Advocacy
Championing the Voice of Psychiatry
At the BC Psychiatric Association, we advocate for policies and decisions that strengthen the role of psychiatrists in the health care system and improve access to quality mental health care for patients across the province.
We engage with government, regulatory bodies, health authorities, and partner organizations to ensure that psychiatric expertise is represented in health care planning and reform. Our goal is to foster a system where mental health care is prioritized, appropriately resourced, and integrated across all levels of care.
Current Advocacy Priorities
- The future of psychiatric care under evolving legislation
We monitor and respond to regulatory changes, including the Health Professions and Occupations Act, to ensure psychiatrists’ professional autonomy and clinical judgment are protected. - Workforce sustainability and retention
We advocate for system-wide strategies to recruit, support, and retain psychiatrists — addressing workload concerns, burnout, and the need for equitable practice environments. - Improving access to care
We support policies that reduce wait times, increase access to community-based services, and expand support for underserved populations, including youth and rural communities. - Integrated and collaborative care models
We promote systems where psychiatrists work in partnership with primary care providers, psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals to deliver patient-centered care.
How We Advocate
BCPA uses a combination of policy submissions, stakeholder meetings, working groups, and strategic partnerships to represent the voice of psychiatry in British Columbia. We consult with our members regularly to understand emerging issues and ensure our advocacy reflects the realities of clinical practice.
What You Can Do
- Join BCPA
Become part of a collective voice advocating for the profession and the people we serve. - Participate in working groups
Lend your expertise to policy discussions, position statements, and consultations that impact psychiatric care in BC. - Stay informed
Keep up to date with advocacy efforts, legislative updates, and opportunities to engage — through our newsletters, webinars, and member bulletins.
BCPA Annual Conference
BCPA Annual Meeting
Advancing Mental Health:
Innovation, Integration, and Impact
UBC Robson Square (hybrid)
Join leading minds in psychiatry, policy, and mental health care for a day of connection, learning, and forward-thinking dialogue. This year’s conference explores how psychiatry is evolving in response to changing legislation, emerging clinical approaches, and the increasingly complex needs of the people we serve.
From navigating Mental Health Review Board hearings and trauma-informed practice to contemporary approaches to personality disorders, menopause and mental health, the 2026 conference brings together practical insights, diverse perspectives, and opportunities to strengthen care and advance the profession.
Featured Speakers
Legislative Updates and Trauma Informed Practice
Contemporary Approaches to Personality Disorder Treatment
Contemporary Approaches to Personality Disorder Treatment
Menopause and Mental Health
What to Expect
- Engaging presentations from leaders in psychiatry exploring legislative change, clinical practice, and emerging areas of mental health care
- An interactive panel discussion examining contemporary approaches to personality disorder treatment, including integration, innovation, and group-based interventions
- Practical insights into navigating Mental Health Review Board hearings, trauma-informed practice, and the evolving mental health landscape in BC
- A focused session exploring the complex relationship between menopause, hormonal change, and mental health
- Opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build relationships across BC’s psychiatric community
- Updates on the business of psychiatry, including economics and billing, alongside recognition of contributions to the profession through the conference awards
Whether you’re a practicing psychiatrist or a resident — this is your opportunity to engage, reflect, and collaborate.
BCPA members receive discounted rates.
Residents & students receive complimentary registration.