The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) is the official provincial voice for parents and guardians of children in the public K–12 education system in British Columbia. Founded in 1988, BCCPAC is a registered non-profit and non-partisan charity that supports, represents, and connects over one thousand Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) and District Parent Advisory Councils (DPACs) across the province.
Purpose
BCCPAC exists to ensure that parents are meaningfully engaged in public education and that their voices help shape a school system that is inclusive, accountable, and centred on student well-being. The organisation works to elevate parent concerns, influence policy, and promote equity within the education system.
Roles and responsibilities
- Representation: Acts as the official provincial-level representative of PACs and DPACs in consultations with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the BC School Trustees Association, teachers’ unions, and other education stakeholders.
- Advocacy: Advocates for systemic change on issues raised by its membership, such as school safety, inclusive education, mental health, graduation requirements, and equitable access to supports.
- Education and capacity-building: Provides training, resources, and guidance to PAC and DPAC leaders so they can effectively advocate within their own schools and districts.
- Policy development: Supports member resolutions at its annual general meeting, which become official policy positions and form the basis for provincial advocacy.
- Communication: Keeps parents informed through newsletters, policy briefs, webinars, and advisory notices.
Key activities
- Hosting an annual general meeting (AGM) and parent education conference
- Providing workshops, webinars, and guides on governance, effective advocacy, and parent rights
- Gathering and submitting parent feedback on major education issues (e.g. funding, curriculum, reporting changes)
- Working collaboratively with other education partners to advance inclusive, student-centred policy
- Responding to member-submitted resolutions and coordinating action on shared priorities
Governance and structure
BCCPAC is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of elected parent representatives from across British Columbia. All board members are parents or guardians of children currently enrolled in BC’s public schools. The organisation is membership-based, with voting rights extended to PACs and DPACs that maintain annual membership. Day-to-day operations are managed by a small staff team, including an executive director.
Focus on equity and inclusion
BCCPAC is committed to advancing an education system that is inclusive of all learners, regardless of ability, language, culture, race, gender identity, family structure, or socioeconomic background. The organisation routinely highlights barriers to equitable education and advocates for system-level responses that meet the needs of marginalised students and families. It encourages member PACs and DPACs to embed equity into their own advocacy and to amplify the voices of communities that are often underrepresented in school decision-making.
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