Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

Joint Statement by Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Federations of Labour In advance of the federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers’ meeting, provincial and territorial federations of labour are united in demanding that provincial and territorial governments guarantee seamless access to universal, permanent and adequate employer-provided sick days for all workers. More than half of all Canadian workers have no access...

The BC Federation of Labour Young Workers’ Committee (YWC) is a standing committee of the BC Federation of Labour (BC Fed) dedicated to encouraging union participation among young people and to address inequity that young workers face as a result of discriminatory beliefs, policies, and legislation. This is a reminder that the deadline is Friday, February 5, 2021. The committee...

The Canadian Labour Congress, in partnership with the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University and the University of Toronto, has launched a survey on violence and harassment in the workplace. Violence and harassment in the workplace is a real, significant issue for HSA members working in the health and community social services...

The BC Federation of Labour Young Workers’ Committee (YWC) is a standing committee of the BC Federation of Labour (BC Fed) dedicated to encouraging union participation among young people and to address inequity that young workers face as a result of discriminatory beliefs, policies, and legislation. The committee is comprised of young labour activists and organizers from across British Columbia...

A message from the President It’s hard to believe that 2020 is soon coming to close. It’s no secret that it’s been a challenging year. I am so proud of our members’ commitment to delivering quality public healthcare and social services in the midst of a pandemic that has taken a heavy physical and emotional toll on the communities we...

Click here to be directed to HSA's FARMERS SUPPORT campaign page and send a letter to the Prime Minister and your Member of Parliament. HSA joins with NUPGE (National Union of Public and General Employees) and its affiliated unions across the country representing 390,000 union members in condemning the response of the Indian government to the ongoing farmers’ protests in...

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer makes the case for paid sick leave In October 2020, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam released an in-depth report analyzing the state of public health in Canada, sharing important information about the impacts of COVID-19 on people across the country. The report, entitled, “From risk to resilience: An equity approach to COVID-19,”...

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or are struggling with another mental health issue, you are not alone. The good news is there are resources available to HSA members who are looking for mental health support. The following is a list of resources that are available to you. Virtual mental health services through your benefits plan If you receive benefits...

On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were murdered in an act of misogynist violence at École Polytechnique in Montréal. It was perpetrated by a man claiming to be “fighting feminism,” who first opened fire on women in a mechanical engineering class. Women were targeted because of their gender, and 13 students and one administrator were killed. In 1991, the Parliament...

HSA welcomes today’s release of In Plain Sight, the report by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in BC’s health care system. The report includes 24 recommendations for action, all focused on addressing the unacceptable experience of Indigenous people in the province’s health care system, as described in the report: “Indigenous people want to see change. They want...