HSA and BC Government Agree on New Funding for Professional Development

Working in partnership with the government of British Columbia, Health Sciences Association of BC has secured $3 million in new funding to support professional development for members covered by the Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association collective agreement. The funding, provided by the BC Ministry of Health, will allow members to pursue further specialization of skills in key professions.

“Coming at this time of extraordinary challenge to our health care system and the people who keep it running, this infusion of funding provides needed support for health science professionals needing to maintain and upgrade areas of specialization,“ said HSA President Val Avery.

“I’d like to express my thanks to Health Minister Adrian Dix for working with us on this,” said Avery. “This commitment to training is an important signal that the government recognizes the importance of retaining and supporting the health science professionals needed now more than ever.”

“As Minister of Health I’m very aware of how much our health care system depends on the specialized health professionals working throughout the province,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “Investing in professional development is one important way we can support these critical care providers. I’m grateful for the ongoing leadership shown by HSA, and for the ongoing dedication and hard work of health science professionals.”

Key points about the new professional development funding:

• The funding is to be allocated to training and upgrading skills for HSPBA members working in professions experiencing shortages, or in rural and remote locations, as well as  ongoing required professional development for all HSPBA members;
• The funding will apply to education or training commenced between April 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022;
• The education or training must pertain to professional development in a health science professional discipline being practiced in the public health care system; and
• Eligible expenses for reimbursement include tuition fees, registration fees, cost of required books or materials, and other reasonable education-related expenses and may also include reasonable costs of travel and accommodation if the applicant must travel or temporarily relocate to attend education or training or related clinical placement.

All health science professionals covered by the HSPBA collective agreement, which includes members of HSA, BCGEU, CUPE, PEA and HEU are eligible to apply for funding. Application forms will be available on the HSA website very soon.