News & Updates

Today's public briefing by Premier John Horgan and Health Minister Adrian Dix was short on details about how shortages and chronic challenges in recruitment and retention of health science professionals will be addressed in the plan. HSA has been advocating for several weeks that the plan must include all members of the healthcare team, including specialized health science professionals. See...

The recording of the telephone town hall and question and answer session is now available here.

With supply of N95 masks running low, Ministry of Health directs shift to alternative PPE guidelinesThe Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the union that over the coming days, current supplies of N95 masks will likely be depleted to the point where non-traditional and reprocessed N95s may begin to enter the supply stream. There are reports from members that this...

To ensure British Columbians have increased access to vital mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province has announced $5 million to expand existing mental health programs and services and launch new services to support British Columbians. “If you are feeling anxious, stressed, depressed or disconnected because of COVID-19, I want you to know that you are not alone,”...

To: All HSA members in the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) collective agreementFrom: HSA President Val AveryDate: April 8, 2020This is a difficult time for healthcare workers around the province and I wanted to take this opportunity to update members on what HSA and the Community Bargaining Association (CBA) have been doing on your behalf and clarify some common questions members...

I know that all of you are working tirelessly at jobs that have changed dramatically over the course of just a few weeks. As front line health care workers, you have the additional stresses of worrying about your personal health and safety, being separated from family, and not knowing where you may be redeployed to work. We have heard you...

Are you an essential health care worker in Greater Victoria? The United Way of Greater Victoria has teamed up with Accent Inns to provide free rooms for health care workers who need a place to stay. See the details here: https://uwgv.ca/news/show-your-local-love-to-our-frontline-service-supe…

HSA is gathering information from HSA OHS stewards and joint committee members about how the Joint Occupational Health and Safety committees are functioning at worksites during the current COVID-19 pandemic. WorkSafe BC has confirmed these committees must continue to function during the pandemic. Please take 2-3 minutes to complete the survey to inform how we can all work to ensure...

Coverage rules have changed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic The HBT team is working closely with Pacific Blue Cross to ensure employees have accessto Tele-Health and Virtual services to support ongoing care during COVID-19 social distancing initiatives. NEW FOR EMPLOYEES: Reimbursement for Tele-Physiotherapy and Tele-Chiropractic Treatment Reimbursement is available to ALL employees who receive benefits: Tele-Physiotherapy and Tele-Chiropractic treatments...

It's clear that Canadians believe more help is required to ensure no one goes without housing or is financially gutted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Co., on behalf of the Natonal Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), its Component, the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) and North99, conducted its first poll on this subject...