Travel and CICs - from Wendy Wiens (MCFD EDS Kootenay Service Delivery Area)

Posted Mar 18, 2020

Good afternoon, I’ve just updated the Director Of Operations with regard to PDCW direction on travel for children and youth in care. 

As you’re aware, all out of country travel requires my pre-approval as Designated Director under the CFCSA. Given the direction yesterday afternoon from BC’s Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry’s position is that all non-essential out of country travel is not approved. Any travel that we deem essential would need PDCW approval, and this process would involve a discussion between Cory Heavener and the local Designated Director/EDS.

While the DOO’s have been asked to re-send any prior travel approvals back to me for re-review, this updated direction now means that I am rescinding any prior travel approvals, including those for occasional trips to the USA. I’ve been assured by the DOO’s that we do not currently have any CYIC who are travelling out of country, and there was only one planned travel event for which we needed to rescind approval.

Provincially, leadership is working across government to anticipate and plan for both practice and operational issues that COVID19 may present. You will receive information as decisions are made, and I appreciate your patience as we work through these issues together and as information and circumstances evolve. As always, please let your DOO know if any issues or questions that arise. I will likely be implementing weekly SDA calls for leadership (similar to wildfire season) should impacts to our communities merit more regular and focused attention. Should this be necessary I’ll forward invites to you all directly. I see a note went out to all employees this afternoon from A/DM Carolyn Kamper – please take the time to review this content from both PSA and our Ministry.

Wendy Wiens
Executive Director of Service | Kootenay Service Delivery Area