News & Updates

Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day November 6
October 8, 2008
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Nov. 6 as the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada.
The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country.
Study blames surgery wait lists on private clinics; Precious staff taken from public system, report says
October 7, 2008
The Province
By Ian Austin
A year-long study of the effect of private clinics on the Canadian public health-care system has concluded that wait times are longest in areas where private clinics take personnel from the public system.
"We found evidence of wait times that are highest in areas with the most privatization, as resources -- financial and human -- are taken out of the public-health system," writes Natalie Mehra in the study entitled, "Eroding Public Medicare: Lessons and Consequences of For-Profit Health Care Across Canada."
Hundreds of HSA members participate in CIBC Run for the Cure
October 6, 2008
BCAA push for private insurance undermines medicare
October 3, 2008
BC Health Coalition calls on British Columbians to reject BCAA queue jumping insurance and demand government action to enforce health care legislation.
The BC Health Coalition is deeply disturbed by BCAAs recent announcement to begin offering insurance that will allow its members to jump the health care queue and obtain services at for-profit clinics.
HSA Political Action Fund available to support members in October 29 provincial by-elections
October 2, 2008
HSA members who are running for office or working on campaigns in the provincial by-elections in Vancouver-Burrard and Vancouver-Fairview can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund:
1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.
Notice for HSA Safety Stewards and Activists
October 1, 2008
HSA is sponsoring an Occupational Health and Safety Conference-Connections ... Advocating for a Safe and Healthy Workplace"November 20 and 21, 2008Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel
This conference is designed for experienced safety stewards to develop their understanding and to help ensure safe working conditions for all members. Learn from presenters from agencies such as OHSAH, WorkSafeBC, and other experts.
Learn more about topics such as:
VGH Steward Elections 2009
October 1, 2008
Notice of Chapter Meeting
Help keep your union strong!
HSA Stewards:
 Advocate on behalf of members
Keep members informed about union activities
Provide democratic leadership
Are the backbone of the union
HSA offers ongoing leadership, grievance handling, and contract interpretation training for new and experienced stewards.
Nominations and Voting:
Sharing skills, saving lives
October 1, 2008
The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4
by LAURA BUSHEIKIN
Speak up now, while you still can
October 1, 2008
The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4
by REID JOHNSON
Profession leader advocates for sonographers
October 1, 2008
The Report: October / November 2008 vol.29 num.4
by CAROLE PEARSON