Workers across the country experience racism on the job and in their communities. Alarming patterns of racism in Canada, including acts of Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiments, expressions of white nationalism, and the inequitable treatment of Indigenous peoples – while not new – speak to the urgent need for unions to proactively challenge racism and discrimination in its overt and subtle forms.

By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

2019 marks the 100th year anniversary off the Winnipeg General Strike, when 35,000 unionized and non-unionized workers in Winnipeg walked off the job in support of striking building and metal workers.

Successful Charter challenge to provisions banning extra-billing, private insurance would create two-tier system
By HSA President Val Avery

Public health care is one of Canada’s greatest achievements. But our most-cherished social program is under threat.

This morning the BC government introduced Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

This bill requires all provincial laws to align with UNDRIP, and is an important and concrete step to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into a provincial legislative framework. Once passed, BC will be the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of UNDRIP into provincial law.   

BC is failing workers experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Paid, job-protected leave from work is critical for employees experiencing violence who may need to relocate or seek community services, such as medical attention, legal services, or counselling.

Domestic violence and workplace safety: Why policy change is needed
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

When we talk about health and safety in the workplace, domestic violence issues rarely enter the discussion. Yet for someone who has been awake most of the night from duress, their ability to manage workplace risks and hazards can become a serious issue.

President's Report: This federal election, let's vote for a universal Pharmacare program
By HSA President Val Avery

The effects of for-profit health insurance on public health care delivery: Examining the research
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

As a result of systemic violence, thousands of Indigenous women and girls have gone missing across Canada. This violence is both historic and ongoing.

The National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls called this violence "a national tragedy of epic proportion" and a "deliberate and often covert campaign of genocide against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people."