On Tuesday, I had the privilege of presenting alongside my CCCBET colleagues, Akosua Alagaratnam (First Work Ontario) and Valéry Roy (AXTRA Quebec), at the National Employment Services Association (NESA) Conference in Australia. Even though we joined virtually, the organizers made us feel like we were in the room—complete with a warm welcome and even Céline Dion playing as we were introduced.

Our session, Voices Across Canada: Innovating Public Employment Services for an Inclusive Future, shared how Canada is approaching employment services across diverse regions. We spoke about the challenges of serving multi-barriered clients, the importance of regional realities in program design, and how national coalitions like CCCBET strengthen the voice of community-based providers. 

For ASPECT members, the key takeaway is that international advocacy and collaboration matter. Canada and Australia face many of the same challenges: vast geographies, diverse populations, and systems that don’t always recognize the unique needs of smaller or remote communities. By connecting across borders, we not only exchange strategies but also build credibility for our sector at home. When governments see that these issues are shared globally—and that community-based organizations are leading solutions—it strengthens our case for evolution here in British Columbia and across Canada.

The conference also reminded me of the value of collective voice. Our research in BC on rural and remote employment services, and the impact it has already had on procurement, demonstrates that when we listen to communities and share evidence, policy begins to shift. Presenting this work internationally underscores that local voices have global relevance.

In the end, these opportunities aren’t just about speaking abroad—they’re about bringing back insights, building partnerships, and ensuring ASPECT members remain connected to the global conversation about the future of employment services.

Janet Morris-Reade
CEO