SAFECARE BC ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Empowering workplaces that provide care to create a culture of safety

Land Acknowledgement

With deep respect and gratitude, we acknowledge that SafeCare BC is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We recognize that our work extends across the province, encompassing the diverse territories of many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, each with their unique languages, cultures, and histories.

We understand that a land acknowledgement is only a starting point. We are committed to ongoing learning and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. We strive to embed principles of cultural safety, humility, and respect into all aspects of our work, particularly in our education, training, and workplace safety supports for members working within and alongside First Nations communities across British Columbia. We are dedicated to listening to and learning from Indigenous knowledge holders and communities to ensure our practices are culturally appropriate and contribute to reconciliation.

Message from the

CEO

Saleema Dhalla

CEO
SafeCare BC
As we close out 2024, we reflect on a year of resilience, collaboration, and meaningful workplace health and safety progress. This year presented challenges and opportunities, and our commitment to supporting healthcare workers remained steadfast.

One of the biggest takeaways from 2024 was the importance of adaptability. With an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we learned that innovation and agility are key to meeting the needs of our members. Whether through expanded training, new partnerships, or targeted resources, we focused on solutions that make a tangible difference.
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Message from the

Board Chair

Michele Thomson

Chair
SafeCare BC
Reflecting on 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude for the dedication, resilience, and passion of the SafeCare BC team and our members. It is always an honour to serve as Board Chair, and this year has demonstrated remarkable progress in strengthening workplace health and safety in continuing care.

One of our most significant achievements this year has been expanding our education and training programs. By offering innovative, accessible micro-learning opportunities, we have empowered even more frontline workers, leaders, and organizations to enhance workplace safety. Our commitment to engaging leadership at all levels has reinforced a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the sector.
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By the Numbers

Website
Visits
164,164
Views
users
40,523
users
Courses
Online
1,272
Enrolled
Instructor-Led
1,984
enrolled
Initiatives
Hearts and Hands
450+
Participants
Safety Den
17
Submissions
Programs
leading from the inside out
36
sessions
Tailored Outreach Program (TOP)
3
Organizations
19
JOHSC Refreshers delivered
2
New courses developed.
4,258+
Webinar views

Member Spotlight | Partnering for health and safety

An interview with Brian Dooley, MPA Society
Brian Dooley, Operations Director at MPA Society, has spent his career working to improve the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges, substance use, and housing insecurity. With a role that spans from overseeing supportive housing programs to working on strategic planning and health and safety, Brian’s days are as dynamic as the individuals he serves. What drives Brian is the mission to create services that truly address the needs of the people who depend on them.

This past year, Brian has seen some incredible changes at MPA. “We’ve built invaluable relationships that better serve our staff and the people we work with,” Brian shares. “A partnership with SafeCare BC has been an asset, helping us enhance our health and safety approach. And changes in our food service have made a significant difference for members who face food insecurity every day.” His commitment goes beyond just fulfilling his role. Brian is deeply invested in the journey of reconciliation, forging partnerships with Indigenous organizations to help guide MPA's work in this important area.

A highlight for Brian this year was MPA’s launch of its new three-year strategic plan, a project that he feels honoured to be a part of. “The process was incredibly rewarding and knowing it will have a lasting impact on MPA’s direction was a privilege,” he reflects. 
As the organization continues to grow, including the expansion of the supported rental subsidy program, Brian’s leadership empowers the staff with the tools they need to deliver the best care possible.

Brian’s motivation comes from the people around him. “I’m constantly inspired by the frontline staff and the service users,” he says. “It’s easy to stay connected because I see the growth and success of those, we serve every day.” His deep connection with both the team and the people MPA supports is what motivates him to keep going, knowing that every step forward makes a meaningful difference in their lives.

Brian’s belief in proactive health and safety has been reinforced by his partnership with SafeCare BC this year. “SafeCare BC’s resources, training, and responsiveness have made a huge difference in how we approach health and safety,” he says. “The expertise and support from the team at SafeCare BC have helped us create a more comprehensive program and empowered our staff to take ownership of safety at every level.”

At the end of the day, Brian knows that his work is about more than policies and programs. It’s about people. And in the stories of growth, connection, and resilience, Brian sees a reminder of why he’s in this field and why he’s committed to making a difference, one person at a time.

Our Work

Programs and Initiatives

Tailored Outreach Program

SafeCare BC's Tailored Outreach Program (TOP) is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering safer and healthier work environments within the continuing care sector. Since 2018, TOP has provided personalized guidance to organizations, helping them identify and address gaps in their occupational health and safety programs. 

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Leading from the Inside Out

SafeCare BC's "Leading from the Inside Out" program continued to empower healthcare leaders in 2024. With six cohorts and 36 sessions held, the program provided participants with valuable tools and insights to enhance their leadership skills and foster positive change within their workplaces.

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Leaders Forum

SafeCare BC's second annual Leaders Health and Safety Forum, held at Elim Village, brought together 68 participants to engage in critical discussions surrounding workplace safety. Leaders to identified challenges and brainstorm solutions in three key areas: physical safety, psychological health and safety, and workplace culture. .

Watch the video >
2
CITIES
450+
Participants
10
Presenters

Hearts and Hand Conference

The ninth annual Hearts and Hands conferences in Langley and Nanaimo on October 2nd and 4th, respectively, marked a significant milestone as Nanaimo became a first-time host city. Guided by the principles of celebrating healthcare assistants, providing them with workplace safety and health tools, and inspiring them, the conferences proved highly successful.
Langley
Nanaimo
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9th

ANNUAL

3rd Annual Support Services Day

On September 16th, SafeCare BC proudly hosted its third annual Support Services Appreciation Day, a dedicated occasion to recognize the invaluable contributions of support services staff. Often working behind the scenes, these individuals play a vital role in the care team, and this day serves as a platform to express our sincere gratitude.

This year's celebration saw a record-breaking 20 submissions, a significant increase from 15 in 2023, showcasing the growing recognition of this initiative. Through heartfelt text, compelling photos, engaging videos, and a touching slideshow, these submissions vividly highlighted the diverse and essential work performed by support staff, each focusing on the impact of an individual or group. The consistent growth of Support Services Appreciation Day underscores its increasing importance within the sector.
The special Support Services Appreciation Day eNews garnered significant engagement, with 833 opens, demonstrating widespread interest in the celebration. Furthermore, SafeCare BC representatives visited Elim Village and Broadway Lodge to engage in meaningful conversations with managers about the critical role of support services staff.

The submissions were filled with powerful testimonials, revealing the profound impact of these dedicated individuals. Sidney All Care Residence acknowledged, "You are the backbone of our community, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes and always doing so with a smile." Louis Brier Home and Hospital emphasized their critical role in staffing, stating, "Every day they go above and beyond to fill shifts and keep our units staffed. It's a stressful job and often thankless but we couldn't provide care without them." Kaigo Senior Living further highlighted their essential contribution, noting, "These folks go unnoticed a lot of the time as they go quietly about their workday BUT they are essential to providing excellence in care." These testimonials eloquently captured the spirit of Support Services Appreciation Day, celebrating the dedication and contributions of these indispensable members of the care community.

10-year Anniversary

SafeCare BC embarked on a series of Road Shows to connect with and celebrate the continuing care sector, hosting three engaging, 90-minute coffee-break-style events across the province. These gatherings, held at Nicola Lodge in Port Coquitlam, Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion in Victoria, and Brandt's Creek Mews in Kelowna, aimed to raise awareness of SafeCare BC's services and educational offerings. 

Attendees enjoyed refreshments, including coffee, donuts, and snacks, while viewing a heartfelt thank-you video narrated by Saleema Dhalla. Participants also received take-home materials and prizes, fostering appreciation and connection. The Road Shows drew over 100 attendees, demonstrating a strong interest in SafeCare BC's initiatives.
In addition to the Road Shows, SafeCare BC marked its 10th Anniversary with a special in-person event held at the SafeCare BC Training Centre on September 12th, 2024. This three-hour celebration brought together past and present staff members, board members, and former CEOs of SafeCare BC and BCCare Providers, providing a platform for networking and reflection. Guests enjoyed a selection of appetizers, snacks, and beverages, including custom SafeCare logo-colored soda and wine. A highlight of the event was the presentation of a custom cake, which Saleema Dhalla cut for a commemorative photo. 

The centrepiece of the celebration was the premiere of a 10th Anniversary documentary created by the Communications team. The documentary featured interviews with current and former staff and key figures, including Ken, Saleema, Anna, Zach, Michele Thomson, Jennifer Lyle, Daniel Fontaine, and Jennifer LeSage, chronicling SafeCare BC's decade-long commitment to health and safety in the continuing care sector. The documentary was met with enthusiastic praise, leaving attendees inspired by the organization's dedication and achievements.

Facilitators Program

SafeCare BC extends its reach across British Columbia through a network of skilled facilitators strategically positioned on the Island, in the Interior, and throughout the Mainland. This dispersed team enables us to deliver crucial training to a broader audience within the continuing care sector.

The Peer Facilitator Program further enhances our training capabilities by empowering organizations to develop internal expertise in health and safety. By training and supporting their colleagues, these Peer Facilitators become invaluable resources. They ensure that essential safety protocols are effectively disseminated and implemented directly within their workplaces, thereby strengthening sector-wide safety practices.

Satellite Training Centres

To extend the reach and impact of our health and safety education, we have established strategic partnerships across the province, resulting in a network of Satellite Training Centres. These collaborations are pivotal in expanding training capacity and ensuring regional accessibility. Specifically, these partnerships enable us to deliver in-person educational opportunities, fostering a safety culture throughout British Columbia.

Beyond enhancing our capabilities, these partnerships significantly benefit the Satellite Training Centres.
Learn more >

Care for Caregivers

Fueling the well-being of those who care, SafeCare BC's Care for Caregivers program delivered a diverse lineup of mental health webinars in 2024. We hosted 25 dynamic webinars that tackled crucial mental health topics head-on. From demystifying neurodiversity to mastering stress management and navigating workplace challenges, we equipped caregivers with practical tools for resilience.

Registrations soared to 4,155, with over 2,000 live attendees and 4,200+ total views. This year, "Understanding and Coping with Stress" emerged as the most popular webinar, captivating audiences with timely insights. Hot on its heels, "Neurodiversity - Thriving in the Workplace Jungle" sparked crucial dialogue, proving that SafeCare BC is committed to addressing the diverse needs of caregivers.

Safety Den

Safety Den 2024, held on May 27th in Whistler, marked a significant evolution for this innovative showcase. This year, the event introduced a revised format, designed to enhance the experience for both participants and attendees. A key change involved the healthcare finalists, who, instead of live presentations, collaborated to produce compelling videos demonstrating their innovations. This ensured a level playing field for all three finalists, while still requiring them to engage in a live question-and-answer session with the panel of judges. 

Additionally, a highly anticipated "people's choice award" was introduced, responding directly to feedback from previous years. The top prize for the winning innovation was also doubled to $2,000.

The event garnered considerable interest, with 17 submissions received: 12 in the healthcare category and 5 in the commercial sector. The healthcare finalists presented a diverse array of impactful projects.
Learn more >

Get Psyched!

In 2024, SafeCare BC launched "Get Psyched!" as a dynamic companion to its established "12 Months of Safety" campaign. While "12 Months of Safety" provides comprehensive resources for overall workplace safety, "Get Psyched!" addresses explicitly the critical realm of psychological health and safety.

This initiative unfolded throughout the year, each month dedicated to a distinct psychological health and safety factor. Topics ranged from fostering a positive organizational culture to the importance of effective leadership communication and the impact of reward and recognition systems.

"Get Psyched!" was prominently featured across multiple platforms to maximize its reach. The campaign enjoyed prime placement on the SafeCare BC website homepage and within a dedicated new safety topic section. It was also actively promoted through the organization's social media channels. Furthermore, the "Health and Safety Matters" eNews featured a special mental health-focused edition during the fourth week of each month, ensuring consistent and targeted information delivery.

Our Education

Workshops and eLearning

  • "Ana and Kajal were very helpful and patient with us. They are always there to help and to answer any questions we have. They made sure that we understood and we did all the exercises well. We had rich conversations and they are so great in navigating our answers so that we can have a meaningful discussion."
  • "My experience with the facilitator was outstanding. They demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise in the subject matter, delivering the content in a clear and engaging manner. The facilitator was always well-prepared and approachable, creating an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and receiving support. Their commitment to helping us succeed was evident, and their guidance played a significant role in making the learning experience both enjoyable and effective."
  • "Very knowledgeable about what they were presenting and able to make the class feel safe in sharing their personal experiences to relate to the coursework."
  • "I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would be eager to participate in future sessions. I greatly appreciate the purpose behind the course and the thoughtful approach to both the content and delivery. The structure and quality of the course have made a significant impact on my learning, and I value the opportunity it provided for both personal and professional growth."

Care and Connection on the Dementia Journey

In 2024, SafeCare BC significantly enhanced its "Care and Connection on the Dementia Journey" eLearning course, expanding it from two to six modules in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of BC. Our partners at the Alzheimer Society provided invaluable subject matter expertise and participated in promotional interviews, ensuring course content was informative and engaging.

Recognizing the importance of this resource for our members, we launched the course free of charge in March and again in August and September. Generous grant funding from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation made this open access possible.

The impact of "Care and Connection on the Dementia Journey" is evident in its popularity and participant feedback. With 641 enrollments, it was our most sought-after eLearning course this year. Furthermore, 97% of those who completed the course rated it "excellent" or "good," and 98% indicated they would apply what they learned in their workplace.

Here's what some learners shared:

  • "So far, this has been the most informative course I have taken on dementia."
  • "The course takes me into a deeper, holistic understanding of what dementia patients have been going through..."
  • "The characteristics of person-centered care... could help care workers understand their patients/residents with empathy."
  • "As a person with limited understanding on the subject, I found it easy to follow and gained good insights..."

These testimonials underscore the course's effectiveness in providing valuable knowledge and practical skills to those caring for individuals with dementia.

For Shannon Sproate, safety is more than a checklist. In her eyes, it's a commitment to the people who walk through the doors of AgeCare's homes every day. As the Occupational Health and Safety Manager for AgeCare, she sees firsthand how small, everyday actions can prevent injuries, build trust, and create workplaces where staff feel supported and residents feel secure.

This past year, Shannon's dedication to safety has only grown stronger. She's been at the forefront of improving training, strengthening risk assessments, and finding ways to prevent incidents before they happen. And it's making a real difference; employees are more engaged, and workplace incidents have decreased. But what means the most to her are the conversations with frontline workers who feel safer, more supported, and more confident in their roles.

One of Shannon's biggest challenges has been keeping up with changing safety regulations while ensuring resident care stays the top priority. It's a tricky balance, but she's tackled it by focusing on clear communication and teamwork. By collaborating closely with leadership, she's been able to turn these challenges into chances for growth, making safety a mindset that's part of the daily routine.

This year's defining moment for Shannon was seeing her team's training and preparation come to life during an emergency event. Afterward, staff gathered to debrief and reflect on how their training helped them stay calm and respond effectively. That moment reinforced everything Shannon believes in – that safety is about people being prepared, confident, and ready to support each other when it counts.

Shannon looks back at how far her team has come and credits SafeCare BC as an invaluable partner in making it all possible. She recalls the "educational materials, workshops, and best practices have helped us enhance our approach to injury prevention and workplace safety." She acknowledges how these contributions have been a driving force in their continued success, allowing them to grow and adapt with confidence.

For Shannon, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing employees take ownership of safety. When staff step up with ideas, support one another, and make safety second nature, she knows real change is happening. Accepting accountability and uniting creates a strong safety culture from the inside out. That's when real progress is made, and the future starts to look completely different.
  • "I’ve been a member of SafeCare BC since 2016. It has enhanced my work place safety and knowledge and I greatly appreciate The education that is offered."
  • "Thank you for all your support."
  • "I had the pleasure of attending the conference a couple of weeks ago, and it was highly informative and provided much hope moving forward. We are very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your organization and have access to your knowledge and expertise."
  • "Thank you for all the safety and knowledge that you bring/provide us with. Thank you for recognizing the work that care providers do each and every day. "

Listening to the Sector 

2024 Member Survey Highlights

Our 2024 Member Survey revealed that SafeCare BC has significantly improved health and safety in the continuing care sector. With a record 1,300 responses, the survey highlighted the impact of our education, resources, and support, while also identifying key areas for future focus, such as mental health and resource availability.
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Our Leadership

At SafeCare BC, we are incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers who generously donate their time and expertise. Their contributions are essential in supporting our members and solidifying our position as a leader in health and safety within the continuing care industry. We sincerely appreciate their commitment to our mission.

Our volunteer Board of Directors comprises industry leaders, union representatives from the long-term care, home care, community care, and support sectors, and representatives from WorkSafeBC. As outlined in our bylaws, these individuals provide diverse perspectives and regional representation, ensuring we effectively serve the needs of the continuing care industry throughout British Columbia.

Board of Directors

Michele Thomson
Chair, Buron Health
Kathrin McMath
Board Treasurer, The Broadway Group
Sharon Cook
Park Place (Professional Medical/Legal Rep)
Lynn Bueckert
Hospital Employees Union (Employee Rep – Union)
Mahen Ramdharry
B.C. General Employees' Union (Employee Rep – Union)
Danny Birch
Hero Home Care (Human Resources Services Rep.)
Robert Breen
Denominational Health Association (industry Association Rep)
Noreen Donnelly
Bayshore (Employer - Home Care)
Cheri Heywood
Bayshore Home Health (At Large Director, Frontline Worker – Home Care)
Tricia Gueulette
Beacon (Employer - Home and Community Care)
Tonya Neufeld
Menno (Frontline Worker – Long-Term Care)
Dr. Khairun Jivani
AgeCare (Employer Long-term Care)
Loren Tisdelle
Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Human Resources Representative, non-voting)
Kris Coventry
Trillium Communities (Board Representative – Assisted Living/Independent Living, non-voting)
Saleema Dhalla
SafeCare BC CEO (ex-officio)
Terry Lake
BC Care Providers Association (ex-officio)
Denise Subotin
WorkSafeBC (ex-officio)

Technical Advisory Committee

Loren Tisdelle
Louis Brier Home and Hospital (Chair)
Rekha Vashisht
BC Nurses' Union
Christine Shearer
Baptist Housing
Patricia Giesbrecht
Cascades
Laura Faccone
Hospital Employees' Union
Doug Kinna
B.C. General Employees' Union
Anne Bull
Hospital Employees' Union
Ethan Martin
Comfort Keepers
Brian Campbell
B.C. General Employees' Union
Shannon Coco
Buron Health
Daryl Denise Davidson
WorkSafeBC (ex-officio)
Anna Richter
SafeCare BC (ex-officio)
Sheila Fauman
SafeCare BC (ex-officio)
Jennifer Derksen
SafeCare BC (ex-officio)
Saleema Dhalla
SafeCare BC CEO (ex-officio)

Frontline Communications Working Group

Bryan Gay
Menno Place
Tonya Neufeld
Menno Place
Lynn Morran
Rosewood Village
Phil LeVesconte
Golden Life Management
Zach Butler
SafeCare BC

Partners

Saleema Dhalla
CEO
Ken Donohue
SENIOR DIRECTOR, INNOVATION
AND PARTNERSHIPS
Anna Richter
DIRECTOR, WORKPLACE HEALTH
AND SAFETY PROGRAMS
Lisa Thibault
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Mark Ryan
MANAGER, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Carissa Zargar
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Zach Butler
COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Khalida Braid
WORKPLACE PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COACH
Jennifer Derksen
MANAGER, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 
Kajal Hajirakar
EDUCATION LEAD
Dan Keen
MULTIMEDIA AND CONTENT CONSULTANT
Pavan Bal
MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR

Our Team

Lisa Thibault

Director of Communication

Ken Donohue

Senior Director, Innovation and Partnerships

Anna Richter

Director, Workplace Health and Safety Programs

Zach Butler

Communications Lead

Jennifer Derksen

Manager, Occupational Health and Safety

Mark Ryan

Manager, Education and Training

Pavan Bal

Member Services Coordinator

Carissa Zargar

Communications Specialist

Ashifa Tharani

Operations Advisor

Kajal Hajirakar

Education Lead

Dan Keen

Content and Social Media Lead

Lysa Aguila

Executive Assistant and Board Secretariat

Jaimie Topp

Learning and Development Specialist

Sheila Fauman

Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Coach

Cora Schupp

Finance Manager

Arpan Grewal

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Shaping the Future: 2025 in Focus

Saleema Dhalla

CEO
SafeCare BC

2024 reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in tackling our sector's challenges. As we move into 2025, we are setting our sights on a more significant impact.

  • Expanding our reach – We will continue to grow our education and training programs, ensuring healthcare workers at all levels have access to practical, evidence-based learning opportunities.
  • Strengthening psychological health and safety – Building on this year's momentum, we will work with sector leaders to embed psychological safety as a core pillar of workplace culture.
  • Enhancing data-driven decision-making – With a focus on measurable outcomes, we will leverage insights to refine our programs, improve workplace safety, and demonstrate the value of prevention.
  • Deepening engagement and partnerships – Collaboration remains key. We will continue working with government agencies, industry leaders, and frontline workers to drive system-wide improvements.
  • Advocating for a safer future – We will champion policies and initiatives that prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, ensuring workplace safety remains at the forefront of industry discussions.

The challenges in healthcare are evolving, but so are we. With a strong foundation, dedicated members, and a shared commitment to safety, 2025 will be another year of progress, innovation, and impact.

Safe, healthy, injury free workplaces.

We empower workplaces that provide care to create a culture of safety through evidence-based education, advocacy for safer workplaces, leadership, and collaboration.
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