Political Action and Leadership Opportunities
HSA's involvement in the community stretches beyond direct services for members. As a member, you're part of a movement to make life better for all British Columbians.
Through the union's affiliation to the BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress, umbrella organizations that represent unions and union members on provincial and national levels, HSA is working to improve wages, working conditions, benefits and pensions for all.
There are many political action training and leadership opportunities open to HSA members across the province. Whatever your level of knowledge and experience about the political process, there’s an opportunity for you to learn new skills and put them to use.
Advocacy
Members have access to broader education programs for trade union members, as well as opportunities to participate in campaigns and issues related to working people. HSA is one of several unions that are members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), which has an important and respected voice speaking on behalf of its members at the national and international levels. As a member of the BC Health Coalition, HSA works with community groups to advocate for a strong, fair, accessible and public health care system.
Together with these groups HSA is speaking out on climate change, women's rights, and economic inequality.
Political Action Fund
The Political Action Fund (PAF) is a financial assistance resource for members who wish to engage in political activities that support progressive work and campaigns around the province.
This fund can be accessed for a variety of activities, for example:
- attending a workshop offered by a labour council;
- participating in an election training or skills development program; or
- helping on a campaign run by an organization supported by HSA.
This fund helps members engage in political action activities around the province and advances the issues facing our communities and the labour movement. Per-application fund limits are reviewed annually by the Political Action Committee and are currently set at $1500.00 per member per year.
Leadership Opportunities
HSA’s Core Member Engagement Team is an intensive member program that supports the skills and leadership development of HSA members working towards a stronger union.
Be part of a program that has been linking HSA members to their local MLAs for over 20 years.
Strong labour councils help unions deliver for their members and our communities. Which means a better quality of life for everyone. That’s the power of solidarity. That’s the power of the labour movement in Canada.
As the link between your HSA chapter and the local labour council, you let other unions know about the issues we face, and your chapter know about the work being done by unions in your area to address larger issues of inequity and injustice.
You can see the full list of labour councils in BC. To find out more or get involved, talk to your steward.
For any further information or questions, email Nicole Seguin at nicole.seguin [at] hsabc.org.