The Report

PROVINCIAL BUDGET 2010

British Columbians should brace themselves for another round of health care cuts affecting services around the province.

HEALTH SCIEnCES ASSOCIATIon APRIL 2010 Vol. 31 No. 2 from the president Reid Johnson

condition, putting them at Budget announcements risk of serious medical com- plications requiring costly a lesson in irony care. Basic dental care for people THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT has settled on a disturbingly on assistance will now be paid ironic tone in recent announcements. for just once a year, not twice. It began a few months ago, on December 1, which And the government will no marks World AIDS Day. While local and national gov- longer cover the cost of con- ernments around the world recognized this date by reaf- Johnson traception for women who firming their commitment to continue the fight against cannot afford birth control or HIV and AIDS, BC’s government chose this very day EVERY ONE use it for medical reasons. to announce plans to do exactly the opposite by cutting OF THESE AN- As Paul Willcocks wrote in funds to community based HIV and AIDS organiza- the Victoria Times-Colonist, tions including AIDS Vancouver. NOUNCEMENTS “What can be dumber than Then, in early March, as the world trained its atten- measures that increase ill- tion on the Paralympic Games about to begin in our IS ABOUT ness, abortions and unwanted province, the BC government unveiled a provincial SAVING MONEY. pregnancies?” budget that makes life harder for the disabled. Indeed, every one of these Starting April 1, the Ministry of Housing and Social AND YET EACH announcements is about sav- Development will no longer pay for off-the-shelf or- ing money. And yet each one thotics, leaving people stuck in wheelchairs or waiting ONE WILL will have exactly the opposite for costly customized orthotic devices. The same date HAVE EXACTLY effect: higher health care costs marks the end of a $75 monthly shelter allowance for that could have been pre- people with disabilities, between the ages of 60 and 64, THE OPPOSITE vented with inexpensive and who don’t pay rent. That leaves these individuals with established services. No won- just $531 a month to live on, a 12-per-cent cut in in- EFFECT. der Provincial Health Officer come for someone already facing incredible hardship. Dr. Perry Kendall doubts the But it’s not just the disabled being singled out for this government bothered to do a shameful treatment. cost-benefit analysis of these announcements. A BC government news release announced plans to Here’s the final irony: the government expects these cut services for the province’s poorest and sickest citi- petty and short-sighted cuts to save $25 million over zens. The headline on the release: “Province protects the next two years. That’s exactly how much the govern- services for low-income clients”. It’s not too much of a ment spends each year to run the Public Affairs Bureau, stretch to call this Orwellian. the team of public relations experts who came up these Among the changes announced: people with AIDS very announcements. R and other serious illnesses will now find it harder to qualify for the Monthly Nutritional Supplement which Reid Johnson is president of the Health Sciences helps them buy vitamins, special meals and the healthy Association of BC. foods that are so often more costly than fast food. The government will no longer pay for the glucom- eters that low-income diabetics need to manage their

2 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC “When government singles out groups of individuals – by cutting services they depend on, from the president Reid Johnson raising fees inequitably, and unfairly shifting taxes – it diminishes all of us. It doesn’t bring us together. It divides us.” - COALITION TO BUILD A BETTER BC, page 11

CUTS UPDATE Provincial budget is bad news for health care 4

news members New budget bad news Profile Sheila Kerr for health care ...... 4. Bringing hope...... 18 Bargaining update...... 5. Constituency Liaison program HSA urges enrolment in brings your voice to Victoria . . . 16 pension plan ...... 6. Workplace violence awareness . . . 20 Bargaining association votes Reid Johnson hosting to accept tentative agreement. . . 7. Membership membership meetings . . . . . 22 Federal pension reform meetings urgently needed...... 8. page 22 departments HSA celebrates Community Pension Q & A Social Services month...... 9. How ethical are my April 10 rally aims to build a better BC ...... 10 pension investments?...... 17 Provincial cuts update ...... 12 Current Disputes...... 21 HSA raising profile in Chinese media...... 16 Chinese media columns page 16 Message from the president Reid Johnson...... 2. Executive director’s report Maureen Headley...... 23 THE FRONT COVER Premier Gordon Campbell and

Finance Minister Colin Hansen slip Publications mail agreement no. 4000 6822 off the stage after delivering a Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to database department Suite 300, 5118 Joyce Street budget filled with bad news and Vancouver BC V5R 4H1 lacking a vision for British Columbia.

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 3 news

HSA President Reid Johnson speaks with media in Victoria following release of the provincial budget. No-news budget bad news for health care

IN SPITE OF A BUDGET SPEECH that will be forced to continue to cut serv- and parking fees were increased. They boasts a commitment to health care, ices as they have been doing the past also cut programs, including youth British Columbians should brace year,” Johnson said. psychiatric services, and funding for a themselves for another round of cuts to For the past several months, health variety of community programs deliv- health care services around the prov- authorities around the province have ering services throughout the region. ince, Reid Johnson, President of the been cutting services in order to bal- “Across the province, the story is the Health Sciences Association of BC said ance budgets. For example, the Fraser same,” said Johnson. “It’s clear that the in response to the provincial budget re- Health Authority, where CEO Nigel impact on patients is severe. Seniors, leased March 2. Murray didn’t want to “waste a good the mentally ill, and those with addic- “With a status quo budget for health recession,” MRIs were cut, elective sur- tions issues are hardest hit, but with

PHOTO: MIRIAM SOBRINO care, we know that health authorities geries were reduced, beds were closed, dramatic MRI reductions and some

4 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC 10,000 elective surgeries cancelled, everyone is feeling the impact.” Johnson said the cuts appear to HSP bargaining begins sacrifice long-term cost control in fa- vour of temporary, short-term gains, undermining government claims to fiscal responsibility. Johnson also said he is disappoint- ed the budget doesn’t provide for a strategy to address the long term and increasingly urgent crisis of shortages in the modern health care team. “Health care is built on a team that delivers the outstanding service British Columbians rely on. Shortages The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association committee members. in critical areas need to be addressed. Without a complete health care team, TALKS GOT UNDERWAY March 17 and that values the people we all the long-term consequences of de- for a new collective agreement for depend on to deliver the diagno- layed diagnosis, treatment and reha- health science professionals. sis, treatment, and rehabilitation bilitation will only get worse,” Reid Johnson, HSA President, patients need. Our members also In Ottawa, James Clancy, presi- said the bargaining committee’s need assurances they will have the dent of the National Union of Public mandate is to achieve a collective resources they need to be success- and General Employees (NUPGE) agreement that protects quality ful at their jobs,” she added. expressed concern about the federal health care and values the work of “Our members know there is a budget, unveiled March 5. Clancy health science professionals. real connection between ensuring noted the budget fails to provide the “We see this round of bargain- quality health care and having a types of investments needed to create ing as an opportunity for a thought- voice to ensure we are talking to jobs and help families. ful process that will strengthen the the right people so we can fix the “Canadians need and want the gov- system in a way that makes a real problems,” she said. ernment to make a bigger commit- difference in the delivery of the She said the objectives outlined ment to job creation, better support specialized skills patients depend in the union’s opening proposal for the unemployed and enhanced on, and that health science profes- set the tone for a positive and pro- retirement security for seniors,” said sionals bring to the modern health ductive bargaining agenda aimed Clancy. “But this budget just doesn’t care team,” Johnson said. at delivering improvements to the go far enough in addressing these Maureen Headley, HSPBA’s chief health care system to benefit pa- issues.” negotiator, tabled a list of bargain- tients and their families, the mem- Clancy noted that Canada is fac- ing objectives. bers of the modern health care ing its worst job crisis in a generation. “We know our members like team responsible for their health, The jobless rate remains stubbornly their jobs. They want to feel good and employers working towards high – it was 8.3% in January – with about their jobs. They want to a mandate of improved qual- more than 1.5 million Canadians out know they are working in a system ity of care and smooth delivery of of work. R that values quality patient care, services.

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 5 news

HSA encourages enrolment in Municipal Pension Plan COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS URGED TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICE

BY YUKIE KURAHASHI I’m too young to join a pension plan. in retirement account (LIRA). Also, it may be portable, meaning you can IN 2006, community social services The earlier you start contributing, move your pension to your new em- workers represented by HSA finally the more pension income you’ll re- ployer’s pension plan. won access to the Municipal Pension ceive each month after you retire. Plan effective this year. HSA strong- The difference between starting now When do I have to make the decision ly recommends all eligible employ- and joining the pension ten years to enrol? ees enrol starting April 1. from now could mean hundreds of Your employer determines your dollars more in your pocket every Your employer will determine your eligibility, and will send you infor- month after you retire. Your gov- eligibility. If you have income from mation if you qualify. You then have ernment pension plans (CPP and more than one employer, you should 90 days to decide whether you want OAS) may not be enough to live make sure your employer(s) knows to enrol. on. You’re never too young to start the source and amount of income. Do you think you’re too young contributing. Eligible employees will receive in- or too old to enrol? Do you have formation from their employer. You questions about the monthly con- I’m just a few years away from will then have 90 days to decide tribution? Or are you consider- retirement. whether to enrol. If you’re eligible ing a career change in the future? and you want to enrol you can do Enrolling in the Municipal Pension It’s never too late to contribute to so as of April 1, 2010. If you’re not Plan is still the best choice for your the pension plan. It’s a valuable as- eligible to enrol, familiarize yourself future. set, even if your pension is based with the eligibility provisions to find Let’s take a look at the most com- only on a few years of service. After out why. mon concerns: two years of contributions, you are ‘vested’. That means the money is SPECIAL PENSION LEAFLET FOR I can’t afford the monthly contribu- locked in and you’re guaranteed a COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES WORKERS tion. I need the money now. paycheque for life after you retire. Membership in the MPP also means Unions representing members in the The cost is about seven cents per dol- you’ll have access to reasonably community social services sector lar you earn (6.99% to be exact). The priced health care premiums. have developed a short “Frequently deduction is an investment in your Asked Questions” leaflet to answer future; it helps to secure your future. What happens if I leave my job? these and other questions. The leaf- By contributing now, your pension let – developed with the input of will grow larger. You’ll have more The money you contribute to the workers in your sector – is available money in your pocket each month MPP is yours. If you leave your em- for download from HSA’s website at after you retire. You can’t afford to ployer after you’re vested, you’ll have hsabc.org. The leaflet provides expert not participate. The value you receive the option of leaving the money in the answers about the benefits of enroll- from the MPP is far greater than the MPP and drawing your pension at a ing in the Municipal Pension Plan. contribution you’ll be making. later date, or moving it to a locked-

6 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT (COMMUNITY SUBSECTOR) Bargaining association votes to accept tentative agreement

The bargaining association repre- Disability coverage. for our members; HSA members in senting community health service “Members at workplace meetings this sector will now be covered by a and support workers has voted in spoke out passionately against the contract that they voted against,” favour of a contract reached be- proposed erosion to their LTD cov- he said. tween the bargaining association’s erage,” he said. “Eliminating cover- “Our members’ decision to vote lead union, BCGEU, and the pro- age to colleagues with pre-existing against this contract was princi- vincial government in December 2009. HSA MEMBERS’ DECISION TO VOTE AGAINST THIS In February, HSA members with- in this bargaining association voted CONTRACT WAS PRINCIPLED. THE UNION WILL 91 per cent in favour of rejecting CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE PROTECTIONS AND the tentative agreement. However, the BCGEU announced in early BENEFITS THAT MEMBERS STILL HAVE. March that the bargaining associa- tion as a whole voted in favour of conditions was a deal-breaker for pled. Although the new agreement the contract. The tallied results in- our members. The agreement also erodes some hard-won rights, HSA dicate 76 per cent of union mem- didn’t offer wage increases, and will continue to enforce the pro- bers represented by the bargaining raised the extended health deduct- tections and benefits that our association voted in favour. ible by $75 per year, in exchange members still have. HSA’s stewards HSA President Reid Johnson for a weekend shift premium – for and labour relations experts will said HSA members had good rea- a group who typically don’t work continue working to ensure mem- son to reject the contract, includ- weekends.” bers enjoy the best possible work- ing a proposal to gut Long Term “The final vote is disappointing ing conditions.”

IN YOUR COMMUNITY: SPECIAL Municipal Pension Plan. strongly encourages you to enrol. PENSION INFORMATION MEETINGS A secure public pension – such To keep up to date on develop- as the Municipal Pension Plan – is ments, log onto HSA’s website with Throughout March, HSA held joint the gold standard to which other your member ID number (on your information meetings in communi- Canadians aspire. Community social mailing label of The Report magazine) ties across BC for members wanting services workers have fought for dec- and sign up to receive updates. R to learn more about enrolling in the ades for access to this pension; HSA

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 7 news

Federal pension reform urgently needed

BY CAROLE RIVIERE entitled to partial CPP benefits, but • establish a national program to many of the oldest worked as young insure workplace pensions. MORE THAN A THIRD of Canadian women at a time when there was seniors receiving public pensions no CPP coverage, or worked in jobs The Guaranteed Income live on less than $11,000 a year: well that weren’t covered by CPP.” Supplement (GIS) is the component below the poverty line. Kemp, who has served for sev- of Old Age Security (OAS) paid by HSA member Brigid Kemp has eral years as President of the South the federal government to seniors first-hand knowledge about the hard- Okanagan Boundary Labour with the lowest income. Investing ship represented by this number and Council, is hopeful that a pen- an additional $682 million per year the urgent need for pension reform. sion reform plan developed by the into this program would be enough She has worked for several years Canadian Labour Congress and sup- to immediately lift out of poverty all with the South Okanagan Women ported by NUPGE, will help women 1.6 million Canadian seniors cur- in Need Society (SOWINS). Most like her clients, and the millions of rently living under less than $11,000 of her work has been with senior other Canadians facing retirement per year – including Kemp’s clients. women over age 50 who have been without adequate income. Gradually increasing the CPP in abusive relationships. The CLC proposal has three premiums paid by workers and em- “Of the clients I’ve worked with components: ployers from 4.95 per cent of salary who worked for any length of time to 7.0 per cent would double the in the paid workforce, the vast ma- • increase the Guaranteed Income CPP benefits that retirees receive, jority worked for low wages, and Supplement (GIS); increasing the current maximum without a workplace pension plan • double Canada Pension Plan of $820 to $1,635 per month. This of any sort,” said Kemp. Some are (CPP) benefits; and would be a huge improvement for the 61 per cent of Canadian workers Retirement income by the numbers without a workplace pension. Young workers, who are even less • 61.5 per cent of Canadian • One third of Canadian likely than older generations to have workers (11 million people) workers aged 24-64 have a workplace pension plan, will argu- have no workplace pension no personal retirement ably benefit most from improving • Only 31 per cent of all savings at all this secure, fully-funded, inflation- Canadians hold any RRSPs • $60,000 is the average protected and completely portable • 35 per cent of seniors receiv- amount held in RRSPs for national pension plan. ing public penstions (1.6 mil- Canadian workers aged Establishing a national program lion seniors) live on less than 55-64, enough to buy an an- to insure workplace pensions would $11,000 per year nuity of $250 per month protect the pensions of workers whose employers go bankrupt. This

8 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC HSA celebrates Community Social Services Month

March is Community Social Services to supporting some of the most Month in BC. To celebrate, unions vulnerable people in BC,” said representing workers in the com- HSA President Reid Johnson. type of insurance could be funded munity social services sector devel- “But in addition to their intrinsic by charging workers covered by oped a poster, leaflet, and website value, community social services workplace plans a mere $2.50 per to highlight the importance of the also help to prevent rising acute year – less than the cost of a cup of wide spectrum of crucial services health costs. For example, a child coffee. provided by our members. These with autism who is diagnosed Most HSA members are covered include services for women, youths early and who receives adequate by BC’s Municipal Pension Plan at risk, infants and children, as well support and behavioural inter- (MPP), a defined benefit pension as advocacy, rehabilitation, sup- vention has an excellent chance plan that can provide enough for a port and counselling services for at a happy life, contributing to comfortable retirement. MPP cov- the community. The website can society. The provincial govern- erage for members in community be viewed at www.communityso- ment’s recent cuts to these and social services will be available ef- cialservicesmatter.ca. other services are short-sighted, fective April 1, 2010, but eligible “HSA members know that com- and will end up costing the prov- members must choose whether or munity social services are critical ince in the long run.” not they want to join the plan (see Throughout March, celebratory related article on page 6). posters and leaflets were made As a member from the commu- available to chief stewards and nity social services sector who has distributed in communities to raise recently retired, Kemp strongly en- awareness of the importance of courages members to enroll in the this work. Community social serv- plan. ices workers have distributed post- “It can make a huge difference ers at community locations such to your retirement,” says Kemp. as libraries, community centres, “Having reviewed all the pension in- co-ops, and community bulletin formation from the CLC, and having boards. worked with so many women with inadequate retirement income, I re- Walk for Community Social ally understand how valuable a good Services in Victoria workplace pension plan can be.” As in past years, HSA members on MORE INFORMATION Vancouver Island gathered March 27 at Centennial Square in Victoria CLC’s pension reform plan: www. Poster developed for Community to participate in the annual “Walk canadianlabour.ca/action-center/ Social Services Month for Community Social Services”. retirement-security-for-everyone R

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 9 Together against the cuts

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE THE STRENGTH OF BRITISH COLUMBIA IS OUR PEOPLE. We each contribute in unique and different ways, through our tal- BC FEDERATION OF LABOUR, ents, ideas and hard work to build a better BC. THE COALITION TO BUILD A Building communities where every woman, man and child is treated with fairness and dignity, and respect is a BETTER BC AIMS TO BRING UNDER shared responsibility. ONE BIG TENT A BROAD RANGE When government singles out groups of individuals – by cutting services they depend on, raising fees inequi- OF COMMUNITY AND tably, and unfairly shifting taxes – it diminishes all of us. ADVOCACY GROUPS AFFECTED BY It doesn’t bring us together. It divides us. The purpose of the Coalition to Build a Better BC is to PROVINCIAL BUDGET CUTS. bring us together. IT BEGINS ON APRIL 10. The public, community and cultural services that we have built together over the years contribute greatly to a

10 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC vibrant and diverse BC. They help to ensure that every PUBLIC, COMMUNITY AND British Columbian can participate and share in a quality of life that is recognized around the world. CULTURAL SERVICES ARE Public, community and cultural services are essential ESSENTIAL CORNERSTONES cornerstones of a civil society. They are a critical compo- nent of our economic well-being, especially in difficult OF A CIVIL SOCIETY. THEY economic times. A strong public sector to support, build ARE A CRITICAL COMPONENT and regulate the private sector is vital to the social, envi- OF OUR ECONOMIC WELL- ronmental and economic health of the province. Due to drastic funding cuts, chronic underfunding BEING, ESPECIALLY IN and misaligned political priorities many of these serv- DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES. ices are at risk of disappearing, and putting our way of life and the environment at risk. Many of the cuts affect the most vulnerable people in COALITION MEMBERS our communities, particularly women, children, isolated seniors, and those with the lowest incomes. It is unac- Alliance for Arts and Culture ceptable for government to take more from those who BC Association of Social Workers BC/Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors have the least, in order to give more to those who have BC Government and Service Employees’ Union the most. BC Federation of Labour The Coalition to Build a Better BC calls on the provin- BC Federation of Retired Union Members cial government to: BC Health Coalition BC Persons with AIDS Society • Immediately stop eliminating public and commu- BC Retired Teachers Association BC Teachers Federation nity services; Canadian Federation of Students • Fulfill their legislative responsibility to provide Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC adequate, fair and consistent funding to support Check Your Head public services and community groups; and Council of Senior Citizens Organizations • Work in substantive consultation with groups and CUPE BC individuals to build public and community serv- Federation of Post Secondary Educators First Call ices that give every individual the democratic op- Health Sciences Association portunity to participate in building a better BC. Hospital Employees Union International Association of Machinists and Groups participating in the Coalition to Build a Aerospace Workers, Northwest District 250 Better BC include a wide spectrum of community, arts, Positive Women’s Network and service organizations, including: social action and Positive Living Fraser Valley Seniors on Guard for Medicare advocacy, community services, health services, immi- South Fraser Community Services Society grant services, women’s services, student organizations, Wilderness Committee progressive faith groups, environmental groups, First Union of BC Indian Chiefs Nations advocacy, private and public sector unions. R Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 11 MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS

• cut funding for Atlas Youth Supported Recovery in Terrace, the only residential recovery centre for The cuts youth in BC’s Northwest • cut funding for the award-winning West Coast Alternatives Society, where drug and alcohol pro- grams for adults, youths and children help 600 ... so far residents a year • cut social work budget in Fraser Health region hospi- tals, resulting in loss of 14 positions IT’S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE • closing adolescent psychiatric unit at Abbotsford Hospital THE BC GOVERNMENT WON AN • cut funding for 11 residential care beds at Bear ELECTION PROMISING TO Creek Lodge and 11 residential care beds at Newton Regency in Surrey PROTECT HEALTH CARE. • eliminating the only recreation therapist in an eating disorders clinic • cut funding for Burnaby Family Life, a program for INSTEAD, THEY MADE adult survivors of sexual abuse • cut mental health and addictions services at Capital $360 MILLION IN CUTS. Mental Health Association in the Victoria area • cut half the staff hours at Gaumont Resident in Kamloops, specializing in treating mental health and HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE CUTS addictions ANNOUNCED TO DATE, AND THERE • closed Waddell’s Haven Guest Home in Mission, a residential mental health facility also providing ad- IS STILL MORE TO COME. dictions services • closed the only withdrawal management program in the Fraser Valley, at Chilliwack General Hospital • eliminated psychology services for adult rehabilita- tion at Royal Inland Hospital • elimination of music therapy, other staff cuts includ- ing dietitian, social worker, counselor, recreation therapist at Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions • closed outpatient psychiatry programs at UBC Hospital: anxiety disorder clinic and integrated per- sonality program For updates and the latest • closing the psychiatric ward – Eric Martin Pavilion – information on cuts, visit hsabc.org in Victoria

12 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC SENIORS’ AND RESIDENTIAL CARE ing up to an estimated 2000 surgeries; cancelled 450 surgeries in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority • cut funding for North Shore Keep Well Society, which during the same period, as well as implementing ex- helps keep 500 seniors healthy, and Seniors’ One Stop, tended closures until March 2010, cancelling another which gets 5000 calls yearly 5800 cases • closed a 36-bed geriatric assessment and rehabilitation • eliminated speech language pathology services in unit at Victoria General Hospital Golden • closed geriatric day hospital in Vancouver • at Kelowna General Hospital, closed six rehab beds • closed 25-bed convalescent care unit and an 8-bed for joint surgeries; closed five hospice beds; closed five hospice at Queen’s Park Care Centre in New reactivation beds. Westminster • concerns about inadequate sterilization of surgery • closed 42 residential care beds at Peace Arch Hospital equipment caused cancellation of surgeries at Royal • closed Pouce Coupe Care Home Inland Hospital • closing Oak Bay Lodge and Mount Tolmie Hospital in • cut services for multiple sclerosis patients at UBC the Victoria area COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS • cut $2 million from contracts with community agen- • cut funding to help young children access Early cies and non-profit societies delivering health services Intensive Behaviour Intervention autism program at in the Victoria area Queen Alexandra Centre for Children • cut crisis line services in the North Island • eliminated key staff for Infant Development Program, • closed the Chimo Achievement Centre, a therapeutic Aboriginal Development Program and Supported day program for adults with disabilities in Coquitlam Child Development Program, leaving parents with and the TriCities area, promoting independence, pre- special needs kids with less support venting deterioration, and enhancing quality of life • closure of Melissa Park Lodge in Port Coquitlam, a • cuts to support services for people living with HIV/ mental health residential facility and child develop- AIDS in both Vancouver and the Okanagan, with ment centre specializing in mental health and addic- more severe cuts announced for the spring tions services for children and youth • closure of a specialized food bank for people living • cut autism intervention services in the Okanagan with HIV/AIDS, stocked with nutritionally optimized items to support the dietary needs of immune com- SURGERIES, DIAGNOSTIC AND REHABILITATION SERVICES promised clients • spiritual care eliminated across Fraser Health • cancelled 328 knee and hip operations for people liv- Authority ing in the Interior • reduced funding and introduced new charges for • cut 760 elective surgeries and 3000 MRIs on Meals on Wheels in Nanaimo Vancouver Island • cut employment and vocational support services for • cut almost 10,000 MRIs – and possibly cutting 6000 people with mental disabilities and other barriers to surgeries and closing 25 per cent of operating rooms – employment in the Vancouver health region • cut 50 per cent of public health dietitians • cancelled 35 per cent of elective surgeries in the Fraser • cut speech language pathology services at Deaf Health Authority during the Olympic games, add- Children’s Society of BC R

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 13 MLAs Doug Routley (Nanaimo-North Cowichan, NDP), Leonard Krog (Nanaimo, NDP), Ron Cantelon (Parksville-Qualicum, Liberal) and Scott Fraser (Alberni-Pacific Rim, NDP) meet with constituency liaisons Vikki Tellier and Chris Semrick. Taking your stories to Victoria CONSTITUENCY LIAISONS HELP POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS

BY CAROL RIVIERE our members’ working conditions, and the services they provide. Liaisons are currently meeting with their MLAs DO BC’S POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES HAVE ANY IDEA who to stress that the new health science professionals collec- HSA is and what we do? Will they weigh our concerns in tive agreement must provide the improvements to wages, balance with those of many other groups who vie for the benefits and working conditions required to recruit and attention and support of the MLAs who craft the laws we retain more of these professionals to work in BC’s public all live by? health care system. Thanks to a dedicated group of HSA volunteers, the An important aspect of each Liaison’s work is educat- answer is ‘yes’. ing MLAs about the many professions HSA represents, HSA’s Constituency Liaison program began as a pi- and their critical roles on the health care team. Vikki lot project back in 2003. Starting with just six partici- Tellier, an HSA physiotherapist at Nanaimo Regional pants, the program has grown to involve 55 members General Hospital, decided the best way to demonstrate who meet with their MLAs to discuss issues affecting this was to tour her MLA through the hospital, focus-

14 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC “IF THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS WHO WE ARE, THEN THERE’S A CHANCE OF US ACTUALLY BEING RECOGNIZED FOR OUR WORK.”

ing on areas where health science professionals work. As Tellier worked with hospital management and HSA members in various departments to organize the tour, it quickly expanded. Instead of a tour for just her own MLA, Doug Routley, it eventually involved all of the cen- tral Vancouver Island MLAs, including Scott Fraser, and the two MLAs whom HSA respiratory therapist Chris Semrick had been liaising with, Leonard Krog and Ron Cantelon. The MLAs toured departments where HSA members work, and spoke to several members from a variety of dis- ciplines. Tellier made sure the MLAs realized that many of the staff, whom the MLAs might assume were doctors or nurses, were actually health science professionals. MRI technologist Walter Price talks about his work with “We popped up into ICU as a quick and easy way Scott Fraser and Leonard Krog. to show the team,” she said. “When you look into the Intensive Care Unit you think you’re looking at doctors answer session. MLAs asked what our members are and nurses, but then I pointed out that person is the res- looking for in their new contract, and Tellier says mem- piratory therapist, and this person is the physiotherapist bers were quick to reply. “We want parity with the nurses. and this person is the pharmacist.” We don’t want to be ignored. The nurses can’t do their The MLAs also gained a personal appreciation of some job without us. The doctors can’t do their job with- of the infectious organisms HSA members are exposed out us. We have trouble getting people here because we to in the workplace. don’t train enough people. We try to get people in from “When we went to the lab, the supervisor was show- Alberta, but our wages are less than in Alberta and other ing them the petri dishes with bugs growing and ex- parts of the country. We’re losing staff to other locations, plaining what MRSA is,” said Tellier. But when one of we’re having trouble with recruitment.” the technologists showed them a petri dish with actual Tellier is convinced of the value in HSA members MRSA growing on it, “They all took a step backwards,” meeting with their elected representatives. laughs Tellier. “And as soon as we left that area and they “We tend to be invisible within the hospital,” said found one of the hand wash stations, they were all wash- Tellier. “Everybody knows what a doctor and nurse is. ing their hands. The fact that we’re dealing with these The average person doesn’t know what a health science bugs all the time was a surprise to them.” professional is, and the MLAs don’t know either. If the Following the tour, the MLAs joined 40 HSA mem- government knows who we are, then there’s a chance of bers for coffee and an hour-long informal question and us actually being recognized for our work.” R

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 15 news

HSA raising profile in Chinese media PART OF EFFORT TO REACH OUT TO NEW COMMUNITIES ACROSS PROVINCE

HSA MEMBERS who subscribe to the and ultrasound. HSA has been working to raise the Ming Pao Daily News may have been The second member to be featured profile of HSA members on the mod- surprised to see their colleagues – Helen Poon, a laboratory technolo- ern health care team. Although the featured recently in this Chinese- gist – became an instant celebrity at two members featured so far coinci- language newspaper. her workplace. Ken Liao, her col- dentally both work at St. Paul’s, HSA As part of a new segment intro- league who recommended Poon for is actively searching for Cantonese- ducing different occupations, Ming the interview, described the excite- speaking members from across the Pao featured the work of X-ray tech- ment at the lab at St. Paul’s Hospital. Lower Mainland willing to talk to the nologist Anita Bardal in Decemeber. “Everyone at work is raving about Ming Pao about their occupations. The article details her training, the Helen,” he said. “She is the star of the Please contact Yukie Kurahashi at interesting aspects of her job, and an lab now! The article turned out so the HSA office (ykurahashi@hsabc. outline of other medical radiation good. Staff cannot wait until the next org) if you’d like to see your occupa- technology careers such as CT, MRI, time she comes in to work.” tion highlighted. R

16 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC departments pension Q&A

How ethical are my pension plan investments? GROWING FOCUS ON ETHICAL INVESTING BALANCED WITH FINANCIAL GAINS

BY DENNIS BLATCHFORD That is why the Statement of Investment Policy and Procedures also guides bcIMC in ensuring our invest- I work in the community sector and soon will have ment portfolio also takes into account important glo- an opportunity to join the Municipal Pension Plan bal issues like environmental compliance, maintaining (MPP). However, I am concerned about how my high ethical standards, progressive labour relations money will be invested. What assurances can you practices, and prohibits doing business with companies give me that my contributions won’t in some way linked to countries known for human rights abuses. be harmful to other people or the environment? THE ACT MANDATES THAT Member contributions are invested through the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation TRUSTEES HAVE A STRONG (bcIMC); the investment arm for BC public sector pen- FIDUCIARY DUTY TO ACT sion plans of which the MPP is the largest. The MPP board of trustees sets the investment criteria by way of IN THE BEST FINANCIAL the Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures INTEREST OF BENEFICIARIES (SIIP). From that framework, bcIMC carries out an – BUT NOT AT ALL COST. investment strategy to meet the primary goal of deliv- ering on the pension promise obligated under the BC Public Sector Pensions Plans Act. The Act specifies that trustees must act in the best financial interests of Plan So, while trustees have a primary responsibility in members; in order to meet current and future payment meeting the financial test of the Act, the growing focus obligations. on ethical investing requires that trustees find a balance that fulfills a growing ethical test, while still meeting the So does the BC Public Sector Pensions Plans Act tie financial obligations of the Plan. R the hands of trustees? Dennis Blatchford is HSA’s Pensions and Benefits Yes and no. The Act mandates that trustees have a Advocate and serves on the MPP Board of Trustees as strong fiduciary duty to act in the best financial interest HSA’s appointee. of beneficiaries – but not at all cost. Investments in the tobacco or armaments industries may be very profita- ble, but it has been successfully argued that such invest- ments can bring reputational harm to investors. On that Do you have questions for HSA’s pensions & benefits advocate? basis, such investments are screened from the portfolio Contact Dennis Blatchford at [email protected] wherever possible.

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 17 members profile SHEILA KERR

Hepatitis B and C throughout the Okanagan Valley, work that takes her to diverse settings – treatment and detox centres, colleges and uni- versities, seniors’ facilities, homeless shelters, and more – to teach people about these diseases and motivate them to prevent them. Any giv- en day could see her making a presentation to health care professionals in the morning about the realities of HIV and Hepatitis, and demon- strating correct condom use to sex trade work- ers in the afternoon. Speaking to The Report in February, Kerr describes herself as ‘very, very passionate and motivated’ about her work, and she traces this passion right back to her street experiences in her early teens, and then as a volunteer with the Centre. “I’ve known people who have lost their lives SHEILA KERR GIVES A LOT, as a result of behaviours associated with their AND RECEIVES MUCH MORE IN RETURN lifestyles, and many more who have contracted HIV or hepatitis C,” she says. “It can be tough to see and tough to rationalise.” Helping people back At that time, the Living Positive Resource Centre, then called the AIDS Resource Centre, provided an opportunity that changed the course from the edge of Kerr’s life. “They put a call out for young people in- BY LAURA BUSHEIKIN terested in creating a youth theatre to educate others about HIV and AIDS. I loved acting and SHEILA KERR DIDN’T NEED the services of a ca- writing, so I got involved. A neat play came out reer counsellor to choose her professional path. of it, which became a video. In fact, she never even had time to wonder what “I saw a huge amount of value in this and was she wanted to be when she grew up. At the age compelled to keep involved,” she says. Over the of 14, her life experience led her to a volunteer following years she took part in a rich variety of position at the Living Positive Resource Centre volunteer activities. in Kelowna, and she’s been there ever since. “I got trained to give educational workshops; Four years ago, after seven years of consist- I was involved with special events such as the ent volunteer involvement, she took on a staff AIDS walk; I did some inventory with brochures, position as Prevention Outreach and Harm volunteered on the Board of Directors, worked Reduction Coordinator. While she’s just 25 years on the newsletter, threw a Battle of the Bands old, she says she’s already one of the ‘old timers’ event as a fundraiser – basically, I did anything in the organization. they asked of me,” she says. Kerr provides education around HIV and Although she certainly gave a lot, what stands

18 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC out for her is how much she received. agreement that is now in place for her workplace “I feel a great gratitude to this organization; it was eroding existing rights. has contributed a lot to who I am. They gave me “The agreement cuts long term disability for guidance; they gave me motivation; they gave anyone with pre-existing conditions. But in our me opportunity. The executive director became workplace, we strongly encourage people with a father figure to me.” HIV to apply. It would be horrible to not give Kerr feels fortunate to go to work each day them what others have access to. It also would for an organization that means so much to her. apply for people who have chronic conditions But what she loves most about her work is seeing such as asthma or heart conditions. that what she does actually makes a difference. “Because I’m now more informed, thanks to For instance, she says, there are times she my HSA training, I got staff together and organ- encounters the same client more than once, for ized an email cam- instance, in a detox centre. “Sometimes they say, paign explaining to ‘I went back to using but now I’m doing it safely. people what’s going “YESTERDAY WAS MY Everything you said stayed with me and your on,” she says. words echoed in my brain.’ It gives me such a Activism comes FIRST TIME AS A PART TIME great feeling to know I’ve helped motivate them as naturally to Kerr WORKER. ALL THE STAFF to make changes to stay safe, even if their behav- as her work does. MOVED FROM FULL TIME ior is reckless.” Over the years, she Although Kerr is able to celebrate such a mo- has been involved TO PART TIME YESTERDAY,” ment as evidence that her work is saving lives – in many commu- SHE SAYS, WITH QUIET and saving our health care system money – not nity initiatives. everyone sees it that way. She ran the gay OUTRAGE. “The biggest challenge in my work comes youth group she from some of the attitudes in the community,” founded in 2006, she says. “There are a lot of negative attitudes Out With Friends, and sat on the board of toward harm reduction as a whole. It’s really sad, Caia Connection, a grassroots organization because these illnesses already target those who that helps AIDS orphans in the Caia district of are so marginalized. It’s easy to ignore or con- Mozambique. Currently, she is the Vice President demn those who are affected.” of the Hepatitis C Council of BC; she is an active The other huge challenge in Kerr’s field member of Pathways to Open Doors, a Kelowna comes from funding challenges forcing changes project trying to create a 24-hour drop in cen- this spring. “Yesterday was my first time as a tre for women involved in the sex trade; and she part time worker. All the staff moved from full organises health-related events for the gay com- time to part time yesterday,” she says, with quiet munity in Kelowna. outrage. “We really need to strive for a healthful com- Already a tireless advocate for her clients, munity, and that includes people who are mar- Kerr is also ready to advocate for her profession. ginalized and pushed to the edges of society and She recently became steward and completed would maybe not be thought of as community steward training in January. members. But we don’t really have a community She has already put what she learned to good unless we incorporate them as well,” Kerr says. R use. Based on what she learned at her steward training, she realized that the tentative collective

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 19 departments OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Workplace Violence Awareness 2010 FIVE YEARS AFTER DAVID BLAND’S DEATH, THE WORK TO PREVENT VIOLENCE CONTINUES

BY MARTY LOVICK • At the Fall 2010 HSA Occupational Health and Safety Conference, in early November, violence will JANUARY 9, 2010 marked five years since the death of be one of the core topics of discussion. HSA member David Bland, a community mental health counsellor who was murdered in the parking lot of his It is HSA’s wish to begin the year 2011 with a safer work office in Richmond. force by making these efforts in 2010. If you would like His death sparked action on a number of fronts, rais- more information on how you can make a difference in ing the profile of violence in health care and social serv- your workplace, contact Marty Lovick, Senior Labour ices. Along with other recent incidents of violence at Relations Officer – OHS at the HSA office at 604.439.0994 work this tragedy led to the establishment of violence or 1.800.663.2017 or at [email protected]. R prevention committees provincially, and at the Health Authority level. However, in spite of good work in this area, there continue to be violent incidents in all of the sectors NEED HELP? where HSA members work. HSA’s position is that HSA’s experts are available to help WorkSafeBC must scrutinize more carefully those employers who are not in compliance with the vio- Contact your steward first regarding lence regulations which are needed to minimize workplace concerns. At most facilities, a risk of injury. HSA will continue to demand that list of your stewards is posted on your un- WorkSafeBC hold employers accountable through ion bulletin board. A list of chief stewards intensive advocacy. for each facility is now also available on Throughout the coming year HSA will highlight this HSA’s website, at www.hsabc.org. Look ongoing concern by making presentations and raising under Contact > Find your steward. the profile of this issue at selected events: For regional labour relations issues, or • The presentation of the David Bland Award at if your steward can't help, contact the the 2010 HSA Convention will recognize the ad- HSA office and speak to a labour rela- vocacy efforts of the HSA member in the area of tions officer: toll free 1.800/663.2017, or Occupational Health and Safety. 604/439.0994 in the Lower Mainland. • At the Annual Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job (April 28) HSA will be high- For all provincial, national, or union pol- lighting the issue of violence in the workplace in icy issues, contact your elected Regional ceremonies at a number of locations. Director (listed inside back cover). • We will work to ensure that violence awareness form part of any worksite initiatives during the May 2010 Occupational Health and Safety week May 2 – 8.

20 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC CURRENT DISPUTES

For more information and updates, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 873 please check the BC Federation of Labour - VS - BC Ambulance Service web site at www.bcfed.com. Major lssues: Wages, concessions, benefits Commenced: April 1, 2009 Canadian Office Professional Employees Union (COPE) Local 378 - VS - Hertz Car Rental (Vancouver United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), International Airport Local 1518 - VS - Extra Foods (Maple Ridge) Major lssues: Major lssues: Job Security, wages Wages, job security Commenced: Commenced: Feb 2, 2010 Dec. 15, 2008

United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2009 - VS - Com- Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union, pass (retail food services in the Fraser Health Local 16ll - VS - Wescon Enterprises Ltd. (Trivern) Authority (Armstrong) Major lssues: Major Issues: Wages Seniority, Benefits, Concessions Commenced: Commenced: Oct 5, 2009 July 25, 2001

change of ADDRESS MOVING? Member # (at top left of mailing label) Your employer does not send us address Surname changes. We depend on you to let us know. Given names

Return to: Facility / worksite(s) Health Sciences

Association of BC New home address 300 - 5118 Joyce St. Vancouver, BC V5R 4H1 City Province Postal code or email: [email protected] Home tel. ( ) Work tel. & local ( ) HSA is committed to using the personal information we collect in accordance with applicable privacy legislation. By completing this form, you are consenting to have HSA use the submitted information for the purposes of conducting our representational duties as a union, and in providing services to our members. For further information, please contact HSA’s privacy officer. The full HSA privacy policy is available online at www.hsabc.org.

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 21 news

HSA President Reid Johnson speaks to 140 members who gathered at Vancouver General Hospital February 26. HSA President meeting members across BC

PRIOR TO THE START of bargaining in me, that means meeting as many as members to attend the meetings. March, HSA President Reid Johnson possible and taking time to find out “The level of enthusiasm and hosted a number of member meeet- what’s on their minds.” engagement among members and ings across BC last fall and earlier Johnson added that the meetings stewards is the best I’ve ever seen,” this year. are encouraging activism in the un- said Johnson. “Everyone is curious and con- ion; a meeting held at Vancouver More meetings are planned for cerned about bargaining, and peo- General Hospital recently drew a the coming months. If you’d like to ple also want to talk about local is- large crowd and resulted in a singifi- find out more about the schedule, sues such as merged seniority and cant increase in members elected to or if you’d like to suggest a meet- health consolidation,” said Johnson. attend as delegates to convention. ing in your area, please contact your “I want to be an effective representa- Johnson noted that strong stew- Chief Steward or call the HSA office tive for HSA members, no matter ard networks in many chapters have at 604-439-0994 or toll-free 1-800- where they live or what they do. To done a great job of mobilizing their 663-2017. R

22 THE REPORT • heaLTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATION OF BC LABOUR RELATIONs report Maureen Headley

sionals to work in the BC public Bargaining presents health sector. Enhance quality of work life opportunity for with initiatives related to work- load, scheduling, education, thoughful process leaves of absence, violence pre- vention, occupational health and safety, and other healthy work- ON MARCH 18, THE NEGOTIATING TEAM for the place improvements. Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association, Headley Improve benefits by maximiz- which represents the majority of HSA members, sat down ing the value of the benefit pack- to begin bargaining. Your representatives have put for- IN THE LAST age to meet the differing needs of ward a constructive and reasonable proposal that will de- SEVERAL the membership. liver real improvements to your workplace and the health Develop a seamless and inte- care system as a whole. We’re off to a good start, but this ROUNDS OF grated sick leave and disability settlement will take some time. management scheme that sup- That’s a good thing. Let me tell you why. BARGAINING, ports early and productive return In the last several rounds of bargaining, the provincial THE PRO- to work. government set a tight deadline. As a result, a lot of im- Develop job security and portant problems were left unresolved. VINCIAL seniority initiatives that protect This time, the government has not set a deadline, so we and enhance members’ entitle- now have the opportunity for a thoughtful process. This is GOVERNMENT ments, particularly in response our chance to deal with the legacy of these historic issues. SET A TIGHT to consolidation or integration of The end result will be a stronger system and more support service. for the specialized skills HSA members bring to the mod- DEADLINE. Improve administration of the ern health care team. collective agreement by clarify- Here’s what we’re setting out to achieve: A LOT OF ing existing provisions to ensure Deliver quality health care through ongoing joint PROBLEMS collective agreement language initiatives that recognize the value of health science pro- reflects existing entitlements, fessionals in health care delivery and that involve and in- WERE LEFT improved grievance processing, clude health science professionals in health care changes. housekeeping changes to stream- Achieve fair wage increases that recognize the value UNRESOLVED. line the collective agreement, of health science professionals and are consistent with in- and other initiatives that make creases for members of the modern health care team in the collective agreement more ef- BC and across the country. ficient or allow better harmonization and coordination of Modernize the classification system by developing a existing benefits. unified, transparent, rationalized wage schedule that is re- These are far-reaching and comprehensive objectives sponsive to the current industry structure while protect- that will make a big difference. They’ll will be worth the ing integral features. wait. R Addresss recruitment and retention problems with initiatives that attract people to health science profession- Maureen Headley is HSA’s executive director of legal al disciplines and attract trained health science profes- services and labour relations.

THE REPORT • APRIL 2010 • vol. 31 no. 2 23 departHmealthents SciencesOCCUPAT AIssociationONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY The union of caring professionals HSA’s Board of Directors is elected by members THE to run HSA between Annual Conventions. Report Members should feel free to contact them with any concerns. AWARD-WINNING

President [[email protected]] Reid Johnson, MSW Centre for Ability MEMBER PUBLICATION

Region 1 [[email protected]] Region 6 [[email protected]] Suzanne Bennett, Rachel Tutte, Physiotherapist EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Youth Addictions Counsellor, Holy Family Hospital Maureen Headley, Labour Relations & Legal Services John Howard Society Rebecca Maurer, Human Resources Region 7 [[email protected]] and Organizational Development Region 2 [[email protected]] Marg Beddis, Dietitian Val Avery (Vice-President) Surrey Memorial Hospital MANAGING EDITOR Physiotherapist, Victoria General Hospital Miriam Sobrino Region 8 [[email protected]] Region 3 [[email protected]] Joan Magee, Laboratory Technologist EDITOR Bruce MacDonald (Secretary-Treasurer) Cariboo Memorial Hospital David Bieber Social Worker, Royal Columbian Hospital Region 9 [[email protected]] Region 4 [[email protected]] Janice Morrison, Physiotherapist Agnes Jackman, Physiotherapist Kootenay Lake Hospital George Pearson Rehabilitation Centre Region 10 [[email protected]] Region 5 [[email protected]] Heather Sapergia, Laboratory Technologist (from left) Agnes Jackman, Bruce MacDonald, Janice Morrison, Kimball Finigan, Radiation Therapist Prince George Regional Hospital Heather Sapergia, Rachel Tutte, Joan Magee, Suzanne Bennett, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver) Marg Beddis, Val Avery, Reid Johnson. (inset) Kimball Finigan. K necht photo kim S tall

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