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BC is officially in an election period, and I’ve had a few conversations lately about what that actually means for our members.
When the writs were issued on September 22, the provincial government entered what is often called the caretaker period, or interregnum. During this time, major new policy decisions, announcements and commitments that could bind an incoming government are generally deferred, while the day-to-day work of government continues.
For members currently working through one of the many procurements underway, the important thing to know is that, at the time of writing, we are not aware of any changes to current procurement schedules. Existing processes and formal tools remain available, including the inquiry process through BC Bid, which organizations are encouraged to use.
Members involved with procurement will continue working from the information currently available and making the operational decisions they need to make — around people and partnerships, as well as essential considerations such as leases, budgeting and administration. They can also continue the very large task of preparing their procurement submissions and submitting procurement questions through the formal BC Bid inquiry process.
For all members, ASPECT is also offering professional development opportunities this October for those looking to build their team’s capacity. Our next CDP Bootcamp, offered in partnership with Life Strategies, begins October 5.
There are, of course, some things we simply won’t know until the election is complete and the next steps are clear.
Key dates
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September 22 — Provincial election called
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October 3 — Provincial candidate nominations close
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October 16–21 — Provincial advance voting
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October 17 — Municipal - B.C. General Local Elections & Initial Results
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October 24 — Provincial Final Voting Day
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November 6–10 — Planned provincial final count
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November 18 — Provincial Return Day
Whether an election is provincial or municipal, the communities around it don’t stop moving. And while the provincial government is in caretaker mode, our members, their clients, employers and communities are not.
People still need help finding work, navigating career changes and accessing training. Employers are still hiring, adapting and looking for the skills they need. And our members continue connecting all of those pieces. That is an important part of the economic role of community-based employment services. The work happens close to people and employers, which means it doesn’t pause when the larger systems around it change.
ASPECT keeps moving too. We continue working with our colleagues across Canada through CCCBET on federal advocacy, helping to make sure the role of community-based employment services remains part of the conversation. We are also preparing for our Conference in November and our presentation at CANNEXUS in January.
We will make a few small adjustments to our November 19 & 20 Conference schedule because of the election and will share those directly with participants.
As always, we’ll keep sharing what we know, asking questions where we don’t have answers, and doing the work in front of us.
With appreciation,
Jennifer Nichol
Interim CEO
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