By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

Angie Combs, aboriginal patient liaison worker at Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton, BC, recalls that staff at the hospital would occasionally ask her to teach them some words and phrases in Gitxsanimaax, the language spoken by the Gitxsan First Nation. The hospital is on Gitxsan territory, which spans 33,000 square kilometers across northwest BC.

“I started with speaking phrases like, ‘How are you today,’” said Combs.

 For Immediate Release

Health Sciences Association of BC says today’s provincial budget makes important investments in health care and affordability measures, but professional shortages in the health care system require action.

HSA represents more than 18,000 highly trained professionals working in medical imaging and lab testing, physiotherapy, social work, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, early childhood development, and many other health science and social service professions.

By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

2019 marks the 100th year anniversary off the Winnipeg General Strike, when 35,000 unionized and non-unionized workers in Winnipeg walked off the job in support of striking building and metal workers.

By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

Ingrid Mendez and her partner didn’t come here from Guatemala because they thought Canada was a beautiful country.

Successful Charter challenge to provisions banning extra-billing, private insurance would create two-tier system
By HSA President Val Avery

Public health care is one of Canada’s greatest achievements. But our most-cherished social program is under threat.

This morning the BC government introduced Bill 41, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

This bill requires all provincial laws to align with UNDRIP, and is an important and concrete step to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into a provincial legislative framework. Once passed, BC will be the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of UNDRIP into provincial law.   

BC is failing workers experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Paid, job-protected leave from work is critical for employees experiencing violence who may need to relocate or seek community services, such as medical attention, legal services, or counselling.

Domestic violence and workplace safety: Why policy change is needed
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications

When we talk about health and safety in the workplace, domestic violence issues rarely enter the discussion. Yet for someone who has been awake most of the night from duress, their ability to manage workplace risks and hazards can become a serious issue.

President's Report: This federal election, let's vote for a universal Pharmacare program
By HSA President Val Avery

The effects of for-profit health insurance on public health care delivery: Examining the research
By Samantha Ponting, HSA Communications