Introduction

CHABC believes that "health" is more than just physical well-being. Social, spiritual and emotional aspects of an individual are integral components of good health. As part of our mission, our association supports and encourages programs that respond to the changing needs of the sick, the elderly, the homebound and bereaved in our parish communities where such programs don't already exist.

CHABC has enjoyed a revitalization over the past few years. Our board, our committees and our members are currently involved in many activities which demonstrate how we work to protect and promote heath care in the tradition of the Catholic Church.

• We continue to work to ensure that laws are never changed in Canada to allow euthanasia or physician assisted suicide. In 1994, several of our members presented a very well-received brief to the Senate Committee on Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide. We are supporters of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of BC.
• We plan and sponsor speakers, retreats and workshops in ethics, mission integration and pastoral care for our members, volunteers and others who are interested in our work.
• We hold an annual conference and provide interesting and informative speakers for the educational benefit of our members and others who wish to attend.
• We work as partners in cooperation with other health related associations and groups in British Columbia.
• We work closely with other provincial Catholic health associations and our national association in keeping up to date and strategizing on how best to carry out our mission.
• We provide leadership to a provincial health care group that represents twelve religious denominations, each of whom is involved in the ownership, sponsorship and/or operation of health facilities in BC. This group, formally known as the Denominational Health Association, represents faith-based facilities with various government-related bodies in the province.

"The Charity of Christ Compels Us"