Want to get involved in the federal election? The Canadian Labour Congress and local labour councils around the province are organizing union members to get out and canvass for candidates. Join members from other unions for a few hours to talk with people in your community, and help elect the candidate labour is supporting in your area.
Interested members should contact the campaigns listed below for details.
1. WE NEED A GOVERNMENT THAT CARES ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH CARE
A $36 BILLION CUT TO HEALTH CARE
In 2014, the Health Accord, an agreement between the federal government and the provinces that ensures equal access, proper funding, and high standards for health care in Canada, expired. The provinces are asking for a new Accord, but the federal government has refused to strike a new deal. Instead, the Harper Conservatives plan to cut $36 billion in health care funding after the election.
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 doesn’t promote specific political parties or candidates, but our members count on their union to defend their interests, and there is plenty at stake in this election.
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.
Does your organization promote and protect trade union, human, or women’s rights? Are you working to eliminate inequalities in society and the workplace? Are you fighting for universal health care and the elimination of poverty or the promotion and protection of a health environment?
If so, HSA’s Committee on Equality and Social Action may be able to help.
A percentage of members’ union dues are set aside for the committee to support organizations doing this important work, and the call for applications is now open. Deadline for application for funding is October 1.
July 16, 2015 (St. John's, NL): After a week of activities organized by health care advocates from across the country calling for federal leadership to ensure universal access to public health care, the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Paul Davis has announced that the he and his provincial counterparts are asking the federal government to increase the health-related transfers to the provinces.
When Rachel Notley made history on May 5, no one was prouder than the HSA staff and members who worked with her back in the day.
Notley, who led Alberta's New Democrats from four seats to government, ending 44 years of Progressive Conservative rule, worked at HSA from 1994 to 2002, representing injured workers and helping members with occupational health and safety issues.
BY CAROL RIVIERE
The upcoming federal election is an opportunity for all of us to take a stand on issues that matter.
Issues like child care, good jobs, retirement security, and health care matter to Canadians, and in this election voters have a chance to make a better choice.
HSA President Val Avery said she is pleased to have attended today's BC government summit on violence in the health care system. The summit, hosted by Health Minister Terry Lake in response to Avery's recent call for action, included representatives from other health care unions, health authorities, occupational health and safety experts and other industry stakeholders.
Following HSA President Val Avery's proposal, Health Minister Terry Lake will convene a summit to address the continuing problem of violence in health care workplaces. The provincial government has invited HSA to help conduct the day-long solutions-oriented discussion Tuesday April 7 in Richmond.
