News & Updates

Through the union's Committee for Equality and Social Action, HSA is supporting the "We Can" campaign to end violence against women. The campaign kicks off in Vancouver with a dinner November 25 featuring guest speakers Mona Mehta of Oxfam Great Britain, Sandra Moran, of Guatemala's Women's Sector of the Civil Society, and Robert Fox, executive director of Oxfam Canada. HSA...

Ottawa (19 Nov. 2008) ... Health professionals are calling todays speech from the throne a -huge disappointment" because it failed to address important issues facing Canadas health-care system. "Its clear from this throne speech that the Harper government doesnt view health care as a top priority and in fact seems to suggest the job is pretty much done," says Elisabeth...

The BC Health Coalition is urging citizens to take action to protectand expand public health care in their communities during NationalMedicare Week, November 17-22. -Ongoing violations of the Canada Health Act (CHA),such as private clinics extra-billing and costly membership fees, area threat to Canadians health and their pocketbooks," says Joyce Jones,Community Co-Chair of the Coalition. -Thats why were joiningwith thousands...

During National Medicare Week the National Union is urging governments to look to the public system to deliver solutions to wait-time issues and health care shortages. Ottawa (17 Nov. 2008) - The Canadian Health Coalition and health coalitions across the country are marking November 17-22 as National Medicare Week. The National Union of Public and General Employees is supporting the...

Get Your Flu Shot! Flu season is fast approaching! In Canada, epidemics of influenza usually start during the late fall and last right through to early spring. Annual vaccination is highly recommended for all healthcare workers, particularly those who work with people who are at high risk for medical complications from influenza or more likely to require medical care (e.g...

On Saturday November 15, 2008 British Columbians head to the polls to elect mayors, municipal councillors, school trustees, and regional district representatives. These local representatives make decisions that affect our everyday lives, and play a critical role in making our neighbourhoods, towns, and regions places where we want to live. Local politicians also speak up for communities on important local...

Obama's election provides an opportunity for progressive labour law reform in the U.S.Washington (10 Nov. 2008) - The election of Barack Obama as president is one of the few moments in recent years that organized labour in the United States has had something to cheer about.Obama has promised to sign the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) if passed by the...

The BC Health Coalition has commitments from 81 municipal candidates who have each signed a pledge to protect public health care. As public health care defenders, the candidates have agreed to: Speak out vigorously against the privatization of health care in their communities Fight to keep and improve local public health services Advocate for open, accountable, and transparent public processes...

All HSA members at St. Pauls Hospital are invited to a meeting. Guest speakers include HSA President Reid Johnson and Rachel Tutte, your representative on HSAs Board of Directors. This will be an opportunity to hear about what HSA is doing on your behalf, and to elect stewards to represent you at work. Wednesday, November 26Time: noon to 1:30pmHurlburt Auditorium...

Reducing the need for higher intensity and for more costly servicesVancouver (4 Nov. 2008) - The latest report by B.C. Auditor General John Doyle provides a list of recommendations to improve planning for home and community care programs."Ministry of Health Services is not adequately fulfilling its stewardship role in helping to ensure that the home and community care system has...