The BC Community Living Action Group (BC‐CLAG) strongly urges Premier Christy Clark to act immediately to approve $70 million in new provincial funding to stem the provinces growing community living crisis.

A BC‐CLAG analysis of Community Living BC (CLBC) projections shows that at least $70 million is needed immediately to address the existing support backlog. Each year, hundreds of youths with developmental
disabilities reach the age of 19 and turn to CLBC as they age out of supports funded by the Ministry for Children and Families.

Statement from the BC Federation of Labour on the passing of Jack Layton.

HSA members throughout the province who are running for office or working in municipal or provincial election campaigns this fall may apply to HSA for financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund.

Municipal, Board of Education and Regional District elections

In keeping with a resolution passed by delegates at HSAs 2010 convention, HSA is encouraging members to vote -Yes" to extinguish the Harmonized Sales Tax in the current BC-wide referendum. 

If you havent received your HST Referendum Voting Package yet, then you should contact Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 (toll-free) to request a package.  The deadline to request a voting package is midnight (local time) Friday, July 22, 2011.

As you are aware, HSA has been working to minimize the impact of the employers consolidation plan for health information management services in the Lower Mainland. Here are answers to frequently-asked questions.

Q:   I received my -transfer package" July 4, 2011. What happens if I dont fill out the forms in this package?

The Great Canadian Railtour Company Ltd., operating as Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, has locked out members of Teamsters Local 31 as of June 21, 2011, affecting 109 on board attendants.

The Teamsters are holding a rally in support of these workers, and welcome support from other union members and the community.

• Date: Thursday, July 7
• Time:  4:00 pm
• Place: 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver
  (behind the Home Depot off Terminal Avenue in Vancouver)

FOI reveals that auditors failed to verify Copemans claims that there was no preferential treatment at its member-only primary care clinic.

The BC Health Coalition is calling for an inquiry into the provincial governments ability to ensure that patients get fair access to physician services after it was discovered the Medical Services Commission (MSC) did not perform a test of access during its 2007 audit of Vancouvers Copeman Healthcare Centre.

In keeping with a resolution passed by delegates at HSAs 2010 convention, HSA is encouraging members to vote -Yes" to extinguish the Harmonized Sales Tax in the current BC-wide referendum. 

The 2010 resolution directed HSA to take the following actions to oppose the HST:

The Silent Killer: Asbestos - It's in our homes, our schools, our hospitals - our lives.

Date:  Thursday, June 16, 2011
Time:  7:00pm
Place:  Fifth Avenue Cinemas, 2110 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Tickets:  Open Seating - Admission by donation to Toxic Free Canada

For more information, please contact Nina Hansen at 604.430.1421 or email nhansen@bcfed.ca

In recent weeks, many BC communities have experienced flood warnings or evacuation orders. What are your rights in the event of flooding?

Q:  I work at a hospital that is subject to flooding if the river rises too high. My manager has told me that in the event of a flood, I may be relocated for my job. Can my employer do that?
 
A:  The River Forecast Centre of British Columbia has predicted that spring runoff could be higher than normal this year, and that there is potential for flooding in some communities.