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.

You and your family depend on BC's public services. So why doesn't the BC Government undestand that when they cut public services, they hurt your family and community.

HSA and other unions have joined to support the BC Federation of Labour "Cuts Cost You More," advertising campaign.

Visit the BC Federation of Labour website to hear the radio ad and see the print ad.

Despite wide-spread public outcry and media attention, the Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) program for children with autism is closing its doors this week due to government funding cuts.

At Queen Alexandra Center for Child Health on Vancouver Island, 40 experienced and highly-trained therapists have lost their jobs. Today is their last day of work.

These cuts were triggered this fall by Children and Family Development Minister Mary Polak, who announced funding for autism services for children under age 6 would be cut by more than $3 million.

HSAs board of directors voted this week to recommend rejection of the tentative agreement reached last month in the Community Health Services and Support sector between the bargaining associations lead union, BCGEU, and the provincial government.

The board agreed with HSAs negotiating team representing members in the sector that the agreement asks members to give up too many hard-won benefits.

Week of January 18, 2010

Friday, January 22 - Port Moody
What:  Protest at Port Moody ... Coquitlam MLA, Iain Blacks Office
Time:  12:30 ... 1:30
Where:  #203 ... 130 Brew Street, Port Moody
Let the Minister Responsible for Small Business, Technology and Economic Development know that eliminating workers legal rights through legislation is not an effective way to build a better and stronger British Columbia.

Week of January 25, 2010

Five years ago, in 2005, David Bland, a vocational rehabilitation counsellor and HSA member from Richmond Mental Health, was murdered at his workplace by a former client.  His tragic death served as a sombre reminder that more needs to be done to prevent incidents of violence in the workplace and to protect health care ands social services workers on the job.  

In times of great hardship and need, the labour movement shows the meaning of solidarity and mobilizes to bring support to workers, their families and their communities.

The Canadian Labour Congress, in cooperation with the Canadian Red Cross, is working to provide an easy way for union members to make a donation to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and instantly receive a tax receipt.

We invite you to support this urgent fundraising appeal by completing the form below to make your donation.

The BC Health Coalition is pleased to announce "Advocating for Seniors Advocacy in B.C." -- an important community event taking place on January 19, 2010 in Burnaby.

The BC Health Coalition is co-sponsoring this event with the BC Seniors' Advocacy Network and the Hospital Employees' Union.  They wish to develop a more constructive dialogue among advocacy groups that work with individual advocates and pursue systemic advocacy goals.