Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

Programs slated to expire last month will continue to December 31 thanks to union advocacy Despite the BC government’s moves to dramatically restrain spending on programs including health care, incentives for recruitment and retention of health science professionals will be extended to the end of the year while your union continues to advocate for more supports to reduce shortages and...

September 30 is a day to honour the children who never came home and the survivors of residential schools, whose courage and resilience continue to guide us. Today, and all days, we acknowledge the pain carried by Indigenous families and communities, and we recognize that colonial violence is not just history — it is a living reality that continues to...

Let’s be honest: pensions aren’t the most exciting topic. But if you’re a member of HSA, your pension might be one of the most valuable benefits you’ll ever earn. Most HSA members are part of the Municipal Pension Plan (MPP), which is a defined benefit (DB) plan. If you’ve heard that term and not sure what it means, you’re not...

BCGEU and PEA members are expected to begin picketing specific locations as early as Tuesday. HSA stands in solidarity with these actions, and all members should respect picket lines and not cross them. More information on the location of picketed sites is coming, but in the meantime, if you encounter a picket line, do not cross and contact your steward...

HSA’s Surgical and Critical Care Research Project involves focus groups with anesthesia assistants, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists across the province. This research will culminate in a published HSA report discussing the important roles of anesthesia assistants, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists in public health care delivery. As demand increases for surgical and critical care in the province, this project will centre...

Health Sciences Association of BC has contracted Viewpoints Research to conduct an online survey to explore members' priorities and concerns as your union conducts negotiations for your next contract. Viewpoints Research is an industry leader with 30 years of experience conducting research for unions and other progressive organizations. Using an experienced third-party professional research firm for this membership survey ensures...

Statement from Kane Tse, President of Health Sciences Association on BC Budget 2025: As the union representing over 23,000 specialized health professionals in BC, we are very concerned about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on British Columbia’s economy, and our health care system. While the government is forced to fight an uninvited economic battle, we must not lose sight of...

HSA members working in child development centres and services are invited to join with other HSA members working with children and youth with support needs at a special briefing on HSA's ongoing advocacy on this topic. HSA has been calling for changes to the child development sector for many years. This advocacy has positioned HSA to be a leading voice...

A new national survey from National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) shows health care workers across Canada are struggling with short staffing, burnout, and inadequate wages. Almost 400 HSA members in BC participated in the nation-wide survey of more than 6,000 health professionals. The survey was conducted late last year. The survey results reinforce the importance of what...

For social worker Arby Yeo and crisis intervention support worker Anne Wichmann, joining the multi-union CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev) delegation to El Salvador and Honduras was a chance to witness firsthand the power of international solidarity and the resilience of workers and women in Central America. CoDev, a Canadian organization that partners with grassroots groups in Latin America, has partnered with...