News & Updates

The BC government has announced plans to change the rules on when you need to get a sick note for short-term absences. Details are not yet available, but the union will keep you updated as we learn more. BC Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside introduced Bill 11 on April 15. The bill proposes to change the Employment Standards Act to...

Do you enjoy talking to your fellow union members? Are you curious about how to make change? The Core Member Engagement Team (CMET) is a unique, hands-on opportunity for HSA members to develop their own skills while growing our collective power. You don’t need to be an expert to apply; all you need is curiosity, a willingness to learn new...

Registration Information: Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Basic Steward Training (three-day workshop) Stewards play a vital role in the union. This workshop will teach new stewards the skills to enable them to serve confidently in their role. Workshop content includes the role of the steward, organizing your chapter, grievance...

For nearly 13 years, Jacquie Heichert has been on the road, driving tens of thousands of kilometres across British Columbia to bring lifesaving breast cancer screening to rural and Indigenous communities. As a mobile mammographer with BC Cancer, she operates one of the province’s mobile screening units—massive, 30,000-pound trucks fully outfitted with diagnostic imaging equipment—delivering essential health care to areas...

Health Sciences Association of BC has contracted Viewpoints Research to conduct an online survey to explore members' priorities and concerns as your union conducts negotiations for your next contract. Viewpoints Research is an industry leader with 30 years of experience conducting research for unions and other progressive organizations. Using an experienced third-party professional research firm for this membership survey ensures...

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...

HSA members across the province have elected Sarah Kooner, an infant development consultant at Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, to serve as HSA’s next president. “I am deeply honored 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...

For the first time ever, all HSA members are entitled to vote for the union’s president. Voting will be open for 24 hours from noon April 10 to noon April 11 – but you need credentials to vote. Voting credentials consist of a unique ID number and passcode, and these are required for logging into the online election being conducted...

PRRI extended to June 30; other programs extended temporarily With the provincial budget deficit now over $11 billion, and the government looking to find savings through a review of programs, money is increasingly tight in BC. But in recognition of the importance of tackling shortages affecting health science professions, the Ministry of Health has agreed to extend initiatives launched last...

Starting today (April 1, 2025), a new Mental Health Support Fund will be in place to help HSA members covered under the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) collective agreement. This funding was negotiated with the BC government as part of your union’s ongoing work to provide greater support for RPNs, especially those dealing with the impact of significant shortages and excessive...