News & Updates

Why are the BC Liberals picking on our kids?
October 1, 2009
The Report: October / November 2009 vol.30 num.3
SEPTEMBER WAS A DEVASTATING month for parents of children with special needs. First, the Ministry for Children and Family Development announced a dramatic cut in funding for children with autism. But, not to worry, the minister said, the $3-million cut would be replaced with a $1-million referral centre. Programs would be cut, but somehow, the ministry promises, families across the province will have more access to therapies and services for their kids.
Workshops on peace, labour, international solidarity
September 30, 2009
Two upcoming workshops highlight the importance of labour activists engagement in working towards peace, economic justice, and international solidarity.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17TH 20099:30 am ... 3:30 pmMaritime Labour Centre1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver
UBCM 2009: City councils call for government action to stop for-profit health care
September 29, 2009
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.
Running for the cure every day: screening, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and support
September 29, 2009
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.
Please -Brown Bag your Lunch" on Friday, September 25
September 24, 2009
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.
Protect patients and clients from virus by protecting yourself, HSA tells members
September 24, 2009
The Health Sciences Association of BC (HSA) today released a report by an environmental health expert that recommends a high standard of personal protective equipment use by health care workers to minimize the spread of the deadly H1N1 virus.
Please -Brown Bag your Lunch" on Thursday September 24
September 23, 2009
USW members of Local 2009 are fighting for a fair collectiveagreement with Compass Canada. The members areamongst the lowest paid workers in the health care sectorand are fighting for equality with other workers doing thesame 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.
Slashing support for children is no way to balance budgets: HSA
September 23, 2009
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.
November 15: last deadline for HSPBA Bill 29 Education Fund for HSA Members
September 23, 2009
Notice to HSA members of the Health Science Professional Bargaining Association:
From February 2008 to date, the HSPBA Bill 29 Education Fund has provided bursaries to more than 600 HSA members, supporting education ranging from one-day professional development courses to Masters and PhD programs.
This funding arose out of the unions negotiated settlement flowing from the Supreme Court of Canada decision that certain sections of Bill 29 were unconstitutional. This was one-time funding.
What health care workers should know about the H1N1 pandemic
September 20, 2009
The World Health Organization has declared a world H1N1 flu pandemic. It is uncertain how serious this pandemic will be in terms of how many people infected will be severely affected. However, because H1N1 is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. In addition, there is currently no vaccine to protect against this virus, although recent reports indicate that one should be available by October.