Issues, Campaigns and Government Relations

On Tuesday, April 20, the BC government released the first full provincial budget of the current pandemic crisis. As expected, the priorities are aimed squarely at pandemic support for the immediate term and economic recovery for the longer term. There is significant new investment in public infrastructure, health care, programs to benefit vulnerable British Columbians, and ongoing support for business...

The following article is reposted from the NUPGE website. Ottawa (20 April 2021) — The federal government delivered its first budget in 2 years and the first since COVID-19 struck the world. "We expected this budget to be focused on helping people get back on their feet, helping women get back to work and restarting the economy," said Larry Brown...

Joint Statement by Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Federations of Labour In advance of the federal, provincial and territorial labour ministers’ meeting, provincial and territorial federations of labour are united in demanding that provincial and territorial governments guarantee seamless access to universal, permanent and adequate employer-provided sick days for all workers. More than half of all Canadian workers have no access...

The BC Federation of Labour Young Workers’ Committee (YWC) is a standing committee of the BC Federation of Labour (BC Fed) dedicated to encouraging union participation among young people and to address inequity that young workers face as a result of discriminatory beliefs, policies, and legislation. This is a reminder that the deadline is Friday, February 5, 2021. The committee...

The Canadian Labour Congress, in partnership with the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University and the University of Toronto, has launched a survey on violence and harassment in the workplace. Violence and harassment in the workplace is a real, significant issue for HSA members working in the health and community social services...

The BC Federation of Labour Young Workers’ Committee (YWC) is a standing committee of the BC Federation of Labour (BC Fed) dedicated to encouraging union participation among young people and to address inequity that young workers face as a result of discriminatory beliefs, policies, and legislation. The committee is comprised of young labour activists and organizers from across British Columbia...

A message from the President It’s hard to believe that 2020 is soon coming to close. It’s no secret that it’s been a challenging year. I am so proud of our members’ commitment to delivering quality public healthcare and social services in the midst of a pandemic that has taken a heavy physical and emotional toll on the communities we...

Click here to be directed to HSA's FARMERS SUPPORT campaign page and send a letter to the Prime Minister and your Member of Parliament. HSA joins with NUPGE (National Union of Public and General Employees) and its affiliated unions across the country representing 390,000 union members in condemning the response of the Indian government to the ongoing farmers’ protests in...

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer makes the case for paid sick leave In October 2020, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam released an in-depth report analyzing the state of public health in Canada, sharing important information about the impacts of COVID-19 on people across the country. The report, entitled, “From risk to resilience: An equity approach to COVID-19,”...

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or are struggling with another mental health issue, you are not alone. The good news is there are resources available to HSA members who are looking for mental health support. The following is a list of resources that are available to you. Virtual mental health services through your benefits plan If you receive benefits...