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 in mental health," he said.

On April 28, workers and their families are invited to pay tribute to those who have been injured or killed on the job, or stricken with occupational disease.

Every day in Canada, three workers are killed on the job and 685 workers suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Last year in British Columbia, 181 workers died as a result of workplace accidents or diseases and more than 17,000 BC workers were injured.

More than 300 HSA union activists welcomed delegates from new certification: Whistler Health Centre. "Welcome to the family!"

To follow HSA Convention news as it happens, visit our Facebook page

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.

Eligible voters may vote on the general voting day: May 14, 2013.

Vancouver Sun 

By: Darryl Walker, Barry O'Neill and Bonnie Pearson And Reid Johnson

On March 8, International Women's Day, people will join across the globe to celebrate the achievements of women and their contributions to a better world and a better society.

Penticton Herald 

More than 100 people didn't let a light rain dampen their enthusiasm for the proposed $300-million expansion of Penticton Regional Hospital.

The placard-waving crowd turned out for Wednesday's outdoor rally next to the hospital, reiterating previous calls for provincial government money for the project. Dozens of passing motorists honked their horns in support.

The rally followed the recent provincial budget, which contained no designated funding towards a new ambulatory care tower at PRH.

Health science professionals represented by HSA are invited to participate in one of two telephone town hall meetings scheduled for next week.

Telephone town hall meeting details:

Nearly 3,400 community living workers who support adults, children and infants with disabilities and their families are going on strike, starting Wednesday, January 30.

The 24-hour job action will affect Richmond-based Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) and Burnaby-based PosAbilities, the two largest community social service agencies in British Columbia. Agencies in Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Kamloops, Vanderhoof, Trail, Salmon Arm, Castlegar, Creston and Cranbrook will also be picketed.