Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Summary
- The Province, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is expanding Community-Based Employment Services to 16 additional communities throughout B.C.
- An $18.6-million investment over two years will help as many as 2,680 more people access low-barrier, community-based employment supports
- As part of B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, services are delivered by local organizations and tailored to support people facing complex barriers to employment
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More people facing complex barriers will have greater access to personalized, community-based employment opportunities with an expansion of wraparound services to 16 additional communities throughout B.C.
With support from the Canada-B.C. Workforce Development Agreement, the Province is investing $18.6 million over two years to expand Community-Based Employment Services, which is expected to serve as many as 2,680 people.
“People say they feel better and are better off when they have a job and community connections,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “That is why we’re reducing barriers for those who can work, while continuing to support those who cannot. Today, we are expanding Community-Based Employment Services to reach more people across B.C. on their path to work.”
These services use outreach and flexible timelines to help people gain stability, confidence and take steps to get a job.
Communities across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Interior and the North, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Prince Rupert, Fort St. John and Williams Lake, will have more access to these services.
Helping people prepare for work through community-based supports
Community-Based Employment Services are designed for people who are difficult to reach with traditional types of employment services. Building on what was learned through a pilot program launched in 2024, these services are delivered by trusted local organizations using trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches.
“Being part of the program really helped me turn things around,” said Cody Parent, a CBES participant from Surrey. “When I started, I needed support, structure and help getting my life back on track. The team was there for me from the beginning and supported me the whole way through.”
Supports include:
- outreach and engagement in community settings
- navigation to wraparound supports, such as housing, health and income assistance
- coaching, mentorship and skills development
- training access, certifications and work-experience opportunities
The program is part of B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, which focuses on co-ordinated action across government to improve affordability, strengthen income supports and create pathways out of poverty, including through employment and skills training.
The Province also tabled B.C.’s 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Report in the provincial legislature on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The report outlines the progress under the renewed 10-year plan, highlighting the role of housing, income supports and employment services in helping people build long-term stability amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
In addition to Community-Based Employment Services, WorkBC centres continue to provide a wide range of employment services, including assistive technology to support people with disabilities, and specialized training for people who are under-represented in the workforce.
Quote:
Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario –
“In the face of ongoing external pressures affecting key sectors, no worker will be left behind. By partnering with British Columbia and working alongside local organizations, we are creating inclusive pathways to employment across the country that will empower those facing complex barriers and ensure they receive the tailored support they need to succeed. This will build a robust economy that provides career opportunities to all Canadians, across generations.”
Quick Facts:
- Despite rising housing and food costs, the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Report shows overall poverty in B.C. is down nearly 30%, and child poverty is down more than one-third since the 2016 benchmark.
- Since 2016, 161,000 fewer people in B.C., including nearly 50,000 children, are living in poverty, according to the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Report.
Learn More:
- To read the 2024 B.C. Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Report, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/poverty-reduction-strategy
- For WorkBC services, visit: https://www.workbc.ca
A backgrounder follows.
