Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

By Anne DavisHSA member and transition house workerThe call comes late at night. A woman is weeping; she says she has been beaten. Its not the first time and the attacks are more brutal each time. She is hurting and scared and doesnt know what to do. She thought her children were sleeping but now she knows the oldest child...

The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC and the Early Childhood Educators of BC is seeking participation in a survey on an Integrated System of Early Care and Learning in BC. The Emerging Plan for an Integrated System of Early Care and Learning in BC responds to the growing role ministries of education are playing in the early years...

BC Health Coalition Action Alert: Dear Friend of Medicare, This week, take a moment to call your MLA and tell them to scrap BCs user fee scheme for hospital care. During the Weeks of Action on Home and Community care, public health care supporters are meeting with decision-makers in dozens of BC ridings to demand a stop to hospital user...

BC Health Coalition Action Alert Dear Friend of Medicare, We're calling on you to join with public health care supporters in your community to demand quality and accessible health care for seniors and people with disabilities. As a part of the home and community care weeks of action this month, write a letter to your local papers and have your...

BC Health Coalition calls on province to reverse its directive requiring health authorities to charge fees to patients who need hospital care to recover from illness or injury The BC Health Coalition is concerned that core hospital services previously provided to patients free of charge as required by the Canada Health Act are now subject to so-called -convalescent care" fees...

The Health Sciences Association is adding the unions voice to concerns raised by a group of concerned advocates for community living services and supports. The group is asking for the circulation of a letter sent today to Jane Holland, BCs Advocate for Service Quality. It represents an unprecedented joint effort by community groups and organizations representing adults with developmental disabilities...

In a unanimous vote last night, Vancouver City Council passed a motion calling for the restoration of the outpatient Domestic Violence Program at Vancouver General Hospital. VGH closed the clinic in a surprise move this summer, with no consultation with emergency room staff or with the community. HSA Region 4 Director Brendan Shields spoke in support of the motion on...

HSA has completed negotiations with Lower Mainland health authorities for a transition to a region-wide consolidation of diagnostic imaging services. The agreement allows for the significant restructuring of services without displacements and layoffs of diagnostic imaging staff. Highlights of the Section 54 agreement include:- Provisions for seamless employment transfer- Expanded opportunities in job postings and bumping rights- Increased opportunities for...

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in BC is looking for individuals to serve on the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) Advisory Committee. The purpose of the CAPC Advisory Committee is to make recommendations on CAPC-specific funding and policy, including program implementation and evaluation, to PHAC. By participating as an Advisory Committee member, an individual has the opportunity...

New evidence of Canada Health Act violations, BC Court of Appeal ruling affirming government authority to audit for-profit clinics, and resolution at next weeks UBCM Convention all signal need for immediate government response.New research conducted by the BC Health Coalition has revealed evidence that for-profit clinics across the province continue to openly charge patients additional fees to jump the queue...