Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association, welcomes innovative changes in the delivery of health care and will be watching as the patient-focused funding initiative unveiled by Health Minister Kevin Falcon yesterday unfolds. HSA is the union that represents the health science professionals on the modern health care team, delivering critical diagnostic, clinical and rehabilitation services in BC hospitals.

-Theres no question our health care system needs to be innovative and responsive," Johnson said.

(VANCOUVER) - Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association, and Debra McPherson, President of the BC Nurses Union, are calling on WorkSafe BC to immediately order VIHA to protect staff at Eric Martin Pavilion, the mental health facility at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.

The demand for action follows a series of violent assaults on staff by a patient with severe mental illness. VIHAs cuts to psychiatric services and their inaction on improving hospital safety leave patients, staff and the wider community vulnerable to violence. 

The Coalition to Build a Better BC will hold a rally April 10 to fight recent government cuts ... including cuts to arts and culture funding, seniors services, early childhood education and infant development, mental health and addictions services, supports for the disabled, and an array of social services.

Highlights effects of health and social service cuts

This week, the Coalition to Build a Better BC announced that more than 25 groups have joined together to oppose provincial government funding cuts and to work on real solutions to build a better province. HSA is among the members of the Coalition, which includes groups from the arts community, first nations, health care, community services, organized labour, post-secondary students, youth, environmental and faith groups.

International Womens Day: When our mothers entered the workforce a generation ago, job postings still listed higher wages for men ... -mens rates" ... alongside lower -womens rates," for people working side by side, doing exactly the same job.

While women have fought for and achieved many significant gains, the wage gap between women and men today remains staggering: almost 30 per cent. Women working full-time still only make 70 cents for every dollar men are paid.

In spite of a budget speech that boasts a commitment to health care, British Columbians should brace themselves for another round of cuts to health care services around the province, Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC said in response to the provincial budget released today.

-With a status quo budget for health care, we know that health authorities will be forced to continue to cut services as they have been doing the past year," Johnson said.

TO: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

RE: IWD ... VANCOUVER RALLY AND CONFERENCE - MARCH 6, 2010

-WOMENS VOICES AT THE TABLE"

A diverse group of community and labour women have been meeting to organize the large Vancouver community event for this years International Womens Day (IWD) celebration in Vancouver. This year, the IWD Rally at the Art Gallery will be followed by a Conference at the Vancouver Public Library.

The top priority for the upcoming federal budget, due to come out March 4, 2010, must be to preserve and create good jobs. The budget should also invest in building a healthier, smarter, greener and more secure Canada, says NUPGE president James Clancy.

Follow the link for the full story, including how you can participate in the national budget consulation.

http://www.nupge.ca/content/president-s-commentary-budget-advice-national-union-harper-government

In 2004, West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) collaborated with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) to produce an in-depth study about the effects of cuts to legal aid. Legal Aid Denied: Women and the Cuts to Legal Services in BC examined the recent history and cumulative effects of cuts, undermining the health, safety, livelihoods, and families in need of legal assistance.

HSA's board of directors has made a $10,000 donation on behalf of HSA members to the Haitian relief efforts.

HSA joins with individuals, organizations, and governments around the world that are mobilizing to provide food, shelter, and medical aid for the Haitian people devasted by the January 12 earthquake that has demolished large parts of the country and left hundreds of thousands dead or homeless.