2020: News Archive

Every year, the HSA Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee awards the David Bland Award to an HSA member who has demonstrated leadership to improve occupational health and safety at their worksite and beyond. The award was established in 2007 and honours the memory of David Bland, a vocational counsellor and HSA member from Richmond Mental Health who was killed...

A message from the President It’s hard to believe that 2020 is soon coming to close. It’s no secret that it’s been a challenging year. I am so proud of our members’ commitment to delivering quality public healthcare and social services in the midst of a pandemic that has taken a heavy physical and emotional toll on the communities we...

#Choose2Challenge Creating Space, Taking Space: Conversations on Gender and Racialization Each year, HSA Women’s Committee marks International Women’s Day with a workshop to explore women’s issues in the union. In 2021, HSA will host a virtual workshop on Monday March 8, 2021. The workshop is open to members who identify as women, transwomen, non-binary, two-spirit, and lgbtqi+. Those who also...

Race, Racism in Healthcare & Social Services: Building Anti-racist Care An HSA Virtual Diversity Workshop DATES: March 24 & 25, 2021 TIME: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm LOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to follow HSA is pleased to offer this two-day workshop virtually. Members are expected to attend the entirety of both days. It will be led by two experienced...

HSA Virtual Social Justice Day Workshop DATE: Thursday, February 18, 2021 TIME: 9 am – 4:30pm Location: Virtually, via WebEx. Details to follow The Committee on Equality and Social Action invite you to participate in a virtual day of education and training to learn more about the movement to defund the police and its role in broader social justice organizing...

Upcoming Steward Workshops: Registration Information: Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Virtual Basic Steward Training (3 days in series) Stewards play a vital role in the union. Particularly important is the steward's role in contract interpretation, organizing and the grievance procedure. In recognition of the need for educating new stewards...

Click here to be directed to HSA's FARMERS SUPPORT campaign page and send a letter to the Prime Minister and your Member of Parliament. HSA joins with NUPGE (National Union of Public and General Employees) and its affiliated unions across the country representing 390,000 union members in condemning the response of the Indian government to the ongoing farmers’ protests in...

HSA is pleased to offer an opportunity to attend this two-day workshop! Registration will open December 19, 2020 DATES: April 7 & 8, 2021 TIME: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm LOCATION: Virtual – WebEx details to follow This two-day virtual workshop will help non-Indigenous HSA members to develop the skills, compassion, and abilities required to recognize and change colonial systems...

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer makes the case for paid sick leave In October 2020, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam released an in-depth report analyzing the state of public health in Canada, sharing important information about the impacts of COVID-19 on people across the country. The report, entitled, “From risk to resilience: An equity approach to COVID-19,”...

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or are struggling with another mental health issue, you are not alone. The good news is there are resources available to HSA members who are looking for mental health support. The following is a list of resources that are available to you. Virtual mental health services through your benefits plan If you receive benefits...