News & Updates
Seeking HSA EDMP Regional Representative - Island Health
April 18, 2018
Are you an HSA member with a passion for disability management and rehabilitation? Do you have strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills? Are you employed with the Vancouver Island Health Authority? If so, consider applying to be an Enhanced Disability Management Program (EDMP) regional representative.
Nominations open for Region 8 member of HSA board of directors
April 9, 2018
Nominations are now open for election of a regional director from HSA Region 8, which includes members in the Interior of the province. This is an excellent opportunity for members to contribute to the leadership of the union and to represent the interest of other members.
To be eligible, candidates must have been a member of HSA for at least one year immediately prior to election, and be nominated in writing by two members in the region the nominee seeks to represent.
HSA delivers submission to Labour Relations Code Review Panel
April 3, 2018
March 29, 2018 – Tonie Beharrell of HSA’s legal department presented HSA’s submission to the BC government’s Labour Relations Code Review Panel, which took place in Surrey last Thursday. The submission outlines 14 recommendations regarding reform to the Labour Relations Code.
Thousands more MRI scans to be performed by HSA members
March 27, 2018
HSA welcomes today’s announcement that government will fund 37,000 more MRI scans in the public system during the coming year, compared to last year.
BC has had the longest wait times for MRI in the country for several years, resulting in many patients paying for medically necessary scans at private clinics. Some of these patients then use these scans to jump the queue to obtain surgery or other treatment in the public system, meaning those already on public wait lists for treatment wait longer.
HSA members to play critical role in province’s new surgical strategy
March 21, 2018
HSA welcomes the provincial government’s new four-part surgical strategy announced today aimed at reducing wait times for surgery around the province.
The initial phase of the strategy includes funding for an additional 4,000 hip and knee replacements in the coming year – an increase of 34 per cent – with long-term funding to continue increasing the number of surgeries in future years.
HSA launches Tampon Tuesday
March 6, 2018
Periods are a fact of life and menstruation products are a necessity. Nobody should have to pick between feeding their family and being able to afford basic hygiene products. Yet far too many people – especially those living in poverty – simply can’t afford them.
“We know it is a struggle for food banks and community groups to collect menstruation products. Despite the need, donations are low. We wanted to do something about this,” says HSA President Val Avery.
Registration Open: #HowIWillChange Men's Conference
February 28, 2018
On Feb. 9, 2018, HSA hosted an all-day workshop entitled, "Men as Allies." The workshop, organized by HSA's Education Committee, was an opportunity for men in the union to come together and discuss the role they can play in supporting gender equity work. The workshop created space to explore how men have benefited from patriarchy and sexism, and sought to deepen participants' understanding of allyship in the fight against gender oppression.
Two candidates declared in election for Region 10 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 21, 2018
During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 10 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA's Board of Directors.
Nominations for the position closed with two members declaring their candidacy:
• Mandi Ayers, a medical laboratory technologist at Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers. • Brent Erskine, a PACS Systems Administrator working out of the Brunswick Building in Prince George.
Joe Sebastian acclaimed as Region 4 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 21, 2018
Joe Sebastian will return to represent HSA members in Region 4 on the HSA Board of Directors. Sebastian was acclaimed after the deadline passed with no further nominations.
He has worked as a Medical Radiation Technologist for over 18 years and has acted as a general steward at Vancouver General Hospital. He was first elected to the union’s Board of Directors in April 2014.
He currently serves on the union’s Occupational Health Safety Committee.
Sebastian’s two-year term expires at the conclusion of the 2020 HSA Convention.
Two candidates declared in election for Region 6 representative on HSA Board of Directors
February 21, 2018
During the next several weeks, HSA members in Region 6 will have an opportunity to elect their representative on HSA's Board of Directors.
Nominations for the position closed with two members declaring their candidacy:
• Theo de Gagne, a psychologist at St. Paul’s Hospital. • Nancy Hay, a social worker at St. Paul’s and Lions Gate Hospitals.