Region 6 Regional Director Election

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Candidates

Two candidates have been nominated to represent Region 6 members on HSA's Board of Directors: Kelsey Oxley and Kirn Sanghera

Each candidate has submitted a candidate statement, which you can read by clicking on the candidate's name below:

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I am a sonographer at Sechelt Hospital. I currently hold the full-time position of Medical Imaging Site Coordinator.

I have been a passionate union activist for decades. I grew up in a household with two parents who worked union jobs, and talked openly about politics. I have always been unafraid to speak out and stand up for those who cannot.

I began my union work with HSA doing outreach in Region 6. I thought I would try some training, and as often happens, I quickly found myself assistant to the lead steward. Next, I covered lead steward, until gratefully our leader returned. I have spent many years as Constituency Liason for Sunshine Coast/Powell River, a program I strongly support and encourage others to join. I have made many friends and memories on the Sunshine Coast Labour Council, where I began in 2018. I was elected spent four years as vice president, and continue now on the executive team as a trustee. Our community Labour Day Picnic in Gibsons is an annual tradition that I enjoy organizing each year.

My early career was in downtown Vancouver, I worked in St. Paul’s Hospital. I know what it’s like to walk through those hallways. I’d like to get up to speed on today’s issues in all of Region 6.

I have served my two year term as MAL for Region 6, I have experience on a variety of committees, including Finance for a full year. I also had the opportunity to serve on Resolutions committee and Political Action committee.

My personal principles I will fight for are to keep healthcare public, to provide access for the underserved including marginalized, rural and remote populations, and to promote solidarity. I am passionate about advocacy in politics and would love to be your voice on the PAC. 

I rose on the floor of the most recent BC fed convention to speak emotionally about HSA shortages and how that affects our communities. 

I am hoping to be elected to continue being the voice of our members. 

In solidarity,

Kelsey Oxley 

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I am running for Regional Director for Region 6 because I care deeply about our members and the strength of our union.

I have spent several years as a union steward, supporting members through difficult workplace situations, helping them understand and navigate the collective agreement, and ensuring their voices are heard. This work has shaped how I approach union leadership by listening first, being thoughtful in my advocacy, and striving for fairness and consistency. As an Assistant Lead, I have had the opportunity to mentor others, build collaboration within teams, and support members and stewards in their roles.

Serving on the HSA bargaining committee has broadened my perspective beyond my own worksite and profession. While visiting worksites to provide bargaining updates and education, I saw the need to do more to support members outside of my own site and to contribute at a broader, regional level. This experience has given me valuable insight into working through complex issues, balancing diverse priorities, and advocating for solutions that strengthen our union as a whole. It reinforced for me how essential solidarity is across regions, professions, and worksites. If elected, I will work to represent Region 6 with integrity and respect, foster inclusive regional meetings, and contribute thoughtfully to the work of the Board. I am committed to building strong relationships between members, staff, and leadership, and to serving in a way that reflects the trust members place in their union.

All Candidates Meetings

HSA will host all-candidates’ meetings in regions where more than one candidate is nominated. The meetings will be online and will be held in the evening between Februrary 18 and March 6, 2026.

A recording of the meeting will be posted here for members who were unable to attend.

Voting Information

Voting will be online only, and conducted from March 16 to March 30, 2026. To ensure you are able to vote, please click here to update your personal contact information.

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Position Details

This is an excellent opportunity for members to serve on the HSA Board of Directors, contribute to the leadership of the union, and to represent the interests of other members. HSA’s Board of Directors comprises 10 Regional Directors elected by members from their region, and the President, who is elected every two years during the union’s annual convention.

To be eligible to run for the Board of Directors, a nominee must have been a member of HSA for at least one year immediately prior to election, be in good standing, and be nominated in writing by two members in the region they are seeking to represent. The term of office is two years. Regional Directors may serve for up to three consecutive terms.

Responsible for the overall governance of the union, board members participate in Board of Director meetings, held at least quarterly in person – when possible – at the union office in New Westminster. Directors chair or participate on HSA’s governance committees, which meet at least two times a year.  They serve as HSA representatives to events and external meetings, chair annual Regional Meetings, and report to members in their region regularly. While the union provides wage replacement at Regional Directors’ regular rate of pay for shifts missed due to participation in meetings related to their role on the Board of Directors, as well as reimbursement for associated travel, accommodation, and dependent care costs, Regional Directors also devote considerable volunteer time to the position to allow for material review, responding to emails, and periodic evening meetings held by telephone or online.

The successful candidate will assume the position immediately upon election and serve until the conclusion of the union’s spring 2028 convention.

Other Information

Members in Region 6 may receive email messages from candidates for the position; under HSA policy, candidates are entitled to contact HSA members by e-mail for the purpose of campaigning in the election.

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