News & Updates

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 BY VAL AVERY PRESIDENT, HSA HSA is a non-partisan union, but that doesn't mean we don't speak up on the issues that matter to our members. On October 19, Canadians have a chance to make a choice that will decide the future of our country for the next four years, and far beyond that. HSA...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 iT'S NOT AS EASY AS BEFORE, SO LISTEN UP The Conservative government of Stephen Harper has changed Canada's election rules, making it much harder for all citizens to vote in their elections, and preventing Elections Canada from raising awareness about the new rules for voting. Please take a few minutes to make your plan. 1...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." This quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead nicely sums up the motivation social worker Easter Tocol brings to her work with the HSA constituency liaison program. This program trains and...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 HSA health science professionals dominated the field at the 2015 Providence Health Care research challenge The research challenge, now in its fifth year, supports evidence-based innovation to improve patient care. It provides point of care health care workers with no formal research experience an opportunity to conduct research to inform their work in patient care...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD, HSA PENSIONS AND BENEFITS ADVOCATE Q: I took a maternity leave in 2014. When I received my annual member benefit statement from the Municipal Pension Plan in June, I noticed there were no contributions made to my pension account even though the collective agreement says the employer will continue to make payments...

HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2015 BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER Recent amendments to the Workers Compensation Act are meant to improve workplace health and safety and to provide stronger tools to WorkSafeBC officers for enforcing the Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Bill 9 received Royal Assent on May 14, 2015 and makes a number of changes...

Earlier this summer, unions belonging to the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association reached a settlement agreement in principle with respect to outstanding grievances about 37.5 hour work week process at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. As a result of this agreement in principle, schedules will not change, but grievors will receive one of two different possible settlements: A bank of three...

Celebrate Labour Day in your community Campbell River Courtenay DLC PicnicHalbe Hall8369 North Island HwyBlack Creek BCMonday, September 712:00 noon - 4:00 pmContact: Campbell River Courtenay DLC250-287-3854 East Kootenay DLC PicnicRotary ParkCranbrook BCMonday, September 711:00 am - 4:00 pmContact: East Kootenay DLC250-426-2670 @email Fraser Valley LC and United Way PicnicMill Lake Park(Bevan Street Entrance)Abbotsford BCMonday, September 711:00 am - 2:30...

HSA RPNs are encouraged to register for an upcoming one-day conference on violence in the health care sector September 16 presented by ProActive ReSolutions and WorkSafeBC.The conference, to be held in Vancouver at SFU – Harbour Centre, will focus on strengthening understanding of warning signs and risk factors for a wide range of violent behavior, and learning about best practices...

On Sunday, October 4th, HSA members will once again participate in the 2015 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Run for the Cure and we encourage you to join an HSA team today by clicking on the link below. Eighty-five per cent of HSA members are women and thousands of HSA members play a role in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of...