affordability. Young people are the emerging leaders of our province and they should feel hopeful and excited about their future.
– protection of our mental health as exists for physical health begins by increasing accessibility to mental health services. Data clearly shows that lack of access to mental healthcare is most pronounced in those with lower incomes, fewer years of education, as well as among vulnerable and minority groups.
– the lack of mental health options for the majority of the population led to many problems even before COVID-19. If we are serious about building back better as a province then increasing the accessibility and affordability of mental health services needs to be a priority going forward.
– lack of access has led to our medical system becoming the de facto provider for those with mental health concerns. However, this system does not have the capacity to appropriately treat these individuals, leading them to over-utilize the medical health system because their mental health needs are not being treated.
– for many patients, even just a few appointments with a mental health professional can significantly improve mental and physical health. We need to invest in mental health services at every stage of British Columbians’ lives so that they can be supported to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
The party advocates:
– investing to build an affordable and accessible mental healthcare system where cost is not a barrier to seeking help.
– allocating $1.0 billion over a four-year cycle to address mental health care within the medical services plan. Funding should be provided for a comprehensive suite of initiatives including: (1) establishing accessible mental health treatment option s for all those struggling with anxiety or depression; (2) early intervention, youth mental health initiatives, integrated primary care specific to youth and mental health enabling families to easily navigate resources in a supportive environment; (3) community-based options for responding to those who need mental health care and their families such as Clubhouse International; and (4) enhanced counselling outreach services to work with the homeless community.
– allocating $200 million per year to invest in facilities to provide mental healthcare services and community-based centres for mental health and rehabilitation; and, accelerating capital plans for the construction of tertiary care facilities and detoxification beds; and protecting operating funding for facilities.
– developing and implementing a Loneliness Strategy.
– a public information campaign to increase awareness and provide information on where to get help.
Opioid Crisis
The party states that:
– British Columbia is in the midst of its worst overdose crisis ever. About 170 British Columbians die every month from overdoses related to the illegal and toxic drug supply. Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, over 6,000 people in B.C. have died of preventable overdose. COVID-19 has made the situation more dangerous for people who use drugs by disrupting supply sources and reducing services in place to help people remain safe. Drug policies need to support public health and be based on a compassionate and evidence-based response. Key in this approach is providing people who use drugs with adequate resources to minimize the risks of drug use and support individual and public health.
– harm reduction interventions, such as providing sterile equipment, supervised consumption services, overdose prevention sites, and naloxone are cost-effective and key to ensuring that people at risk of overdose are kept alive. Harm reduction has been proven to reduce the risks of transmissible disease, prevent overdose fatalities, reduce public disorder, and create links for people to access healthcare services and enter treatment.
– decriminalization of personal possession of drugs is a policy option that is increasingly being called for by experts. Recently called for by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, decriminalization will reduce the stigma of drug use, which creates barriers to accessing important health services. It would allow us to reduce the costs of policing and the criminal justice system, which we can reallocate into improved evidence-based treatment programs and education.
– in the face of an illegal, toxic drug supply, safe supply is a crucial intervention to keep people safe. By providing access to alternatives through physicians and nurses, safe supply helps people at risk of overdose connect with healthcare professionals and reduce the risk of overdose death.
– one of the most pressing crises of our generation has so far not received the attention and action it deserves. Through courageous, evidence-based leadership, we can change this and save lives.
The party advocates:
– scaling up safe supply beyond its current level by (1) working with the colleges of physicians and pharmacists to encourage their members to participate in existing programs; (2) funding a wider range of safe supply resources, including low-barrier ways of dispensing (e.g. dispensing machines); and (3) ongoing consultation with people who use drugs in order to create low-barrier and accessible programs.
– enhanced funding for harm reduction services and creating COVID-friendly plans to ensure people have access and don’t use alone.
– decriminalizing the simple possession of drugs through: (1) de-prioritizing policing of simple possession through implementing Dr. Bonnie Henry’s recommended amendments to the Police Act, and; (2) strongly pursuing decriminalization with the Federal government for B.C.
Indigenous Rights & Relations
The party states that:
– it believes that outstanding treaty claims must be settled equitably and quickly in order to facilitate the orderly growth and development of the province. This will involve the federal government, the provincial government and the First Nations affected by any settlement.
– it advocates honouring, with the federal government’s cooperation, existing Constitutional obligations while negotiating agreements which will be beneficial for both aboriginal and non-aboriginal British Columbians
– it insists that the Federal Government fulfill its responsibilities in carrying the cost of any negotiations and settlements
– it believes that the current Indian Act is outdated and must be replaced with more appropriate legislation
– it advocates encouraging private ownership of all existing housing on reserve lands with full property rights recognized for current residents, including case-by-case review of territorial claims outside of reserve lands
– it believes that all residents of British Columbia should be treated with equal respect under the law, equal access to services and equal opportunity for employment, education and advancement
The party has released no official statement concerning its policies on:
– the health and development of rural communities
– immigration and newcomers
Conservative Party of British Columbia Supporting the Marginalized
Mental health & addictions
The party advocates:
– re-opening and revitalizing mental health facilities, to give suffering British Columbians the help that they deserve.
– ending heroin hand-outs. Handing out heroin and other hard drugs to those suffering from addiction does not solve the problem and instead perpetuates a coercive and destructive addiction.
– ending the warehousing of the suffering. Taxpayer money should not be used to purchase hotels in residential areas and warehouse those suffering from addiction. These programs don’t work, crater property values and increase crime in the community.
– it rehabilitation, instead of “destigmatizing” hard drug use. It’s time to acknowledge the serious harm it causes to users, their families and the communities around them. Its plan would introduce voluntary and mandatory rehabilitation, giving those suffering from addiction an opportunity to get clean and rebuild their lives.
The party has released no official statement concerning its policies on:
– Indigenous rights & relations
– the health and development of rural communities
– immigration and newcomers
Green Party of British Columbia Solidarity
Among its six core principles, the party advocates:
– acknowledging that all humans have a fundamental right to health, wellbeing, and freedom
– protecting and valuing all cultures and individuals while conserving variety in the natural world
Indigenous Rights & Relations
The party states that:
– passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) was a historic step in the fight to recognize and affirm Indigenous rights. British Columbians are at
the beginning of a long journey of reconciliation and the next steps are to put the legislation into practice and apply UNDRIP to the laws of British Columbia.
– the time for lots of words is over. The provincial government needs to be sitting across the table in a good way, ready to implement and live up to what the province has committed to do.
– urgent action in specific areas is needed. On energy security, child welfare, economic development, healthcare and wild salmon we are proposing concrete first steps
The party advocates:
– ensuring that the Action Plan for implementation is adopted and supported with adequate resources. The budget for implementation will be determined once a clearer idea of the scope of work and timetable are available
– ensuring meaningful progress towards reconciliation based upon a collaborative relationship as we implement the Action Plan
– working with First Nations to ensure a pathway to energy independence, including following the BCUC’s recommendations regarding the creation of Indigenous owned utilities
– building a new focused approach to preserving and rebuilding our province’s salmon fisheries and wild salmon populations in partnership with First Nations
– expanding broad- band access to meet the basic needs of First Nations communities, and ensuring they can take part in new economic development opportunities
– moving urgently away from the colonial Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) structure by supporting indigenous-led child welfare programs in their communities that provide wraparound services and supports to help families stay healthy and together
– continuing to advance cultural competency training for existing healthcare practitioners and supporting the training of new Indigenous doctors while prioritizing opportunities to expand public healthcare services within communities, as led by Indigenous leadership.
Libertarian Party of British Columbia The party has released no official statement concerning its policies on:
– supporting the marginalized
– Indigenous rights & relations
– the health and development of rural communities
– immigration and newcomers
New Democratic Party of British Columbia Supporting the Marginalized
Mental Health and Addictions
The party states that:
– in 2023 it provided significant new investments to support the roll out of a new model of care that supports individuals dealing with addiction throughout their entire recovery journey. This model provides the full spectrum of care services ranging from withdrawal management to treatment, recovery and aftercare. Budget 2023 also expanded funding for harm reduction initiatives, prescription alternatives and crisis response teams to help save lives and respond to the toxic drug crisis.
– in its 2024 provincial budget, the party proposes investment of an additional $215 million over three years to sustain addictions treatment and recovery programs currently operating or being implemented. This funding includes:
• $117 million to continue funding over 2,200 community mental health and substance use treatment beds at over 300 health authority and community care facilities;
• $49 million to support existing harm reduction initiatives at 49 overdose prevention sites throughout the province, drug checking, and naloxone kit distribution;
• $39 million to provide continued funding for existing Peer-Assisted Care Teams and Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Teams; and,
• $10 million to support ongoing policy development and implementation for treatment and recovery programs.
– In addition to operating funding investments, the capital plan includes funding to support treatment and recovery beds. This includes work on expanding the Red Fish Healing model.
For the Disabled
The party states that:
– there are approximately 235,000 people who receive income, disability and supplementary assistance. Supplementary assistance includes the Senior’s Supplement, the Bus Pass and Transportation Supplement for persons with disabilities, and other supports such as the crisis supplement, counselling, school start-up, and other health supplements for dental, diet, and medical equipment and supplies.
– its 2024 provincial budget allocates $300 million in additional funding across the plan to support anticipated demand for these supports
Community Living
The party states that:
– the Community Living BC program provides supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities, as well as individuals who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and who need support managing daily activities.
– its 2024 provincial budget allocates $105 million in addition funding over three years to support growth in demand for clients served by Community Living BC.
Indigenous Rights & Relations
The party states that:
– in earlier budgets during its current term of office, it allocated $12 million annually in new funds to improve the maintenance of forest service roads around the Province.
– its 2024 provincial budget allocates nearly $24 million more in operating funding for four years target further maintenance enhancements for key forest service roads that serve as primary community access routes for remote First Nations, improving road safety and reliability. This includes capacity funding of $12 million for First Nations to
acquire equipment and secure training to provide opportunities to perform contracted maintenance work.
– the 2024 provincial budgets also provide an additional $8 million over three years in capital funding to support road widening and infrastructure upgrades on the forest service roads to improve their drivability.
(ANNOUNCED WITHDRAWAL FROM ELECTION) BC United (FOR REFERENCE ONLY. THE PARTY HAS ANNOUNCED ITS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ELECTION. CHECK CANDIDATE LISTING AND CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES BEFORE GOING TO THE POLL.)
Supporting the Marginalized
Mental Health & Addictions
The party advocates:
– focusing on treatment, rather than platitudes. The party states that the current government has too long overlooked treatment in favour of publicly-supplied addictive drugs, that see people locked in an endless cycle of addiction and poverty. The party proposes laser-focused treatment and recovery.
– affordable treatment. The party states that treatment should be accessible for everyone, regardless of income. It advocates elimination of user fees at publicly funded addiction recovery centres.
– providing compassionate care, including involuntary care, in appropriate cases. The party states that it is not compassionate to turn a blind eye and leave the severely mentally ill and addicted to languish on our streets with no ability to care for themselves. It advocates making compassionate involuntary treatment possible for those at risk of harming themselves or others
The party has published no official statement concerning its policies on:
– Indigenous rights & relations
– the health and development of rural communities
– immigration and newcomers
Points to Ponder Points to Ponder: Solidarity
It is always important, as Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina has said, “to listen to the voices of the suffering, to be guided by them in how we respond and to be ready to engage with them in moving forward.” (Catholic Register 18 July 2021)
1. What does it mean – to the government, to social organizations, and to individual Canadians – to listen to, and to be guided by, the voice of someone who is suffering?
2. Who, in Canada and around the world, is suffering now?
3. How can such voices be heard so that a healthy, positive, and loving response can be determined?
Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation
1. How can the provincial government and the Church work together to facilitate reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, so that all Canadians can benefit from re-establishing right-relationship?
Mental Health & Addictions
Several parties have proposed decriminalization of drug dealing and drug possession, in order to focus on the treatment of addiction as a health care issue.
1. Is it possible, by decriminalizing drug sales and drug possession, to both relieve an overburdened criminal justice system and help more individuals heal and recover from addictions? If so, what might a helpful approach look like?
2. Is it possible, through review of criminal legislation, education, and focused health care initiatives, to give individuals greater freedom to “develop their potentialities, become aware of their dignity and prepare to face their unique and individual destiny?” (quoting St. John Paul II, On the Hundredth Year (Centesimus Annus) #39
3. Is there any way to ensure that such measures are accompanied by effective mechanisms to address the root causes of and eliminate drug abuse, for example through educational initiatives at all levels of society?
4. To what extent can or should such measures be tailored to the individual human needs, desires, and weaknesses of those caught in cycles of abuse?
Refugees & Newcomers
1. What is being done, and what, if anything, should further be done to ensure that refugees and newcomers are safe, healthy, and enabled to flourish in British Columbia?
2. It seems obvious that many immigrants are attracted by one or more features of Canadian life and culture. To what extent is it possible and proper to expose immigrants to Canadian culture and expect them to embrace it?
3. If it is possible and proper to any degree, how are Canadian life and culture are to be defined, and by whom?
Northern & Rural Communities
1. What is being done, and what, if anything, should further be done to ensure vibrant, healthy rural life in British Columbia?
2. Of those measures, what should be done at the federal level? By the provinces? By businesses, residents, and civil associations in rural areas?
3. Northern areas are also of concern. What special circumstances are faced by those living in the North, and how should their needs best be assessed?