BC Municipal Safety Association, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and BC Forest Safety Council Expand Access to Mental Wellness Services

In response to the strong uptake and positive impact of the Connection to Care service within the municipal sector, the BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) will begin offering access to the service for its members starting January 5, 2026.

The BC Forest Safety Council, established in 2004, is the Health and Safety Association for forest harvesting, sawmills, and pellet manufacturing in British Columbia. Working closely with employers, workers, and industry partners, BCFSC is dedicated to improving safety outcomes and reducing serious injuries across the forest sector.

Since the program’s launch in May 2024, Connection to Care has provided municipal employees with early-access, confidential mental wellness support through a proactive care model. With BCFSC’s involvement, forest sector employers and workers will now have access to the same no-cost service-further reducing barriers to support, addressing concerns earlier, and helping foster well-being across more of British Columbia’s workforce.

“The BCMSA (BC Municipal Safety Association) is looking forward to this partnership aimed at providing upstream mental health care to local government workers (CU 753004) in British Columbia. Collaborative efforts like this can have a significant positive impact on the well-being of employees and the communities they serve. By focusing on proactive mental health care, we can help prevent issues before they become more serious, fostering a healthier and more productive life and work environment. This partnership can undoubtedly make a positive difference in people’s lives” stated Mike Roberts, CEO of the BCMSA.