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HSA’s 54th Convention Wraps
Posted
April 11, 2025
A record number of over 500 delegates wrapped an intensive three-day convention at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on Friday afternoon.
More than 300 resolutions were submitted, also a record number, and delegates discussed and voted on many, directing the union to make significant changes in member services and political action. Arising from the resolutions debated this week, HSA will start the work to add a new elected position to the Board of Directors, one which will serve as a representative of equity-seeking members, develop an HSA-specific plan on Truth and Reconciliation, donate $25,000 to MSF Canada, donate $25,000 to World Central Kitchen, donate $5,000 to the BC Flying Squad Against Transphobia to support union activists countering hate and misinformation directed against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, lobby the provincial government to phase out the use of private for-profit health worker agencies, and advocate for policies to protect health care workers from job loss arising from AI. Governance changes include new rules in place to allow for disciplinary action against regional directors who abuse their positions through misconduct that is verified by an independent investigator.
A draft list of all resolutions debated and voted on is below. Resolutions not debated on the floor of convention are sent to the board of directors for decision.
Candidates for the position of HSA president delivered speeches on Thursday, shortly before online voting opened at noon on that day. For the first time, all HSA members were eligible to vote for the president. Sarah Kooner, an infant development consultant working at Fraser Valley Child Development Centre was elected president for a two-year term.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful for the trust that you have placed in me,” said Kooner. “Throughout my time with HSA I have had the privilege of working alongside many of you and today I stand before you with a renewed excitement to serve and lead our union with integrity, transparency and dedication.”
BC Premier David Eby addressed delegates on Friday morning, recognizing the too-often overlooked role of health science professionals. “It's really an honour to speak to you, the people who hold up our health care system every day,” he said. “Our appreciation as a government for the work you do is serious and ongoing. Thank you for everything you do for British Columbians.”
“My goal, working with the Minister of Health, is to flatten the gap between the people on the front lines and the government, to make sure we are getting the information from you on how we can ensure our health care system works for everyone.”
Health Minister Josie Osborne also spoke to delegates. “Right now the world is feeling uncertain,” she said. “No matter what the world throws at us, our government will do everything that we can to stand up for the public health care that British Columbians so value and rely on. Your unique position and role is the glue that holds the modern health care system together. It will take all of us in the health care system working together to take on these challenges and to protect the services that people rely on and support those who provide them.”
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude once again to each and every one of you for the hard work and the passion that you bring to your work in building a stronger more resilient health care system around British Columbia.”
Jim Stanford, Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, and one of Canada’s best-known economists on issues affecting working people, addressed delegates Thursday. Providing a thorough briefing on the current economic and political landscape, Stanford stressed the challenges ahead.
“First of all, you've got to be proud of what you did in the last agreement in 2022,” said Stanford while reviewing how HSA’s work stacks up nationally. “At the time I thought it was a good deal. And in retrospect I think it was a genius deal, seeing what has happened since — including seeing what has happened in other provinces. You fully protected the real wages of your members against that surge inflation which is amazing.”
“The big unknown is Trump. And what is going to happen. The BC economic climate is not encouraging and the fiscal climate is not encouraging either. But I’ve got tremendous confidence in your union, your members, your leadership. You did well last time and I know you can do well this time as well.”
WHAT DELEGATES ARE SAYING ABOUT CONVENTION
“It's probably my fifth convention, and this year's more organized. Last year there was a lot of drama but now this year it's more organized. For me, it's been very positive. I think we are getting a lot of things done with our resolutions.”
Tim, radiological technologist serving 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Clearwater, Logan Lake, Lillooet and Lytton
“It's really nice to be around so many people who I work with, and so many different disciplines and places of work. It really provides perspective on the work that we do as health care workers all together.
Convention is very complicated. It's like running government, and sometimes it's inefficient and sometimes it takes a lot of discussion, but I think it's discussion worth having.”
Julia, social worker at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
“It's my first convention, and I think it's great. I know it's very heavy in there sometimes, but I think it's nice how our speakers can pull everybody to come together. It feels good that there's a community of support for us and that our union dues are being put to good use.”
Gurmit, social worker at Delta Hospital
DRAFT LIST OF RESOLUTIONS DEBATED
The official list will be published with the report on Business Arising from Convention. The Resolutions Book is available on the HSA website.
Resolution 23: Carried
Resolution 17: Carried
Resolution 16: Carried
Resolution 119: Carried
Resolution 116: Carried
Resolution 20: Carried
Resolution 132: Carried
Resolution 10: Carried
Resolution 13: Defeated
Resolution 112: Carried
Resolution 148: Carried
Resolution 84: Defeated
Resolution 51: Defeated
Resolution 70: Carried
Resolution 86: Carried
Resolution 271: Carried
Resolution 272: Defeated
Resolution 31: Defeated
Resolution 246: Carried
Resolution 245: Carried
Resolution 22: Defeated
Resolution 18: Carried
Resolution 19: Carried
Resolution 255: Carried
Resolution 53: Carried
Resolution 57: Carried
Resolution 73: Carried
Resolution 90: Defeated
Resolution 63: Defeated
Resolution 184: Carried
Resolution 25: Carried
Resolution 224: Carried
Resolution 207: Carried
Resolution 203: Carried
Resolution 26: Carried
Resolution 36: Defeated
Resolution 136: Defeated
Resolution 206: Defeated
Resolution 260: Carried
Resolution 126: Defeated
Resolution 100: Carried
Resolution 34: Carried
Resolution 221: Carried
Resolution 243: Carried
Resolution 30: Carried
Resolution 212: Carried
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