Monthly Archives: June 2026

As part of BCTRA's ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and maximize the value of member resources, the Association has transitioned to Microsoft Teams as its primary platform for webinars, meetings, and virtual events. This change allows BCTRA to consolidate more services within a single system while reducing operating costs and improving long-term sustainability. We are also pleased to share that BCTRA has been approved for a Microsoft 365 Nonprofit Account, providing access to a suite of Microsoft tools at no cost to the Association. While our current nonprofit subscription includes some limitations, it provides a strong foundation for supporting our operations [...]

BCTRA is pleased to announce two new professional development partnerships that provide members with expanded access to high-quality continuing education, practical resources, and exclusive discounts. Through partnerships with the Centre for Collaboration, Motivation and Innovation (CCMI) and the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), members now have access to training opportunities that support person-centred practice, communication skills, behaviour change, mental health, trauma-informed care, and workplace well-being. Centre for Collaboration, Motivation and Innovation (CCMI) BCTRA members receive: 10% off all CCMI courses Free access to Introduction to Motivational Interviewing Free access to Core Principles in Quality Care Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute [...]

BCTRA is excited to announce that a monthly membership payment option will soon be available for Recreation Therapist (RecT) and Recreation Therapy Assistant (RecTA) members. Members will have the choice of paying their membership annually or through monthly instalments, providing greater flexibility and accessibility. The new monthly option will be available at $30/month for RecTs and $18/month for RecTAs. While membership remains a 12-month commitment rather than a month-to-month subscription, the instalment option allows members to spread the cost over the year. The total annual cost is slightly higher than the annual payment option to offset additional administrative and transaction fees. [...]

On June 2, BCTRA representatives Jenna Johnstone (President), Susan Lee (Director of Regulations), and Courtney Steen (Executive Director) met with the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to discuss the future of Recreation Therapy education and workforce development in British Columbia. To support these discussions, BCTRA prepared a briefing note outlining concerns related to educational consistency, workforce readiness, and the growing demand for Recreation Therapy services within increasingly complex healthcare environments. The briefing note was informed by BCTRA's Long-Term Care Environmental Scan, conducted by the Regulations Committee, as well as conversations with healthcare stakeholders across British Columbia and a [...]

BCTRA is excited to share an important update regarding Education Day 2026. In May, we announced that Education Day and the Annual General Meeting would be held on November 6, and we were thrilled to see 63 members register within the first few days. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support. Since that announcement, an unexpected opportunity has emerged to bring a highly respected leader in Recreation Therapy to British Columbia. After careful consideration, the Board felt this opportunity was too valuable to pass up. As a result, we have temporarily removed the November 6 event information while we finalize a [...]

The British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association (BCTRA) invites all members to join us for a virtual Town Hall on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. This Town Hall will provide an opportunity to review the results of our recent Strategic Planning Survey and discuss several important initiatives currently being considered by the Association. Topics will include a potential association name change to strengthen future advocacy efforts and proposed bylaw amendments related to Student and Affiliate membership categories. Most importantly, this session is an opportunity for members to share their perspectives and help shape the future direction of BCTRA. Your feedback [...]