Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

Ottawa (19 Nov. 2008) ... Health professionals are calling todays speech from the throne a -huge disappointment" because it failed to address important issues facing Canadas health-care system. "Its clear from this throne speech that the Harper government doesnt view health care as a top priority and in fact seems to suggest the job is pretty much done," says Elisabeth...

During National Medicare Week the National Union is urging governments to look to the public system to deliver solutions to wait-time issues and health care shortages. Ottawa (17 Nov. 2008) - The Canadian Health Coalition and health coalitions across the country are marking November 17-22 as National Medicare Week. The National Union of Public and General Employees is supporting the...

The BC Health Coalition is urging citizens to take action to protectand expand public health care in their communities during NationalMedicare Week, November 17-22. -Ongoing violations of the Canada Health Act (CHA),such as private clinics extra-billing and costly membership fees, area threat to Canadians health and their pocketbooks," says Joyce Jones,Community Co-Chair of the Coalition. -Thats why were joiningwith thousands...

Obama's election provides an opportunity for progressive labour law reform in the U.S.Washington (10 Nov. 2008) - The election of Barack Obama as president is one of the few moments in recent years that organized labour in the United States has had something to cheer about.Obama has promised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) if passed by the...

On Saturday November 15, 2008 British Columbians head to the polls to elect mayors, municipal councillors, school trustees, and regional district representatives. These local representatives make decisions that affect our everyday lives, and play a critical role in making our neighbourhoods, towns, and regions places where we want to live. Local politicians also speak up for communities on important local...

The BC Health Coalition has commitments from 81 municipal candidates who have each signed a pledge to protect public health care. As public health care defenders, the candidates have agreed to: Speak out vigorously against the privatization of health care in their communities Fight to keep and improve local public health services Advocate for open, accountable, and transparent public processes...

Reducing the need for higher intensity and for more costly servicesVancouver (4 Nov. 2008) - The latest report by B.C. Auditor General John Doyle provides a list of recommendations to improve planning for home and community care programs."Ministry of Health Services is not adequately fulfilling its stewardship role in helping to ensure that the home and community care system has...

Two FREE Public Events Next Week: On Wednesday Nov. 5th: Who's Minding the Store?The privatization of long-term care and what it means for care quality 7:00PMUnitarian Church - 949 W. 49th Avenue, Vancouver With speakers: Charlene Harrington, professor and researcher Dr. Margaret McGregor, family physician and health services researcher Lyne England, advocacy activist from Victoria Contact @email or phone 604.681.7945...

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights received a big boost to its fundraising campaign this week with a $170,000 donation on behalf of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and four of its Component unions. The donation was announced at the 60th convention of the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union (MGEU/NUPGE) which was held October 24-25...

Municipal elections will be held across the province on November 15. The BC Health Coalition is calling on all municipal candidates to declare themselves public health care defenders! Take action now and download the BCHC Candidate Pledge to give to your local candidates, either in person, by e-mail or by fax. If they return it to the BCHC by October...