News & Updates
Criminal records checks: an update
September 20, 2010
Health science professionals who work with children have been receiving employer notifications regarding the requirement for criminal records checks.
As a result of amendments to the Criminal Records Review Act which came into effect in January 2008, all employees who work with or have unsupervised access to children (under age 19) must undergo a criminal records check every five years ... not just upon hire. The deadline for compliance is December 31, 2010.
Autistic kids in BC hurt by cuts
September 19, 2010
Tri-City News
Closing autism intervention program a false economy
September 17, 2010
The Vancouver Sun
See full version of the original letter here
Community Social Services bargaining resumes next week
September 17, 2010
The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met this week to prepare for bargaining resuming next week.
Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -Were looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working life and conditions of our members," he said. -We hope the employers are willing to actively participate in collective bargaining after almost a year of talks."
Classes for Union Members
September 16, 2010
When: Saturday, October 23, 2010Classes 9:00 ... 4:30 pm, registration 8:30 am
Where: Justice Institute of BC, New Westminster Campus, 715 McBride Blvd
The New Westminster & District Labour Council is hosting the following labour education courses:
Help make your workplace safe! Fall 2010 OH&S Steward Training
September 14, 2010
HSA is offering a 2-day OH&S steward workshop this fall:
Date: November 8 & 9, 2010
Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver
Occupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops are participatory and discussion oriented. We encourage you to bring examples from your workplace for discussion. Please refer to the attached pre-registration form for further details.
Canadian Health Coalition says national Pharmacare could save billlions
September 13, 2010
The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is urging the Harper government to stop stalling and start working with provincial and territorial governments to bring in a universal public Pharmacare program.
The coalition has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper appealing for action following the release of a report laying out a formula for Pharmacare that would not only offer coverage to all Canadians but could save up to $10.7 billion annually in the process.
REMINDER ... Deadline: September 24 - Fall conference for HSA health and safety stewards - 2nd Bi-Annual OHS Conference - -Creating a Culture of Safety"
September 10, 2010
October 25 and 26, 2010Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel
Spaces are filling up for this conference, designed for experienced safety stewards and advocates, to increase awareness on key issues related to safe working conditions for all members.
Learn more about topics such as:
• An update on violence prevention initiatives.• The relationship between worker and patient/client safety.• Information technology to support OHS programs and initiatives.• HSA projects and Initiatives.• Stress in the workplace.
Countdown is on to October 3 Run for the Cure
September 9, 2010
As BC leaders in the fight to end breast cancer, the Health Sciences Association of BC is an active participant in the annual Run for the Cure, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's most important fundraising event of the year.
As health sciences professionals, HSA members are the key health professionals breast cancer patients count on for the diagnosis and treatment of, and rehabilitation from breast cancer.
Plans to reduce hospital lab service panned
September 7, 2010
Comox Valley Echo