News & Updates

PRRI extended to June 30; other programs extended temporarily With the provincial budget deficit now over $11 billion, and the government looking to find savings through a review of programs, money is increasingly tight in BC. But in recognition of the importance of tackling shortages affecting health science professions, the Ministry of Health has agreed to extend initiatives launched last...

Starting today (April 1, 2025), a new Mental Health Support Fund will be in place to help HSA members covered under the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) collective agreement. This funding was negotiated with the BC government as part of your union’s ongoing work to provide greater support for RPNs, especially those dealing with the impact of significant shortages and excessive...

For the first time ever, all HSA members are entitled to vote for the union’s president. Voting will be open for 24 hours from noon April 10 to noon April 11 – but you need credentials to vote. Voting credentials consist of a unique ID number and passcode, and these are required for logging into the online election being conducted...

A new Mental Health Support Fund will begin to help Health Science Professional Bargaining Association (HSPBA) members starting April 1. Your union has negotiated this funding with the BC government as part of our ongoing work to provide greater support for members, especially for those dealing with the impact of significant shortages and excessive workload. This one-time $11 million grant...

BC Health Minister Josie Osborne and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry this morning announced the end of viral respiratory infection season, and the removal of the requirement for continuous masking in direct patient care areas. While the mask policy is rescinded, other infection control practices remain in place: Masking and use of other personal protective equipment will continue to...

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Time: 9am - 4:30pm PST Location: Virtual via Zoom Prerequisite: HSA’s Basic Steward Training workshop This one-day workshop for stewards will review your role as advocates for HSA members in grievance meetings with management and teach you strategies for resolving contract violations in your workplace. Participants can expect lots of interaction and small group discussions...

Sheila Lee didn’t initially set out to be a music therapist. In fact, she hadn’t even heard of the profession until a classmate at the University of British Columbia casually suggested it to her. At the time, she was studying psychology with the goal of becoming a social worker or counsellor. But the idea stuck. She enrolled in Capilano University’s...

Date: Monday, June 16, 2025 Time: 9am - 4:30pm PST Location: Virtual via Zoom Prerequisite: HSA’s Basic Steward Training This one-day training session is designed for Lead Stewards. General Stewards working at sites with no lead stewards and Assistant Lead Stewards are also welcome to apply. As chapter leaders, you have additional opportunities, responsibilities, and tasks. We will review the...

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Time: 9am - 4:30pm PST Location: Virtual via Zoom Social media has been an ever-changing technology since its invention and widespread adoption, but there is a growing body of evidence on social media’s impact on our democracy – and it’s not good news. This workshop will cover the current trends regarding social media ownership and...

Date: May 22, 2025 Time: 9am – 4:30pm PST Location: Virtual via Zoom HSA is pleased to have Kerry Palmer facilitate this one-day course to assist members in daily interactions with colleagues and patients/clients. First offered to the membership at the 2024 Young Workers’ workshop, this workshop is now available to the general membership. Everyone has a personal skill set...