News & Updates

The BC Health Coalition (BCHC) is inviting people who have been selected to participate in a forum in your community to please contact the Coalition directly. The Coalition is organizing a province-wide network of forum participants and welcome the opportunity to provide resources, and collect feedback from those who will attending the government's events. Visit the BCHC campaign webpage at...

In 2005, David Bland, a vocational rehabilitation counsellor and HSA member from Richmond Mental Health, was murdered at his workplace by a former client. His tragic death served as a sombre reminder that more needs to be done to prevent violence incidents in the workplace and protect health care workers on the job. To honour David, the HSA board of...

CBC Radio airs a three-part series on occupational health and safety issues in health care starting tonight. The series includes a close look at occupational injury among ultrasound technologists, and features interviews with HSA members and staff, as well as expert Judy Village, who is one of only six certified professional egonomists in British Columbia. HSA has lobbied for years...

The provincial government has announced the dates for the regional forums on health care. In Chilliwack, the forum will be held March 3 at the Rhombus Hotel. Deadline for registration for the forum in Chilliwack is January 19. Health care professionals have been barred from participating in the public forums, but are encouraged to participate in 'professional forums.' In Chilliwack...

The provincial government has announced the dates for the regional forums on health care. In Victoria, the forum will be held March 10 at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Deadline for registration for the forum in Victoria is January 26. Health care professionals have been barred from participating in the public forums, but are encouraged to participate in 'professional forums.' In...

HSA is offering scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children. We will be awarding ten scholarships for full-time studies, ten bursaries for full-time studies and two aboriginal scholarships. The criteria and details are set out on the application forms. To obtain a copy please see the HSA website: www.hsabc.org or contact your chief steward. Completed application forms and...

Ottawa ... A new survey from Scotiabank has found that almost a quarter of Canadians (23%) have taken money out of their RRSP and one in five does not plan to reinvest that amount, despite financial penalties. The study, designed to understand Canadians' attitudes and behaviour toward RRSP savings, found that the primary purposes for withdrawal were to buy a...

BC and Alberta have inked a new pact, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) that will increase privatization, allow private investors to challenge public programs, policies and regulations, and restrict governments ability to act in the public interest. Discuss what social activists can do about it at a public meeting 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 17 at the Maritime...

Did you know? As a percentage of BC's economy, public spending on health care stayed almost the same between 1991 and 2006. Every thirty seconds, a US citizen goes bankrupt as a result of the health care costs associated with a major illness. Knee replacement surgery in a public hospital averages $8,000 compared to $14,000 to $18,000 in a private...

In past years, the Health Sciences Association has marked the holiday season with cards of thanks and greetings to activists, colleagues, supporters and suppliersto thank you for the work you do with us throughout the year. This year, HSA has instead made a financial contribution to the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Association of Food Banks. The association works towards...