Record number of delegates wrap HSA Convention 2024

Close to 450 delegates attended HSA’s 2024 Convention in Vancouver May 1-3, the highest number of participants in HSA’s 53-year history.

“It’s very good to see so many members taking responsibility for the direction of their union by devoting time to serve as delegates representing their colleagues,” said Kane Tse, President. 

A total of 230 resolutions were submitted for debate this year, almost double the number submitted just three years ago. Resolutions which did not come up for debate will be referred to the Board of Directors. A full report out on resolutions will be published by the Board in the coming weeks. 

Special guests at the convention included BC Premier David Eby and Minister of Health Adrian Dix, both of whom spoke about the provincial government’s work to deal with shortages of health science professionals. Bert Blundon, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees addressed delegates about the work being done on important issues at the national and international level. Mike Parker, President of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, and Karen Schmid, President of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan were also in attendance. 

With the housing affordability crisis in BC contributing significantly to the challenge of recruiting and retaining specialized professionals in health care and community social services, the convention featured a panel discuss on affordability moderated by BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore. Panelists included Troy Cochrane, economist for the Canadian Labour Congress, Lisa Helps of BC Housing and special advisor on housing issues to the Office of the Premier, and Marc Lee, economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Jing-Yi Ng, a clinical pharmacist at Eagle Ridge Hospital and Region 3 Director, was elected Vice President at the Board meeting held on adjournment of convention. Brooke Carter, a laboratory technologist at Royal Jubilee Hospital, was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Candis Johnson, a supported child development consultant at the Child Development Centre of Prince George joined the Board as Region 10 Director, and Caroline Widgiz, a laboratory technologist at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, joined as Region 8 Director.

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