HSA President Cindy Stewart re-elected

Delegates to the 34 th annual convention of the Health Sciences Association of BC have re-elected Cindy Stewart, a physiotherapist from Vernon, as their president for another two years. Stewart defeated challenger Derrick Hoyt, a lab technologist from Victoria.

Stewart has been President of HSA since 1993. The union represents more than 12,000 health care and social services professional across BC who provide a range of diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services.

Stewart called on HSA members to take a stand against the Liberal government's record on health care and social services. In an emotional speech, she told the story of her aging parents' experiences with the health care system in a community where the local hospital was closed.

-My family's health care story isn't any different or more spectacular than the stories of thousands of British Columbians. Like so many others who believed that the health care system would be there when they needed it, my parents are finding out that it's not," she said,

-My story, and the stories you've all experienced or know about ... through your work or your own families ... is why I'm asking delegates to this year's HSA convention to take a stand."

She called on delegates to get involved in the upcoming provincial election by voting, working in election campaigns and ensuring the Liberal record on health care is challenged.

Delegates to the convention passed a number of resolutions that echoed Stewart's concerns, including a resolution to condemn the deterioration in the quality and quantity of food services in long term health care facilities and acute care hospitals.

-30-

For more information, contact: Rebecca Maurer, cell: 604.970.8196

Contact: Rebecca Maurer
Director of Communications
604 439 0994 office / 604 970 8196 cell