The October 18, 1929 decision in the -Persons Case" held that Canadian women were -persons" under the law, and thus could be appointed to the Senate and established more generally that Canadian women had the same rights as Canadian men with respect to positions of political power.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the Persons decision, the Canadian Women Voters Congress is holding a half-day workshop including speakers, discussion and reflection related to the politics of womens lives.

Event information:

Fresh on the heels of cutting funding for children with autism, the Ministry for Children and Family Development has abruptly cut off funding to the Infant Development Programs provincial office.

-Why are the BC Liberals picking on kids with disabilities?" asked Reid Johnson, President of the Health Sciences Association of BC.

Two upcoming workshops highlight the importance of labour activists engagement in working towards peace, economic justice, and international solidarity.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17TH 2009
9:30 am ... 3:30 pm
Maritime Labour Centre
1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver

A resolution* calling for immediate government action to prevent the growth of for-profit medical clinics is on the agenda at this weeks Union of BC Municipalities Convention being held in Vancouver.

"I brought forward this resolution because I think that public health care in Canada is one of our most precious assets. As stewards of our communities, municipalities and the UBCM have an opportunity and responsibility to do what we can to protect health care services on behalf of our residents," said Victoria City Councillor Sonya Chandler.

The 2009 Run for the Cure ... the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations most important annual fundraiser ... is this Sunday, October 4.

The Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) has supported the run for the past 12 years, and encourages anyone who has been touched by breast cancer to Run for the Cure all across BC on October 4.

USW members of Local 2009 are fighting for a fair collective agreement with Compass Canada. The members are amongst the lowest paid workers in the health care sector and are fighting for equality with other workers doing the same work.

Compass is not negotiating with the union at this time and need the support of their colleagues at Royal Columbian Hospital and Peace Arch Hospital to achieve a fair contract from Compass Canada.

USW members of Local 2009 are fighting for a fair collective
agreement with Compass Canada. The members are
amongst the lowest paid workers in the health care sector
and are fighting for equality with other workers doing the
same work.

Compass is not negotiating with the union at this time and need the support of their colleagues at Surrey Memorial Hospital to achieve a fair contract from Compass Canada.

HSA President Reid Johnson

-Government spin wont help autistic children and their families," Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) President Reid Johnson said today in response to a massive government cut in support for autistic children across British Columbia.

Citing budget cuts, the Interior Health Authority has eliminated crucial services for vulnerable residents in the Kootenays.

Golden Hospitals speech language pathologist will leave at the end of September, leaving neurological patients, speech-delayed children and stroke and surgery patients without the critical support they need.

Meanwhile, the recreation therapist at Talarico Place in Castlegar has been laid off and recreation therapy services at Boundary Hospital in Grand Forks have been halved.

British Columbia families will bear the brunt of the provincial governments failure to adequately fund health care, Health Sciences Association of BC president Reid Johnson said in response to the provincial governments budget introduced today.

-This budget means that British Columbians, who rely on our health care system, will pay more for less." Johnson said.

The government will introduce additional costs to individuals and families by increasing MSP premiums by six per cent starting Jan. 1, 2010 ... and beyond, as the budget promises annual increases to the premiums.