Elections will be held during the next 2 months to select members to fill the following HSA positions for the coming year:

1. Chief Steward
2. Assistant Chief Steward
3. General Stewards
4. Occupational Health & Safety Stewards and
5. Labour Council Delegates (for chapters that are affiliated to their local labour council)

Stewards play an essential role within HSA and the workplace.  All members are encouraged to vote in these elections, and to consider running for these positions. 

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will observe Nov. 6 as the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada.

The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country.

BC Health Coalition calls on British Columbians to reject BCAA queue jumping insurance and demand government action to enforce health care legislation.

The BC Health Coalition is deeply disturbed by BCAAs recent announcement to begin offering insurance that will allow its members to jump the health care queue and obtain services at for-profit clinics.

HSA members who are running for office or working on campaigns in the provincial by-elections in Vancouver-Burrard and Vancouver-Fairview can apply to HSA for the following financial support from HSAs Political Action Fund:

1. Members who are candidates can apply for up to 20 days of wage replacement and/or up to $200 to cover approved personal expenses incurred to run for office.

This conference is designed for experienced safety stewards to develop their understanding and to help ensure safe working conditions for all members.  Learn from presenters from agencies such as OHSAH, WorkSafeBC, and other experts.

Learn more about topics such as:

Notice of Chapter Meeting

HSA Stewards:

• ­ Advocate on behalf of members
• Keep members informed about union activities
• Provide democratic leadership
• Are the backbone of the union

HSA offers ongoing leadership, grievance handling, and contract interpretation training for new and experienced stewards.

Nominations and Voting:

Team OHSAH

Team OHSAH successfully completed the Hoodoo 500 ultra-cycling race through 835 km of the Utah Canyonlands. From September 13-15, eight OHSAH employees undertook this physical and mental challenge to raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation.

'How many more people must die before the Harper government realizes that public health and safety must always transcend the boundaries of ideology?'

James Clancy, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

By Larry Brown
National Secretary-Treasurer
National Union of Public and General Employees

Canadian governments have made our public health care and other social programs very vulnerable to attack by private for profit companies outside of Canada. They have done that by signing trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Weve known that for years î º and for years weve been warning them and nervously waiting for the other shoe to drop, for someone to actually challenge our public programs.