News & Updates
Second call for professional development fund applications for health science professionals - Expanded criteria options include professional development programs outside Canada
February 20, 2019
Last fall, HSA announced a $3 million Professional Development Fund funded by the provincial government aimed at supporting health science professionals to undertake professional development to increase specialization, improve health care service to rural and remote areas of BC, and meet ongoing requirements for professional development.
Nominations open for David Bland Award
February 19, 2019
The David Bland Memorial Award is awarded annually to an HSA member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the area of occupational health and safety and who has made a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow HSA members.
The award was established by HSA's board of directors to honour HSA member David Bland, a vocational counsellor from Richmond Mental Health who was killed at his workplace by a former client.
Health science professionals vote to ratify three-year collective agreement
February 15, 2019
Health science professionals working in hospitals and communities throughout the province have voted to accept a new collective agreement that recognizes the value of health science professionals on multi-disciplinary health care teams.
Highlights from the BC Government’s Throne Speech
February 14, 2019
Yesterday was a big day in provincial politics, as MLAs from across the province were back in Victoria and the Spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly got underway. To open the session, the Lieutenant Governor, Honourable Janet Austin, delivered the Speech from the Throne.
The Throne Speech is an opportunity for government to lay out its agenda for the coming year and highlight themes and issues they intend to address. While the speech does not reveal details, it does provide insight into areas of importance for the government. Here’s a snapshot:
Becky Packer acclaimed as Region 1 representative on HSA Board of Directors effective April 5, 2019
February 13, 2019
Becky Packer will join the HSA Board of Directors as the representative from Region 1 (central and north Vancouver Island). Packer was acclaimed after the deadline passed with no further nominations.
Applications are now open for 2019 NUPGE scholarships
February 8, 2019
Every year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers six national scholarships of $1,500 each. HSA is an affiliate of NUPGE, and HSA members and their families may be eligible to participate in NUPGE's scholarship contest.
April 1, 2019 wage and benefits update for HSA members covered by the Community Social Services collective agreement
January 31, 2019
The Community Social Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) and the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) have agreed upon the distribution of the first of three annual $20 million Low Wage Redress funds effective April 1, 2019. This will also cover the adjustment in pay in lieu of benefits for part-time and casual employees to account for the addition of Family Day.
HSA International Women's Day Workshop
January 28, 2019
HSA International Women's Day Workshop
Nurses vote in favour of three-year provincial collective agreement
January 25, 2019
BC’s nurses have voted in favour of the tentative 2019-2022 provincial agreement reached between the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) and the Health Employers' Association of BC (HEABC).
More than 21,000 ballots were cast with 54 per cent of nurses voting to ratify the three-year deal that was reached in November 2018.
Registered psychiatric nurses who are members of HSA rejected the terms of the tentative agreement with a 73 per cent no vote.
Second call for board of director nominations – Deadline February 6
January 23, 2019
Nominations are now open for regional director elections in Regions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. This is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to the leadership of the union and to represent the interest of other members.