News & Updates

Sooke News Mirror

Health science professionals who work with children have been receiving employer notifications regarding the requirement for criminal records checks. As a result of amendments to the Criminal Records Review Act which came into effect in January 2008, all employees who work with or have unsupervised access to children (under age 19) must undergo a criminal records check every five years...

New evidence of Canada Health Act violations, BC Court of Appeal ruling affirming government authority to audit for-profit clinics, and resolution at next weeks UBCM Convention all signal need for immediate government response. New research conducted by the BC Health Coalition has revealed evidence that for-profit clinics across the province continue to openly charge patients additional fees to jump the...

The Daily Courier (Kelowna) Sept. 16 marked a sad anniversary for children with special needs in this province. Last year on this date, B.C.'s Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak announced funding cuts of more than $3 million for autism services for children under age six. As a result of this decision, Victoria's Queen Alexandra Centre for Child Health...

Tri-City News

The union bargaining committee for community social services workers met this week to prepare for bargaining resuming next week. Josef Rieder represents HSA at the bargaining table, with HSA bargaining team chair Lynn Kelsey. -Were looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working life and conditions of our members," he said. -We hope...

The Vancouver Sun See full version of the original letter here

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 Classes 9:00 ... 4:30 pm, registration 8:30 am Where: Justice Institute of BC, New Westminster Campus, 715 McBride Blvd The New Westminster & District Labour Council is hosting the following labour education courses: Talk Back Gain insight and experience in talking about, and even debating, principle union positions of everyday issues ... from seniority versus...

HSA is offering a 2-day OH&S steward workshop this fall: Date: November 8 & 9, 2010 Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, Vancouver Occupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops are participatory and discussion...

The Canadian Health Coalition (CHC) is urging the Harper government to stop stalling and start working with provincial and territorial governments to bring in a universal public Pharmacare program. The coalition has sent a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper appealing for action following the release of a report laying out a formula for Pharmacare that would not only offer...