BC Budget 2025: YMCA supports continued investment in mental health services for young people, sees further opportunities to address social infrastructure and access to affordable child care
March 5th, 2025 (Greater Vancouver, Northern BC, Kamloops, BC) - Responding to the Province of British Columbia’s 2025 Budget released Tuesday, YMCA BC recognizes the significant economic challenges facing the province and welcomes the continued investment in core public services that British Columbians rely on. As the government looks for efficient ways to deliver services, community-focused organizations like the YMCA stand ready to work in partnership.
“Non-profits like the YMCA are ready to work together with the government to support British Columbians as our province faces stiff economic headwinds,” said Heidi Worthington, President and CEO, YMCA BC. “Whether collaborating with government to provide more families with much-needed access to affordable and quality child care, helping young people overcome barriers to employment, or easing pressure on health services by improving peoples’ physical, mental, and social well-being, the Y is committed to enabling everyone in our communities to have equitable access to healthier outcomes.”
The province has downgraded its estimates for possible job losses due to the impact of tariffs, which is positive, but uncertainty remains. Young people are often hit the hardest during periods of economic downturn and with recent reductions in federal funding for youth-facing services, the government should consider how the contingency funds set aside in this budget could best to support this group.
Continued investments in mental health services for young people are a welcome sight in the budget. YMCA BC knows the critical role these early intervention services play in reducing the pressure on the health system over the longer term and believes that additional investments in prevention will help our health budget stretch further.
YMCA BC hoped to see a renewed commitment to early learning and child care funding to build on the success of ChildCareBC and accelerate work to deliver high-quality and affordable care for all. We remain committed to working with the government to develop a strong workforce, a sustainable funding model, and to strengthening the school-age child care system.
This budget contains needed capital investments for schools, hospitals, and transportation, which will help create jobs and opportunities. However, communities also need social infrastructure to thrive—spaces for recreation, child care, employment training, newcomer services, and for youth to come together. It’s vital that organizations who provide these spaces and community services, like the YMCA, can access infrastructure funding to ensure they can be repaired and remain open and accessible.
“YMCA BC looks forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to identify ways to build a British Columbia that is healthy, equitable, affordable, and a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” said Worthington.
About YMCA BC By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John. As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and newcomer supports. At our core, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. YMCA BC collaborates with YMCA-YWCA Vancouver Island and YMCA Southern Interior on provincial initiatives, valuing the strong partnership with these associations. Learn more at bc.ymca.ca.
Media Contact: Oliver Lam Director, Marketing and Communications, YMCA BC oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca
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Six in Ten Canadians Surveyed Have Little or No Sense of Community, New YMCA Research Reveals
YMCA Highlights Canadian Social Isolation and Offers Connection Through Community Programs
Vancouver, September 24, 2024 - A new survey commissioned by YMCA Canada and the YMCA of Greater Toronto, conducted among Angus Reid Forum members, reveals that a staggering 60% of Canadians feel disconnected from their community, with 16% reporting they never feel a sense of community and 44% experiencing it only sometimes.
The survey, launched alongside the YMCA’s first nationwide brand awareness campaign, highlights the state of social connections in Canada.
Combatting Loneliness in a Fragmented Society
The survey revealed that feelings of disconnection are particularly acute among Canadians under 55, with 68% of 18 to 34-year-olds and 64% of 25 to 54-year-olds feeling a lack of belonging. These feelings were most pronounced among the unemployed, with a striking 76% feeling disconnected from their communities. However, the survey also uncovered solutions among those who feel a stronger sense of connection. Key factors contributing to a feeling of belonging include:
Spending less time on electronic devices
Engaging in extracurricular activities that foster community involvement
Interacting with others outside of work or school at least twice a week
“The YMCA has long been a trusted community partner,” said Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO, YMCA Canada. “In cities and towns across Canada, the YMCA is a lifeline for many. YMCAs provide inclusive spaces and programs where people, regardless of background or income, can find community, build relationships, and shine. At a time when so many feel they don’t always belong, the Y offers opportunities for people to make meaningful social connections.”
Young People and Children Hit Hard by Isolation
The survey also highlights a significant issue among younger Canadians and children. According to the data, the average Canadian spends three hours a day on their phone, with younger Canadians (18-34) averaging nearly four hours. When asked which phone activities felt most isolating, 58% cited social media scrolling, with 71% of 18-34-year-olds reporting that it heightens feelings of isolation.
What’s more, nearly one-third of parents surveyed report that their children express feelings of isolation, and almost half (49%) say their kids rely more on online interactions than in-person ones.
The YMCA offers tailored programs for youth and families that focus on real-world skills, physical activity, and social connections.
"At YMCA BC, we are committed to creating inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can come together and build lasting connections," said Heidi Worthington, President and CEO at YMCA BC. "This research highlights the critical need for more opportunities to foster community and belonging across British Columbia and how equitable access leads to healthier outcomes. Through our wide range of accessible programs—whether it’s sports, youth leadership, camps, or employment services—we create spaces where everyone, regardless of income or background, can connect in ways that foster well-being.”
Income Inequality: A Challenge for Social Engagement In addition to age and screen time, the survey reveals that income plays a significant role in Canadians’ ability to maintain social connections. Among employed Canadians and students, 64% of those earning over $100,000 annually report seeing people five to seven times a week, while 43% of Canadians interact with others outside of work or school only two days a week or less.
For lower-income Canadians, the struggle is even more pronounced. Only 28% of those earning below $50,000 annually experience social interactions 5-7 times per week compared to 42% of higher earners. The YMCA’s affordable programs, coupled with financial assistance, provide a crucial bridge for those facing economic barriers, ensuring everyone can engage with their community, regardless of their financial situation.
Third Places Offer Community
The survey highlights the value of "third places"—community spaces outside home or work. While 36% of Canadians report not having one, those who do have a third place report higher levels of belonging and connection to their community, with parks and outdoor spaces being the most popular. Even those without a third place recognize its importance:
91% say they help build strong communities
89% believe they boost well-being
85% feel they improve quality of life
84% agree they foster belonging
As winter approaches, YMCA Centres of Community aim to fill this gap, providing welcoming spaces for connection and mental and physical health.
To learn more about the national YMCA campaign, visit campaign2024.ymca.ca.
About YMCA Canada
The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA’s commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging.
The YMCA in Canada is comprised of 37 YMCA Member Associations, supported by YMCA Canada, the national office, working together so all Canadians can shine on.
For more information, please visit ymca.ca
About YMCA BC
By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 2,500 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John. As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and newcomer supports. At our core, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. YMCA BC collaborates with YMCA-YWCA Vancouver Island and YMCA Southern Interior on provincial initiatives, valuing the strong partnership with these associations. Learn more at bc.ymca.ca.
About the Survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by YMCA from August 29 to September 3, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,501 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Contacts:
YMCA BC: Oliver Lam, t: 604.320.5820, c: 778.227.7170, oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca
YMCA BC Offers Free Access to Facilities for Those Affected by Wildfires
June 24, 2024, British Columbia
In response to the devastating wildfires affecting communities across British Columbia, YMCA BC is opening its doors to those in need. Effective immediately, individuals and families impacted by the wildfires will have free access to YMCA BC Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centres located in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kamloops and Prince George.
As wildfires continue to disrupt lives and displace residents, YMCA BC stands committed in supporting our communities. We recognize the challenges and stress that come with catastrophic events, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to connect with others and stay active during this difficult time.
YMCA BC offers a range of facilities and programs to help those affected by the wildfires, including:
• Fitness and Wellness Centres: Access to showers, gyms, swimming pools, and drop-in programs and fitness classes to help maintain physical health and well-being.
• Drop-in Programs: Safe and engaging activities including drop-in gyms, indoor playgrounds and giving families a chance to relax or workout while at the YMCA.
• Community Spaces: Comfortable areas to relax, connect with others, and find respite from the ongoing crisis.
"Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the wildfires," said Heidi Worthington, President & CEO of YMCA BC. "The YMCA has always been a vital part of our communities' health and wellness. In times like these, it's more important than ever for us to come together and provide the necessary resources and support to help our neighbours get through these challenging times."
How to Access YMCA Facilities
For more information on YMCA BC’s wildfire support initiatives, please visit gv.ymca.ca/ymca-bc-wildfire-support
February 27, 2024 - Vancouver, BC
In reviewing the Province of British Columbia’s 2024 budget released Thursday, YMCA BC is encouraged to see the government’s continued commitment to affordability measures and addressing the housing crisis. The YMCA sees firsthand the challenges that individuals and families face to make ends meet, as well as the resulting impacts upon their health and well-being.
Withthe anticipated growth of BC’s population, the construction of housing must be complemented by social infrastructure. While this budget contains significant capital spending for schools, hospitals, and transportation, investment in community social infrastructure is insufficient for communities to thrive. Examples include child care, employment and training programs, supports for newcomers to Canada, and programs focused on physical and mental wellness. Perhaps most importantly, people living in British Columbia also need safe community spaces that providesupport and a feeling of belonging.
“In order for children, individuals and families to thrive, access to support services, assistance and programs are crucial,” said YMCA BC President & CEO Heidi Worthington. “YMCA BC is proud to offermany of these key services, such as child care, mental health, employment and newcomer services, many in safe and welcoming community spaces. There are significant opportunities to increase the number of meaningful partnerships with all levels of government that would enhance or expand supports to benefiteven more British Columbians across all regions of the province.”
The YMCA was hopeful that the budget announcement would include a renewedcommitment to early learning and child care funding. There are unique needs for school-age child care and a wage grid to support workforce recruitment and retention in this sector.The YMCA would like to see clear direction from the government to support effective partnerships between school districts and non-profit providers in the delivery of high-quality child care on school grounds.The Y believes that the governmentremains committed to early learning andchild care, and we will continue our collaborative efforts to support a high quality and accessiblechild care system.
Investments in health care and mental-health treatment remain a priority in this budget.However, there is a missed opportunity to support and expand access to innovative programs that alleviate strain upon our health care system.From early-intervention, low-barrier mentalwellness programs for youth, to fall prevention and chronicdisease management programs for seniors, thepotential exists for community organizations like YMCA BC to scale up our impact in health equity and health promotion.
“We endeavour to provide the assistance and tools people need to take charge of their personal wellness, and that of their families,” said Worthington. “With YMCA BC’s expertise in this area, we are well positioned to champion furtherprogramming that supports the health journeys of people across our province with government investment, particularly those with increased barriers to health and wellness.”
YMCA BC will continue to work with the provincial government to highlight issues of importance in our communities and identify ways to make British Columbia healthy, equitable, affordable, and a place where everyone feels a sense of safety and belonging.
October 11, 2023
Based in Prince George, Saxena is engaged in multiple business enterprises and not-for-profit organizations throughout British Columbia. He also has previous experience in YMCA governance, having served on the YMCA of Northern BC Board of Directors in 2021 and 2022.
"It is with great excitement that the Board welcomes Sagar Saxena as a new Director." said YMCA BC board Chair Greg D'Avignon. "Sagar's connection to Northern BC, his commitment to bettering his communities and his past involvement with the Y make him an excellent addition to the YMCA BC Board."
Since moving to British Columbia in 2014 from India, much of Saxena’s work has centered on impact-driven investments, creating opportunities for rural economic development and empowering youth. This includes his work in founding or providing leadership to new ventures. Saxena was named to the Prince George Chamber of Commerce’s Top 40 Under 40 list in 2018 and has dedicated his time to many other boards and organizations beyond the YMCA. These include current Board appointments with the Women’s Enterprise Centre of BC and the Our Satya Foundation.
Saxena is assuming the vacancy created by Pat Flack’s departure from the Board earlier in 2023. Flack resigned from his role in the spring following 20 years in volunteer governance service with the YMCA.
August 28, 2023 YMCA Canada and Canadian indie pop band Walk off the Earth are excited to release a modern take on the Y.M.C.A. anthem to raise awareness of expanded access to the free YMCA youth mental health program, Y Mind . Originally released in 1978, the hit song has brought crowds to the dance floor, with an enduring legacy internationally. The reimagined cover of the classic party anthem, performed in a more soulful and sincere tone, brings new light to the original lyrics through a mental health lens as the YMCA aims to highlight today’s need for community and open dialogue surrounding mental health. Alongside the new musical arrangement, Walk off the Earth has also released an accompanying full-length music video now available on YouTube.
Watch now
“We’ve seen how music is so connected to emotions – for us and our fans – so we were honoured to take on the challenge of reinventing such an iconic song and give new meaning to its enduring lyrics,” says Sarah Blackwood, lead singer of Walk off the Earth. “When we took a look at the original lyrics, it was staggering how a message about the YMCA from 45 years ago is just as relevant and pointed today - but now we’re sharing that message with a focus on mental health tied to Y Mind.”
This collaboration aims to bring awareness to a new era YMCA BC hopes to usher in, as 24 YMCAs across the country have expanded their broad range of programming to include free mental health services through Y Mind, serving the changing needs of Canadian communities. Y Mind is an innovative early intervention mental health program that helps teens (ages 13-18) and young adults (ages 18-30) cope with stress and anxiety with the support of health professionals. The seven-week program is available online or in person, in English and French (under the name YMCA Libère ta tête). The Y Mind program is offered completely free of charge thanks to support and funding by the Public Health Agency of Canada. “We are proud to offer the Y Mind program here in BC and proud of how much the program has grown since its creation in Vancouver. The number of stressors that today’s youth face can seem overwhelming, including the post-pandemic experience, school, and social media pressures. We recognize that cost is often one of the biggest barriers for youth in need of mental wellness programs. Y Mind removes that barrier for youth 13-30 so they can get the help they need,” said Heidi Worthington, CEO, YMCA BC. The Y Mind program comes at a time when young people’s stress and anxiety levels remain at an all-time high. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by Deloitte, close to half of Gen Zs (46%) and four in 10 Millennials (39%) report feeling stressed or anxious all or most of the time. Guided by qualified mental healthcare professionals, participants in the Y Mind program have reported reduced anxiety, improved well-being, and reduced feelings of isolation. About Y Mind Y Mind was first developed by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver (now YMCA BC) and has been offered across British Columbia since 2018 thanks to financial support from the British Columbia government. Y Mind was born to meet the growing need for free, accessible mental health support. It quickly established itself as a pillar of support for the region’s youth, serving over 3,200 young people in 54 communities. Building on this momentum, the Y Mind program was extended across Canada, including Quebec with YMCA Libère ta tête, through the support of YMCA Canada and YMCA BC. Y Mind has now expanded to 24 YMCAs across the country and is currently being supported though the Public Health Agency of Canada’s investment Supporting the Mental Health of Those Most Affected By COVID-19.
YMCA BC and the YMCA of Greater Toronto launch YMCA Ignite, powered by the RBC Foundation, through RBC Future Launch.
Prince George and Toronto – May 17, 2023 – YMCA BC and the YMCA of Greater Toronto are excited to announce the first-of-its-kind digital platform – YMCA Ignite – thanks in part to $1.2 million in funding from the RBC Foundation, through RBC Future Launch. YMCA Ignite is a new virtual platform that will initially focus its offering on employment and leadership development programs for youth across the country, beyond brick-and-mortar YMCA locations.
YMCA Ignite aims to increase availability to critical programs previously inaccessible due to geographic location; increase impact on Canadian youth ages 15 - 29, with a focus on BIPOC and rural communities; and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. This platform aims to serve 25,000 youth by 2025.
“When young people succeed, we all succeed,” said Mark Beckles, vice president social impact & innovation, RBC. “With partners like the YMCA, we’re working to increase access to the resources that young Canadians need to build more inclusive companies and communities where everyone can reach their full potential. We are excited to see YMCA Ignite come to life.”
YMCA Ignite will feature over 70 workshops per month through a range of live, virtual, self-directed and in-person courses. Programming is currently focused on employment and leadership development, tailored to young people ages 15 – 29.
“The past three years have helped us reimagine what “community” means at the Y, through virtual and socially-distanced interactions,” said Medhat Mahdy, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto. “Community expands well beyond in-person interactions – and YMCA Ignite allows us to use technology to reach communities without a physical YMCA location.”
Available programs include:
· Financial Empowerment & Well-being Certificate
· 12 micro-courses focusing on personal finance, topics include: Income, expenses & budget, Saving & investing, Credit & debt management, Income tax & benefits, Financial planning and more.
· Responsible Adult Course
· Build essential skills for working with children and youth.
· Additional Online Courses
· Topics include: Mental wellness workshops for teens (13 – 18) and youth (18 – 30), Core Skills for Actionable Professional, Leading successful teams, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Practicing Allyship and more.
"YMCA Ignite is a major milestone for YMCA BC, and across Canada,” said Heidi Worthington, President and CEO, YMCA BC. “We’re pushing critical resources and programs beyond brick-and-mortar Y locations, introducing new ways to share programming with a greater number of youth, and of course, reconnecting as a community.”
YMCA Ignite would not be possible without support from the RBC Foundation, through RBC Future Launch. The YMCA is grateful to the RBC Foundation for their commitment to connecting young people with community leaders and partners to help them prepare for the future of work. Through $1.2 million in funding, YMCA BC and the YMCA of Greater Toronto developed YMCA Ignite to help achieve the joint goal of empowering youth as they plan for their future.
YMCA Ignite is an exclusively digital platform, available at ymca.myabsorb.ca.
The Y values diversity and inclusion. If accommodations are required for individuals to participate, the Y will arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodations as required.
About the YMCA BC
YMCA BC is the result of the unification of YMCA of Northern BC, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver. As a community-based charity, YMCA BC is committed to fostering belonging and providing people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities with safe and inclusive spaces where they can live healthier lives and connect with others. With hundreds of service locations across the province, children, youth, adults, families and seniors from Fort St. John to the Sunshine Coast can access a wide range of life-enhancing programs, which include employment and training; health, fitness and aquatics; child care; mental wellness; camps; and newcomer services. YMCA BC works collaboratively with the YMCA of Southern Interior BC and YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island to serve British Columbians. For more info, visit gv.ymca.ca, kamloopsy.ca and nbc.ymca.ca.
About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead and give back to their communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors. Promoting equity and boosting well-being across more than 440 locations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Y is a leading charity that helps everyone shine. For more information visit ymcagta.org.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
YMCA BC: Oliver Lam, 778-227-7170, oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca
YMCA of Greater Toronto: Camille Cote-Begin, 416-819-2035, cotebegin@veritasinc.com
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – January 9, 2023 | The YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver have officially completed their legal unification to become one entity – YMCA BC. Collectively, the new YMCA will employ 1,800 British Columbians and serve 150,000 individuals, with hundreds of service locations across the province, from Fort St. John to the Sunshine Coast.
The strategy is consistent with YMCA amalgamations taking place across the country and throughout the Canadian charitable sector. The focus, said YMCA BC Chief Executive Officer Heidi Worthington, is to combine collective strengths to achieve even more, together.
“Each organization came to this unification from a position of strength and we knew that by coming together, we could have even more impact in communities across the province,” said Worthington. “As one strong, unified team, we will continue to build communities, transform lives, provide unique opportunities for people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities to learn, grow, thrive and reach their potential.”
The vision of YMCA BC is providing those we serve with even more opportunity today and for the future, including our staff, confirmed Amanda Alexander, former CEO of YMCA of Northern British Columbia and now Vice President, Northern BC with YMCA BC.
“Unification will help us increase our impact today and for generations to come,” said Alexander. “We’ll accomplish this by serving local communities more broadly and deeply, of course, and also providing more opportunities and resources for our valued staff and volunteer teams, who are the backbone and the heart of the YMCA.”
Colin Reid, former CEO of YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and now Vice President, Greater Kamloops with YMCA BC, emphasized the continued focus on local needs and responsiveness.
“While we will experience immediate gains in strength and effectiveness as a larger team, we also remain committed to meeting the unique needs of each of the communities we serve,” confirmed Reid. “That was a core value of unification and a commitment we are making through YMCA BC.”
Members, participants and clients should not expect any changes in programming or experience in the short term, said Worthington, but the opportunity to explore how YMCA BC can have even more impact on local communities is coming soon.
“Community needs are dynamic and ever increasing,” says Worthington. “It is crucial for us to be as strong as we can to meet these needs, and by becoming YMCA BC, we are proactively doing just that.”
More information:
Oliver Lam Director, Marketing & Communications 778.227.7170 oliver.lam@bc.ymca.ca
YMCA BC is the result of the unification of YMCA of Northern BC, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver. Families, children, and seniors—in communities from the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Sunshine Coast to Prince George, Vanderhoof and Kamloops, British Columbia—all have the opportunity to belong, grow, lead and thrive through YMCA BC.
We are part of an international and national movement that has brought lasting social change for over 136 years; we’ve cared for children, shaped leaders for tomorrow and helped generations of people come together to find support, get healthier and make friends for life. Together we create vibrant and healthy communities with a shared sense of social responsibility, where children and families reach their potential.
As one association with one mission to strengthen our impact for communities across British Columbia, YMCA BC combines the strength of each association and we’re able to collectively achieve more with more, together.
YMCA BC works collaboratively with the YMCA of Southern Interior BC and YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island to serve British Columbians.
Aquatics
Health & Fitness
Kids Programs
Employment Services
Mental Wellness
Child, Youth and Family
Whether new to the work force or a skilled professional, a YMCA career is the right fit.
Through the gift of time and skills, volunteers are an integral part of the YMCA team.