BCNPHA and BC Housing have been working together closely for the past two years to enhance relationships between the provincial agency and housing providers. Through this process a Shared Purpose Statement between BC Housing and Non-Profit Housing Providers was developed that outlines the key characteristics of what contributes to a successful and constructive relationship. The document has been endorsed by BC Housing’s executive team and BCNPHA’s board of directors.

"We share a common purpose,” said BC Housing CEO Shayne Ramsay, "and BC Housing knows we can’t be successful without our non-profit housing partners. The non-profits manage over 70,000 units and are involved in the delivery of all our programs and activities. The shared purpose statement sets out expectations and principles we will engage in with housing providers and will ultimately strengthen our relationships.”

"Success in meeting our shared objective is best achieved when it is mutually attained and when we work together based on respect where our differing roles, responsibilities and viewpoints are understood and taken into account,” said BCNPHA executive director Karen Stone. “A healthy, vibrant and constructive relationship between non-profit providers and BC Housing is critical to the future health of the sector and its ability to respond to the changing housing needs of British Columbians.”

“The Development Consultant Sector consultation process reflects the key characteristics of the shared purpose statement,” said Craig Crawford, Vice President, Development Services. “It’s been a common sense approach to improving role clarity and transparency based on mutual respect for all the partners.”

“We looked at the principles and embedded them into our approach for consultations with the sector during the Operational Review,” added Margaret McNeil, Vice President, Operations. “They resonate well with Ann Howard and Alison Silgardo, who are leading the review for BC Housing, as well as with our counterparts at BCNPHA and with our non-profit housing providers.

The shared purpose statement has four central characteristics:

• solution-focused engagement including mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities, recognition of levels of knowledge and experience, and building on successes;
• accountability and transparency including service standards, consistency of treatment, funding, and sharing of relevant information;
• communication including adhering to the highest business practice standards; and
• sustainability including enshrining long-term planning, and considering broad perspectives.

By adopting the principles laid out in the statement, all parties will benefit, particularly our end-users: the people who live in the homes we provide. The goal of BC Housing and BCNPHA is to build on this shared purpose and protect the long-term sustainability of the sector.

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