2021: News Archive

Today at HSA's 50th annual convention, we were proud to premiere a video showing how much HSA's members have accomplished over the past 50 years. This video is hosted on a new 50th anniversary section of HSA's website that also includes archival photos and a collection of stories that honour our history as a union. We hope that the video...

Working in partnership with the government of British Columbia, Health Sciences Association of BC has secured $3 million in new funding to support professional development for members covered by the Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association collective agreement. The funding, provided by the BC Ministry of Health, will allow members to pursue further specialization of skills in key professions. “Coming at...

Periods are a fact of life. That’s why HSA, in partnership with the United Way, has long advocated for free access to necessary menstrual products. We know that for those living in poverty – or vulnerable in other ways – access to menstrual products can be challenging. And COVID has made it even more difficult. Our union has been participating...

Five union members are running to replace outgoing president Val Avery at HSA’s annual convention on June 2 - 4, and they answered questions from members around the province during a telephone town hall on the evening of March 25, 2021. The event was hosted by HSA Board Director Mandi Ayers and moderated by Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary-Treasurer of the BC...

Five union members are running to replace outgoing president Val Avery at HSA’s annual convention on June 2 - 4, and they’ll be taking questions from members around the province at a telephone town hall set for Tuesday, May 25 from 7:00 to 8:30. The event will be hosted by HSA Board Director Mandi Ayers and moderated by Sussanne Skidmore...

On April 19, Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, tabled the first budget in 2 years. The headline announcement of Budget 2021 was the investment in a national child care system. This was a significant win for the labour movement and other child care advocates, but the fight continues at the provincial level. In an effort to support those organizing at...

As part of the union’s complaints and dispute resolution process provided under HSA’s constitution, each year the union establishes a Trial Committee, with election of the members of the committee held at the union’s annual convention, scheduled June 2-4, 2021. Any member may forward their name as a candidate for election to the Trial Committee. Members do not have to...

Below is information on two on-line leadership training opportunities HSA members may be interested in. Please note, both events meet the criteria for the union’s Political Action Fund. Members can apply to the fund to help access these events. Our Future Your Path The New Westminster & District Labour Council has launched registration for their local government leadership initiative Our...

Prominent voices in BC’s health sector are calling on the BC government to deliver a permanent paid sick leave program with coverage of at least ten days of worker wages. The appeal to government comes as new data from the Workers’ Compensation Board shows rising numbers of workplace exposures, and as BC’s health care system strains under high rates of...

Applications are now being accepted for funding to support HSA members who work under the Health Science Professionals Collective Agreement (HSPBA) and who are pursuing professional development. The continued funding was negotiated in the 2019-2022 collective agreement, with a $400,000 contribution to the fund each year. “I encourage members to apply to this fund to support their professional development, as...