At 2 pm today, a heavy sigh of relief will be heard from some of our members as the Employment Program of BC request for proposal closes. Still, many more of our members, are in the thick of proposal-writing with the call for proposal for the Skills Training for Employment for Young Adults released last week and the Community Workforce Response CRP expected on Monday. You might be looking for a happy news distraction so here's what was confirmed this week for the  ASPECT Conference.
 

The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia will be presenting the David Hutson Leadership Award and the ASPECT Organization of the Year Award at Friday's lunch. As many of you know, her honour is a longtime advocate for social change and is the former CEO of the Metro Vancouver YWCA. She will also speak briefly about stepping into her leadership role as Lieutenant Governor.

Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Honourable Shane Simpson, will also be speaking at lunch on Friday. We are delighted that Minister Simpson will be back this year as we hope he will have more information about the Poverty Reduction Plan for BC. I know many of our members were a part of the consultations and some of you stood on the advisory committee. 

In addition to these very special guests, we have confirmed some inspiring speakers this year and, along with good food and a comfortable venue, there'll be lots of networking opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there!

Janet Morris-Reade