DocumentsOtherAug 17, 2026Pages 1–3
NOTICE OF MOTION — Advocacy for the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare to reinstate funding to the ARC Foundation
Councillor Guiry’s notice of motion asks for advocacy to reinstate provincial funding to the ARC Foundation, which supports SOGI 123 resources in schools. The document provides background on the resources and their role in supporting safe and inclusive learning environments.
Key facts
- Introduced by Councillor Guiry on August 15, 2026
- SOGI 123 has been used in BC schools since 2016
- The cited Vancouver Sun opinion article was published August 26, 2024
NOTICE OF MOTION
Advocacy for the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare to reinstate funding to the ARC Foundation
Introduced by: Councillor Guiry
Date: August 15th, 2026
WHEREAS, the ARC Foundation developed SOGI 123 in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Education, B.C. Teachers' Federation, The University of British Columbia's faculty of education, Out in Schools, nine school districts throughout B.C., and local, national and international LGBTQ community organizations and SOGI 123 has been used in BC schools since 2016;
AND WHEREAS, the ARC Foundation works with school districts to provide SOGI 123 resources which are a set of tools that teachers can use to ensure their classrooms are accepting and rooted in respect and belonging;
AND WHEREAS, the ARC Foundation has had to address a significant funding gap by reducing staffing levels as of July 2026 due to the recent discontinuation of funding by the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Langford Mayor and Council to direct staff to write a letter to the Minister of Education and Childcare and MLA Ravi Parmar, asking that the ministry reinstate funding to the ARC Foundation and affirm the importance of the SOGI 123 program so that school districts will continue to work with the ARC Foundation to access resources to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or the diversity in their own families.
Background
SOGI 123 has existed in BC schools since 2016 as a set of resources and supports to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and accepted. This resource strategy was developed in collaboration with several organizations including the BC Ministry of Education, BC Teachers Federation, University of BC’s Faculty of Education, Out in Schools, 9 school districts in BC as well as national and international LGTQ community organizations. Throughout the past decade, the ARC Foundation has been a pivotal partner and collaborator to make sure these resources remain up-to-date and accessible to the teachers and schools across BC. Success of this resource initiative has evolved into partnerships across the country, including with Alberta and Yukon, meaning the impacts are far reaching. However, the need for these resources stays strong as current events still affect the acceptance and safety of 2SLGBTQIA students in broader communities across the country. Moreover, in BC the SOGI resources are often facilitated by a school SOGI representative who is a teacher who has taken on the role on a voluntary basis. Thus, ongoing supports from organizations like the ARC Foundation mean that access to resources are equitable and consistent over time.
In July 2026, the ARC Foundation reported to its members that it would be reducing staffing levels due to funding cuts from the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare. While all non-profits struggle in today’s economic climate, the reduction of $350,000 to the ARC Foundation’s budget will have a significant impact and will mean the loss of long-time staff members, many of whom are members of the 2SLGBTQIA community themselves. Misinformation about the cuts of funding equating to the cancellation of SOGI 123 has meant that there is confusion about the availability of the ARC Foundation to continue to support school districts across the BC with new and updated resources. While the organization has less capacity with less staff, the ARC Foundation remains committed to their mission to foster awareness, respect, and capacity through SOGI-inclusive K-12 education.
Langford is still a strong partner with Sooke School District 62 and committed to serving youth and the broader community with inclusive spaces that support diversity and acceptance. 2SLGBTQIA students, teachers, and families are irreplaceable and integral members of Langford communities, and local SOGI school clubs have influenced community wide change seen through Langford’s first Pride crosswalk. Continued funding to the ARC Foundation by the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare would mean consistent and dependable support for inclusive resources in schools thus supporting the SD62’s strong commitment to inclusive learning spaces. Affirmation that SOGI 123 resources are integral to the BC school system would help counter misinformation so that teachers across the province will continue to seek help from the ARC Foundation if needed.
Strategic Initiatives
Strategic Priority: Collaborative Advocacy
References
ARC Foundation: https://www.arcfoundation.ca
Government of BC, SOGI Non-truths and Truths:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/erase/documents/sogi-non-truths-and-truths-english.pdf
Government of BC Factsheets, SOGI in schools: https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-in-schools
Opinion: In today's climate, SOGI 123 has, unfortunately, become a lightning rod for misinformation and polarization. By Lisa Dominato, Robert Quartermain. Published in the Vancouver Sun on Aug 26, 2024: https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/opinion-lets-ensure-bc-schools-are-places-where-every-student-can-thrive