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About Us

The staff and functions of Social Policy were formerly part of the Social Planning Department. Read about the History of Social Planning.

Social Policy works with community groups and other civic departments to address critical social issues facing the city. In carrying out this function, staff provide support, advice and information to a wide range of community organizations, provide leadership and facilitation in bringing together key people around a specific problem or issue, and make recommendations to Council regarding civic policy as it relates to a range of social issues and areas of concern including, children and youth, seniors, immigrants, gambling and addiction. We also make recommendations to Council regarding various funding streams, including the Community Services Grants, Childcare Grants and a range of expenditures connected to the Capital Budget. As well, Social Policy staff regularly work to coordinate efforts with other City departments and levels of government in dealing with issues of common interest.

Social Policy is a Division of the Social Development Department, and is staffed by one Director, nine Social Planners, and one Analyst. Social Planners can be reached by telephone at 3-1-1 from within Vancouver or at 604.873.7000 from outside the city. For further information about Social Policy, please email social.policy@vancouver.ca or call Vanessa Kay, Social Planning Analyst at 604.871.6864.