FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BCPFFA Calls for Urgent Action to Save First Responder Resiliency Program at Loon Lake
Vancouver, BC – The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA), a proud partner in the Blueprint First Responder Resiliency Program, is issuing an urgent call for public support to save this vital initiative from closure. The program, which provides residential retreats to help first responders recover from the psychological toll of their work, is at risk due to a lack of provincial government funding.
Since 2017, in partnership with the BC Police Association (BCPA) and Blueprint, the program has provided a lifeline for more than 500 front-line public safety workers. The retreats offer a safe, group setting for fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders to address trauma, depression, and anxiety, and to build critical coping skills.
While we are deeply committed to supporting our members' mental health, the financial burden of these retreats is too great for individuals to bear. We have exhausted all options to secure sustainable funding, but the program was not included in the 2025/26 provincial budget. Without government support, this program—a crucial pillar of our mental health strategy—is not sustainable.
We urge the public to take immediate action. What can you do ?
Contact your Mayor / Council support UBCM Resolution at UBCM Victoria September 22-26, 2025: NR12 Health and Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety Personnel, submitted by North Vancouver City.
Contact your elected officials—including Premier David Eby, Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside, and your local MLA—to voice your support for financial backing for this life-saving program.
Please consider making a donation directly to the Burn Fund by contacting info@burnfund.org to help offset costs for participants. Learn more
Together, we can ensure that our first responders, who sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe, have access to the mental health resources they need and deserve.
