2019: News Archive

Applications are now being accepted for funding to support HSA members who work under the Health Science Professionals Collective Agreement (HSPBA) and who are pursuing professional development. The continuing funding was negotiated in the 2019-2022 collective agreement, with a $400,000 contribution to the fund each year. “I encourage members to apply to this fund to support their professional development, as...

Nominations are now open for Regional Director elections in HSA Regions 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. This is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to the leadership of the union and to represent the interests of other members. HSA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 10 regional directors elected by members in the regions, and the president, who...

By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications 2019 marks the 100th year anniversary off the Winnipeg General Strike, when 35,000 unionized and non-unionized workers in Winnipeg walked off the job in support of striking building and metal workers. Beginning May 15, 1919, and lasting over six weeks, the Winnipeg General Strike is a landmark historical event recognized for its expressions of working...

By Vicky Grant, HSA member I have been working at BC Cancer as a radiation therapist for almost 25 years. Most of that time has been at the Surrey Centre, formerly known as the Fraser Valley Cancer Center. Radiation therapists are involved in planning and delivering radiation therapy treatment to cancer patients, and assist in assessing and managing the treatment’s...

By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications Ingrid Mendez and her partner didn’t come here from Guatemala because they thought Canada was a beautiful country. “I’m not saying it’s not,” she explained. “No, we’re here because we were forced to leave. We came here because w e needed to save our lives and those of our families.” Now Mendez works actively to...

When the Nanaimo Child Development Center (CDC) opened over 50 years ago, the preschool was one of its first community programs, said HSA member Kathleen Silvey.

Successful Charter challenge to provisions banning extra-billing, private insurance would create two-tier system By HSA President Val Avery Public health care is one of Canada’s greatest achievements. But our most-cherished social program is under threat. A group of plaintiffs led by Dr. Brian Day, CEO of the for-profit Cambie Surgeries Corporation, is challenging the constitutionality of key provisions of B.C.’s...

Preparations for HSA’s annual convention, where delegates representing members from throughout the province set goals, debate policies, and recommend actions for the union and its members to carry out for the year, are already underway. The deadline for submitting resolutions is Tuesday, January 28, 2020. All resolutions must be voted on at local union chapters. HSA chapter meetings will be...

HSA SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY WORKSHOP DATE: Thursday, February 20, 2020 TIME: 8:30am – 4:00pm PLACE: HSA Head Office - 180 East Columbia St. New Westminster, BC The Committee on Equality and Social Action invite you to a workshop to explore different aspects of the Climate Emergency. Our guests include, Andrew Williamson, Producer; Lilah Williamson, Sutainabiliteens/Metro Vancouver’s Climate Stikers, Peter McCarntey...

* updated December 13, 2019 to clarify that under the amended policy, it is still mandatory to report vaccination status, but no longer mandatory to wear a mask if not vaccinated. After years of controversy surrounding the province’s “vaccinate or mask” policy for health care workers during the flu season, the provincial policy has been amended to remove the disciplinary...