How can I vote to protect health care and social services?

The Report: January / February 2006 vol.27 num.1

n January 23, HSA members will once again head to the polls to elect a new federal government. The Members of Parliament we elect can have a huge impact on the health care and community social services that HSA members provide.

HSA urges members to examine the positions of the parties on these issues, and to vote for candidates who will support public health care and community social services.

A good way to find out where the candidates in your area stand on the issues is to attend local all-candidate meetings and ask your candidates where they stand on the issues. A few questions on health care and community social services are given below, as examples only. There are many other issues that you may wish to raise with candidates.

Tips for asking questions

• Where relevant, start by stating your profession or the kind of work you do, the type of patients or clients you work with, and that youre a member of the Health Sciences Association.
• Ask your questions in your own words. Avoid specialized terminology or acronyms that your audience may not understand.
• Give your questions a personal slant where possible (i.e., give examples from your professional or personal experience). Do not, however, say anything that could compromise patients/clients privacy rights or that criticizes your employer.
• Preface your question with a short statement that provides relevant background to your question. This helps the candidate and your audience appreciate the significance of your issue.
• Take your time. Speak clearly and loudly enough so that everyone in the audience can hear both your preamble, and question. Try to use short sentences.
• If youd like help framing a question, or advice on how far you can go in giving your issue a personal slant, please phone the HSA office and ask to speak to Carol, Miriam or Rebecca (604.439.0994 or 1.800.663.2017)