News & Updates
CMHA and Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions team up to offer Workplace CARE certificate program; registration for self-paced foundations course closes November 21
November 18, 2021
Do you work in the community social services sector? Are you looking for opportunities for training in mental health and addictions issues? The Canadian Mental Health Association and BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions have teamed up to offer the free Workplace CARE certificate program. The program is free, and consists of two self-paced virtual courses which can be completed in any order. You’ll be able to check in with a learning coach when you have questions.
2022 Virtual Basic Steward Training and OH&S Steward Training Workshops
November 18, 2021
Upcoming Steward Workshops: Virtual Basic Steward Training and Virtual OH&S Training
Registration Information: Stewards may register by logging into My Events Registration. Workshops are listed under Steward Education events. Virtual Basic Steward Training (3 days in series)
Expressions of interest: HSA Young Workers’ Advisory Group
November 9, 2021
Are you a young HSA member (35 and under) interested in increased young worker participation in the union?
The union’s board of directors is seeking members aged 35 and younger to get involved in HSA's Young Workers’ Advisory Group.
The Advisory Group’s purpose is to
2022 Scholarship and Bursary Opportunities Through HSA
November 5, 2021
Scholarships and bursaries available for HSA members and their families
HSA is offering scholarships and bursaries to all members and their children. Ten scholarships will be awarded for full-time studies, twenty bursaries for full-time studies and four bursaries for part-time studies. Two indigenous bursaries will be awarded to indigenous students in BC who are pursing education in an HSA related profession.
BIPOC Caucus Meeting
October 28, 2021
The next meeting of HSA's BIPOC Caucus will be held on Tuesday, November 2 from 7 pm - 8 pm. All members who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC) are welcome to attend the BIPOC Caucus meeting. At this meeting, the following topics will be discussed:
The time to speak up for paid sick days for all is now
October 22, 2021
Monday, October 25th is an important day to make the case for paid sick leave for all. HSA members are invited to participate in a Covid-safe Day of Action at the provincial legislature in Victoria and at SkyTrain stations in Burnaby and Surrey to call on Premier John Horgan and the BC government to lead the country and enshrine 10 days of paid sick leave as a right for all workers. HSA President Kane Tse will join the action in Surrey at the Surrey Central Skytrain station at 4 p.m.
Applications now open for 2022 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
October 22, 2021
2022 Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
One of Canada's best labour schools, held at Harrison Hot Springs, in January and February 2022.
The CLC Winter School offers a wide variety of four-day, quality labour-oriented courses. To support HSA's ability to represent HSA members effectively and help build a stronger union, members can apply to take courses chosen to meet these objectives.
HSA Research Examines Widespread Staffing Shortages, Erosion of Public Rehab Care
October 22, 2021
A new report released today by the Health Sciences Association provides the first comprehensive assessment of the state of public rehabilitative care in BC.
The report’s findings paint a troubling picture of severe staffing shortages, a lack of services in many communities, and long wait times for patients and clients, including children and their families.
Have an idea for your union contract? Deadline for bargaining proposals is November 7
October 22, 2021
All HSA members covered by the HSPBA collective agreement are reminded that the deadline for submission of bargaining proposals is November 7, 2021. The primary and most important source for bargaining proposals is from HSA members through HSA chapter meetings, where, collectively, members consider and agree on priorities for bargaining to support all members covered by the collective agreement. The best way to have a say in your contract is by getting active in the process to set bargaining priorities.
Expressions of interest: HSA Young Workers’ Advisory Group
October 19, 2021
Are you a young HSA member (35 and under) interested in increased young worker participation in the union?
The union’s board of directors is seeking members aged 35 and younger to get involved in HSA's Young Workers’ Advisory Group.
The Advisory Group’s purpose is to