2022 HSA Convention Brings Members Back Together
Nearly 300 delegates from facilities across British Columbia attended HSA’s first in-person convention since 2019, debating resolutions on diverse issues and protesting to raise public awareness of shortage and workload issues. The event was held in Vancouver April 28-30.
“Never in our lifetimes have we struggled though a public health crisis like this one,” said HSA President Kane Tse in his report to delegates on April 29. “Never in our lifetimes have we been asked to sacrifice so much, work so hard, push through such impossible conditions.” Tse led almost 200 delegates through the streets of downtown Vancouver to protest working conditions that have driven many health science and community social service professionals to the brink of professional and personal crisis. Delegates blew off steam and had some fun battering a series of COVID-shaped pinatas to the cheers of their colleagues.
Delegates debated and voted on a number of resolutions submitted by members at the local level around BC, including one condemning the Russian government’s ongoing attack on Ukraine.
The David Bland Award, given annually to an HSA member in recognition of their leadership in workplace safety, was awarded to Alexandra Thomson of Vancouver General Hospital.
On adjournment of the Convention, Regional Directors elected by members earlier this year assumed their positions on the Board of Directors, and elected Mandi Ayers (Region 10 Director) as Vice President, and Becky Packer (Region 2 Director) as Secretary Treasurer. The full Board of Directors for 2022-2023 is as follows:
President - Kane Tse
Region 1 Director - Becky Packer
Region 2 Director - Brooke Carter
Region 3 Director - Jing-Yi Ng
Region 4 Director - Alexandra Thomson
Region 5 Director - Jill Slind
Region 6 Director - Nancy Hay
Region 7 Director - Jas Giddha
Region 8 Director - Heath McLeod
Region 9 Director - Janice Morrison
Region 10 Director - Mandi Ayers