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Independent Living Update – April 2025
Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) update
In response to growing concerns surrounding the RTA and its impact on independent living, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) has coordinated consultations between six providers (3 not-for-profit and 3 for-profit) and the Ministry of Housing which were completed last week. The next phase of the consultation process will be a roundtable discussion on April 10th. We hope to inform proposed new legislation that would address the unique needs of this part of the housing sector.
Other provinces, such as Alberta and Ontario, have specific legislation recognizing that residents of independent living have chosen a supportive environment with services such as dining, recreation, housekeeping, and some personal support services—amenities not typically found in regular multi-family apartments.
The Advocacy Committee is working hard with staff to formulate a strategy as we engage with the Ministry of Housing on a response to the ambiguity and unfairness of recent Residential Tenancy Board decisions on applicability of the RTA to independent living.
Impacts of tariffs
As Canada faces the impact of tariffs, discussions continue around the potential impact on the senior living sector. While yesterday's tariff announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump did not confirm any direct measures for Canada, there are areas of potential risk, including pharmaceuticals, supplements, food, and building supplies.
BCCPA has submitted to the federal consultation process regarding retaliatory tariffs, advocating for the exclusion of products relevant to senior living and continuing care (e.g., plastic gloves, incontinence products, etc.).
We are currently awaiting developments about future retaliatory tariffs from Ottawa and will provide updates as they arise.
Tuesdays with Terry – April 8 | 2 -3 PM
Hear from BCCPA's CEO, Terry Lake, who will share timely updates from across the sector and the Association. Register here.
SenbriGe West Conference | Vancouver | April 30 – May 1, 2025
BCCPA will be attending the SenbriGe West Conference later this month as proud sponsor of the event’s Property Tour of Sunrise of Killarney, as well as presenting an engaging session on the RTA.
We invite you to join us to connect, learn, and shape the future of senior living! Register here.
48th Annual Conference
Join BCCPA for the 48th Annual Conference, returning to the Victoria Conference Centre on June 1-3, 2025. Centered around the theme of 'Changes,' this event will explore the changing landscape of the senior living sector, including the following sessions.
Hammer Time: The ROI of Senior Living Renovations
Exploring Implementation of New Technologies in Independent Living
Building & Financing New Supply of Seniors/Long Term Care Housing
RTA Roundtable: The RTA’s Impact on the Seniors Living Sector
Register here today!
Take BCCPA’s Health Human Resources survey
Staffing shortages and recruitment challenges remain one of the biggest issues facing the senior living and care sector. BCCPA is gathering insights from independent living providers to better understand workforce challenges and advocate for meaningful solutions.
Your input will help:
- Identify the most pressing recruitment and retention issues
- Strengthen our advocacy efforts to push for policy changes
- Help shape our healthcare education training programs
Click here to access the survey.
As a token of our appreciation, participants will be entered into a draw for $50 gift cards!
For questions, contact us at policy@bccare.ca. The survey will close on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Canadian Senior Living Association’s Federal Election Toolkit
With the federal election campaign underway, the Canadian Senior Living Association (CSLA) has developed a toolkit to support your engagement with local candidates. It includes key messaging, a list of priorities, a questionnaire for candidates, and guidance on access to buildings.
We encourage you to invite local candidates into your residences to learn about your operations, engage with your residents and highlight key priorities for senior living communities across Canada.
Access the toolkit here to support your advocacy efforts.
