News & Updates

THE REPORT: JULY 2013 Jade Shultis didn't have to work too hard to find her career path. As a kid, she was fascinated by medical dramas on TV. "My parents thought I was a bit crazy – an 11-year-old watching Trauma: Life in the E.R.," she says with a laugh. By the time she graduated from high school, Shultis knew...

THE REPORT: JULY 2013 November 1 is the day new workplace rules regarding harassment and bullying come into effect in British Columbia. This is the second part of a change in workers' compensation legislation brought about with the introduction of Bill 14 in 2011. The first change dealt with the issue of compensation for mental disorders. Since July 1, 2012...

Fall 2013 Basic Steward Training Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure. In recognition of the need for educating new stewards in these areas, HSA is offering a 3-day Basic Steward Training workshop at the HSA office this fall: Dates: November 25 – 27, 2013...

2013 OH&S Basic Steward Training HSA is offering the following 2-day OH&S steward training workshops at the HSA office: Basic OH&S Steward Training dates: Registration closes: October 17 & 18, 2013 October 2, 2013 October 28 & 29, 2013 October 14, 2013 Occupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role...

THE REPORT: JULY 2013 Diligent work by an HSA steward has resulted in a cheque for several hundred dollars for at least one member. is someone you work with next? Val Barker, chief steward for Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, discovered some of the RPNs working there were paying dues to BCNU – not HSA. Barker first realized that...

Ottawa (21 June 2011) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is pleased to encourage all members to join with Aboriginal Peoples and Canadians across the country in celebrating National Aboriginal Day on June 21. National Aboriginal Day is marked each year on the same date to honour the achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in all areas, including...

IF MOM CAN'T AFFORD A WHEELCHAIR, SHOULD SHE JUST STAY IN BED? Imagine if you or your loved one were living in a care facility and were unable to get out of your room and go down the hall to the dining room because you can't afford to buy or rent a wheelchair. Fraser and Vancouver Coastal health authorities want...

Health Science Professional members of HSA are reminded that changes to extended health benefits coverage took effect on June 1st with the implementation of PharmaCare Tie-In. As part of these changes, all HSP members should by now have received a BlueNet card. The BlueNet card direct-pay of eligible prescriptions when picking them up at the pharmacy instead of paying up...

HSA members are urged to vote in the provincial election. The outcome of this election will have a profound effect on the health care and community services our members provide, as well as other public services that our families, friends and communities rely on. Tuesday, May 14th is BC's provincial Election Day. Polls are open that day from 8:00 a.m...

In celebrating Nursing Week, HSA President Reid Johnson thanks Registered Psychiatric Nurses across the province for their expertise and dedication. "The theme of this year's Nursing Week is 'a leading force for change,' and BC's psych nurses are lighting the way," Johnson said. "With their specialized intensive training, Registered Psychiatric Nurses have long been recognized as the caregivers of choice...