General Resources

BC Statistics As an arm of the provincial government, this site is predictably designed to frustrate a critical public and to transmit subtle propaganda for whatever party is in power. Still, it can be helpful.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives One of the pre-eminent policy think tanks in Canada. Decidedly on the Left.

Canadian Social Research Links The “mother of all social research portals.”

Centre for Social Justice A Roman Catholic organization in Toronto with a mandate similar to Citizens for Public Justice and their Public Justice Resource Centre.

The Fraser Institute A BC-based far Right—some would say Libertarian—think tank, highly influential with our provincial Liberals and only somewhat less so with the former Reform and present Conservative Parties.

Greater Vancouver Regional District Contains much information of interest as well as links to the websites for each of the member municipalities.

The Redbook Online The first place to look when seeking just about any type of social service in the Lower Mainland. However, many faith-based and virtually all congregational programs are not listed here.

SPARC: Social Planning and Research Council of BC The arch-nemesis of The Fraser Institute.

Statistics Canada Being a product of the federal government, this site only has the appearance of purposeful design. Using it is like teleporting into a Kafka novel. Yet, again like government, this site is indispensable. Statscan is less susceptible to party influence than BC Stats.

Tamarack, an Institute for Community Engagement A fantastic resource for grass-roots collaborative efforts to restore harmony and health to struggling neighbourhoods and cities.

Vancouver’s Four Pillar Drug Strategy This website outlines  what is meant by “prevention, treatment, enforcement, and harm reduction” and how these are being implemented.

The Vancouver Agreement
The municipal, provincial, federal governments herein commit “to work together, within their jurisdictions and mandates, and with communities in Vancouver to develop and implement a coordinated strategy to promote and support sustainable economic, social, and community development.” This document lays down the purposes, guiding principles, implementation plan for the Agreement, the first focus of which is the Downtown Eastside. It is the foundation, for instance, for the city’s controversial “four pillars” approach to substance abuse.

United Way of the Fraser Valley - United Way provides support and services to the voluntary sector and local communities.

United Way of the Lower Mainland - United Way of the Lower Mainland identifies critical social issues through research and community input. With our partners, we act to prevent problems and create lasting change.