By-election to Fill Board of Directors Vacancy: November 15 Deadline for Nominations
A by-election for a new member of HSA’s Board of Directors from Region 4 has been called. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Regional Director Alexandra Thomson effective today, Friday, October 25, 2024.
“Serving as your Regional Director has been an incredible honour and a deeply rewarding experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of representing our members at various significant events such as the Canadian Labour Congress in Montreal and the NUPGE Convention in Newfoundland. I’ve been involved with many HSA committees and have a special place in my heart for occupational health and safety (OHS),” Thomson said in a message to members, where she explained that she is leaving the bargaining unit after accepting an excluded position with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
This is an excellent opportunity for members to serve on the HSA Board of Directors, contribute to the leadership of the union, and to represent the interests of other members. HSA’s Board of Directors comprises 10 Regional Directors elected by members from their region, and the President, who is elected every two years during the union’s annual convention.**
To be eligible to run for the Board of Directors, a nominee must have been a member of HSA for at least one year immediately prior to election, be in good standing, and be nominated in writing by two members in the region they are seeking to represent. The term of office is two years. Regional Directors may serve for up to three consecutive terms.
Responsible for the overall governance of the union, board members participate in Board of Director meetings, held at least quarterly in person – when possible – at the union office in New Westminster. Directors chair or participate on HSA’s governance committees, which meet at least two times a year. They serve as HSA representatives to events and external meetings, chair annual Regional Meetings, and report to members in their region regularly. While the union provides wage replacement at Regional Directors’ regular rate of pay for shifts missed due to participation in meetings related to their role on the Board of Directors, as well as reimbursement for associated travel, accommodation, and dependent care costs, Regional Directors also devote considerable volunteer time to the position to allow for material review, responding to emails, and periodic evening meetings held by telephone or online.
The successful candidate will assume the position immediately upon election and serve until the conclusion of the union’s spring 2026 convention.
To obtain an information package, including a nomination form, please send an email to info [at] hsabc.org. Nominations will close at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, November 15.
Voting will be online only, and conducted November 22, 2024 to January 2, 2025. To ensure you are able to vote, please visit this link to update your personal contact information.
Learn more about the by-election on the HSA website.
** HSA has changed how the union President is elected. Starting in 2025, every member will be eligible to vote in an online election. Stay tuned for details on how to vote for HSA President in April 2025.