Special Election Edition The Magazine for Nurses by the Manitoba Nurses’ Union

38th Manitoba Election 2003 SPECIAL EDITION

Making an Informed Choice

Where the Candidates Stand on Privatization

Their Views on the Expansion of Nursing Education Front Lines is published six times a year by the Manitoba Nurses’ Union. The MNU was founded in 1975. Today it remains an active member-driven organization dedi- Special Election Edition The Magazine for Manitoba Nurses by the Manitoba Nurses’ Union cated to meeting the needs of its members. Approximately 11,000 nurses province-wide belong to the MNU. That’s 97% Questions of unionized nurses in Manitoba. 4 1. Manitoba will need to educate hundreds more nurses in the next few years in order to replace nurses who retire; address the current nursing shortage and to ensure that health care services can be “To Care for Nurses adequately delivered. What plans does your Party have to educate GaryDoer, more nurses? is to Care for Patients” NDP Joyce Gleason 5 2. Recently graduates of the re-instated RN Diploma program wrote national exams. With a pass rate of 97% and results above the national average in fourteen of eighteen categories, it is clear that diploma-prepared nurses are a definite asset to the health care Editor system. If elected, will your Party expand the RN Diploma Bill Crawford Programs for nurses into rural and northern Manitoba? 5 3. At their recent Annual General Meeting nurses’ union members passed a resolution calling upon government to develop a laddering Contact Us: program to allow nurses to move through a system of nursing edu- MNU Communications cation from LPN to Master of Nursing. If elected will your Party implement a true laddering program for nurses? Department Dr.JonGerrard, LiberalParty 301 - 275 Broadway 5 4. Nurses' unions and organizations from around the country pre- , Manitoba sented their views on the future of health care to the Romanow R3C 4M6 Commission. Nurses were clear that they want a stronger public health care system - not a turn towards American-style health care. (Tel.) 204.942.1320 If elected, how will you protect the health care system from privati- zation? (Fax) 204.942.0958 6 5. Throughout the 1990s, cuts to health care resulted in the firing of Website: www.nursesunion.mb.ca nurses; heavier workloads for the nurses that were left; and low Email: [email protected] morale among health care professionals. What plans does your Party have for improving the work environment for nurses so that Manitoba can attract and keep new nurses in the system?

StuartMurray, 7 6. Nurses are on the front lines of health care everyday. Their PCParty experience and ideas are invaluable when considering how to best meet the challenges of our health care system. How will your Party include nurses in decision-making about the future direction of MNU is affiliated with health care? the Canadian Federation of 7 7. Nurses experience high levels of workplace stress and injury. Nurses’ Unions and the Canadian What plans does your Party have to improve the health and safety of Labour Congress. nurses on the job?

MNU is a member of the Canadian 8 8. For the first time since the Manitoba Nurses' Union started to Association of Labour Media survey nurses, a majority (60%) of nurses say they would recom- Publication Agreement # 400 2 15 2 6 mend nursing as a career path in Manitoba. What plans does your Party have for mentoring new nurses and encouraging current nurses to stay in nursing and stay in Manitoba?

Cover Photos: , Manitoba New Democratic Party Dr. Jon Gerrard, Stuart Murray, Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba President’s Perspective Making an Informed Choice

or many years now during provincial elections our union has published a special election issue of questions to the F three political parties. The questions reflect the concerns of our members. Issues of importance to nurses during this election include: nursing education such as expansion of the R.N. Diploma Program and laddering programs, improving our work environ- ment and health and safety. We have also included a question on privatization of our health care system. At our recent AGM there was a great deal of discussion regarding the very negative effect of privatization upon our health care system. It is important that we know where the leaders stand on that very critical issue.

Nurses have taken on an important role as spokespersons for health care. While we have always advocated for our patients at MNU President, the bedside and in the community, the role of public advocate Maureen Hancharyk evolved during the nineties when health care reform resulted in the lay-off of over a thousand nurses and services were being cut and privatized. Nurses across Manitoba mobilized to advocate for our patients. Nurses learned the power of their collective voice to make change.

As professionals it is critical that we continue to speak out. During this election nurses can make a difference. We can make sure that health care issues are front and center. We can ask politicians on our doorstep and in public forums the tough ques- tions. We can make them accountable for their policies and their promises.

MNU Front Lines Magazine Election Edition 2003 3 1. Manitoba will need to educate hun- 5. Establishing a province-wide ini- LIBERAL: There has tiative to develop entrepreneurial dreds more nurses in the next few years been a significant in order to replace nurses who retire; skills among young people beginning increase in the in our schools, including technology- address the current nursing shortage and number of nurses Qto ensure that health care services can entrepreneurship centres and a going through be adequately delivered. What plans variety of other supports for youth current programs entrepreneurs. does your Party have to educate more in the last several nurses? years. At the 6. Adjusting the provincial tax struc- present time, there ture to ensure that tax rates for are concerns that current graduates young people are competitive with NDP: Over the past are not all able to get full time posi- other provinces, not only at the low- four years, Today’s tions in Manitoba. Manitoba income level but also at the median NDP has made Liberals see that it is important for and high-income levels. major investments each RHA to plan to know how many 7. Focusing on initiatives that engage in nursing educa- nurses will be needed within the RHA and involve young people from all tion, and these and to link to training programs in ethnic and geographic backgrounds investments are Manitoba to ensure that there are in Manitoba, so that whoever you are paying off. We are adequate nurses being trained and and wherever you are from there are graduating more recruited for their RHA to meet their attractive opportunities. than 600 nurses this year, up from needs. 8. Making it easier for young people 210 when we came to office. A Manitoba Liberal Government will to own their own homes to give them A re-elected Today’s NDP govern- dedicate itself to making Manitoba a a sense of belonging and perma- ment will build on the success of the very attractive place for young people nence in developing plans to stay past four years in nursing education, and so that it is easier to train and and to grow in Manitoba. with a commitment to increase recruit people needed for skilled 9. Marketing Manitoba as the desti- nursing program enrollment to 3000 positions in Manitoba by supporting nation where young people want to within four years. This will mean and/or implementing the following live, to work, to play and to raise a growth in both nursing degree and measures. family. diploma programs, and additional annual investments of $3 million in 1. Providing a vision that will make expanded nursing education. In four Manitoba a great place for young years, we hope to see 900 nurses people to work, live and play and to grow. graduating in Manitoba. PC: We believe that 2. Changing Manitoba from the We knew when we came to office that the education of present “not a good place for a first the nursing shortage was a key bot- additional nurses job” to the best place in Canada for a tleneck facing health care in is central to first job. Manitoba, and we have ended the improving health former boom and bust cycle of 3. Providing very strong support for care in Manitoba. A nursing education, recruitment and post-secondary education and PC government will retraining. When it comes to nursing making Manitoba post-secondary encourage more education, we need to continue with education institutions attractive for workplace training proper planning and preparing for Manitobans and for those from initiatives. We will offer a summer the future for the benefit of all outside of Manitoba. This includes a work placement program for those Manitobans. province-wide vision for post-second- individuals who are in education pro- ary education to facilitate access for grams between 3rd and 4th year. We students in all parts of Manitoba. will encourage nursing programs at 4. Manitoba Liberals will make prin- all levels and across Manitoba. cipal and interest payments on students’ loans tax deductible. In essence, we say to graduates – you make a commitment to Manitoba, and we will make a commitment to help you pay off your student loans.

4 MNU Front Lines Magazine Election Edition 2003 2. Recent graduates of the re-instated fast access to health care. It will 4. Nurses’ unions and organizations from RN Diploma program wrote national increase the use of rural and north- around the country presented their views exams. With a pass rate of 97% and the ern facilities and enable health care on the future of health care to the results above the national average in and nursing jobs in all areas of Romanow Commission. Nurses were Qfourteen of eighteen categories, it is clear Manitoba for Manitobans. Qclear that they want a stronger public that diploma-prepared nurses are a defi- health care system – not a turn towards nite asset to the health care system. If American-style health care. If elected, elected, will your Party expand the RN how will you protect the health care Diploma Programs for nurses into rural system from privatization? and northern Manitoba? 3. At their recent Annual General Meeting nurses’ union members passed a NDP: Unlike the official opposition resolution calling upon government to NDP: Getting more nurses to the party, Today’s NDP government develop a laddering program to allow bedside has been a top priority for actively participated alongside Qnurses to move through a system of nurses and other interested health Today’s NDP. That’s why we revived nursing education from LPN to Master of the RN diploma nursing program care stakeholders in the Romanow Nursing. If elected will your Party imple- cancelled by the former Conservative Commission process. New ment a true laddering program for government and expanded the Democrats took the opportunity to nurses? others. If re-elected, Today’s NDP will speak-out against American-style, focus on doubling nursing enroll- for-profit health care. ment in Northern Manitoba and NDP: The New Democratic plan for We agree with the findings of the increased access to RN education for increasing nursing education will Romanow report – “There is no evi- Rural Manitobans, where shortages focus on doubling enrollment in the dence these [for-profit] solutions will are most acute. North, through an integrated deliver better or cheaper care, or program with laddered entry and exit improve access (except, perhaps, for points to educate students as Health those who can afford to pay for care Care Aides, LPN’s, RN’s and BN’s. out of their own pockets). More to LIBERAL: A Manitoba Liberal govern- We’re also committed to adding pro- the point, the principles on which ment will review the RN Diploma grams in rural Manitoba to allow these solutions rest cannot be recon- program and the success of the grad- LPN’s to become RN’s, rotating ciled with the values at the heart of uates, both in terms of their success through different communities in medicare …” on exams, and also in practical rural Manitoba. Today’s NDP is open A re-elected Today’s NDP govern- terms the numbers who obtain posi- to working with nurses to expand ment will continue to invest in tions and stay in Manitoba. There laddering opportunities. universal, public health care. We are some important issues to con- need to be innovative and look to new sider before making a final decision models of health care – like the Pan on the program and its future, and Am Clinic, or expanding the role of whether it should be expanded or not LIBERAL: Liberals believe that it is nurses in primary care. We believe including – is the Diploma program very important to have a high quality that this is the most efficient and more or less successful in training approach which allows continuous, effective way to deliver quality health nurses to have a career in rural lifelong learning and improvement. care, available to all Manitobans. and/or northern Manitoba and what Liberals will work with the Manitoba it’s relationship will be with the bac- Nurses Union, the Manitoba calaureate program at the University Association of Registered Nurses and of Manitoba? the RHAs to develop and implement LIBERAL: Manitoba Liberals are com- a laddering program which will mitted to the five principles of the enable nurses who want to, to Canada Health Act; Public advance their qualifications and the Administration, Comprehensiveness, PC: A Progressive Conservative govern- careers. Universality, Portability and Acces- ment will ensure that RN, RPN and sibility. LPN programs are offered in rural and northern Manitoba. Northern Manitoba Liberals are also commit- ted to implementing the principle of and rural nursing is a priority for a PC: We will work with the various Transparency & Accountability – as Progressive Conservative govern- nursing associations to improve the recommended by the Romanow ment. In order to preserve jobs in laddering system. The first priority report. Manitoba Liberals see that these areas, we will establish an On- will be to offer assistance to nurses there are many helpful ideas in the Line Wait List Registry to ensure requiring their LPN upgrades in rural Romanow and Kirby reports which patients have choice and timely areas of Manitoba. We will continue can help us improve the quality of access to quality health care serv- with the recruitment and retention our health care system, while main- ices. As a result, Manitobans will fund goals of continuing education if taining a public funded health care have the information necessary to order for nurses to move through a make a choice about where to go for system of upgrading educational skills.

MNU Front Lines Magazine Election Edition 2003 5 #4 (Con’t.) LIBERAL We take nurses’ concerns seriously. A Progressive Conservative govern- Recently we announced a $700,000 PC: ment would respect the work system which follows the national safety and security fund to address environment and enable nurses to medicare framework and the five recommendations made by the provide the care for which they have original principles and the new prin- Nurses’ Quality of Worklife Task been trained. Recruitment and reten- ciple of transparency and Force report. accountability. tion would remain a priority for a Working together over the past four Progressive Conservative government. years, we have made significant We support the continued commit- progress in educating more nurses, ment to the recruitment and retention keeping nurses in Manitoba, and PC: First, it must be noted that 30% fund. We believe we need to be com- improving working conditions for of health care services in Canada are petitive with other provinces in wages nurses. Today’s NDP believes that already delivered by the private and salaries. setting standards to ensure adequate sector. We believe that Manitobans We will work to increase the number staffing, hiring more full-time have the right to access health care of full-time jobs within the nursing nurses, and being more responsive to in a timely manner. A Progressive industry. While respecting those nurses’ concerns will make out Conservative government will work nurses who desire to work part-time, health care system a more inviting with independent health care facili- we are aware that there is strong place to work. Building for the future ties to improve choice and timely demand for full-time jobs. We will by training more young Manitobans access to care. We are committed to achieve a more equitable balance in in nursing remains a top NDP priority. providing Manitobans with more nurse scheduling for both part-time treatment options by developing con- and full-time jobs. We will place a tract services so patients will have a heavy emphasis on the restructuring system that is there when they need LIBERAL: A really good work environ- of health care schedules to provide for it most. By ensuring that standards ment for nurses is vital for the more full-time jobs. Nurses deserve to of excellence are met by all organiza- provision of good health care. have a 1.0 EFT if they so desire. They tions, we believe we can move Manitoba Liberals see this as a prior- should not have to work as many as Manitoba forward for all Manitobans ity. More effort needs to go to five positions to get their full comple- to have increased access to health supporting nurses in carrying out ment of hours. care. their jobs, and making it easier for The population of nurses is also them – including using advances in graying. At the same time we need to technology to decrease paperwork recognize the needs of an aging work- and to improve the efficiency with force. We will need to have a work which nurses can care for patients environment that supports older 5. Throughout the 1990s, cuts to health for example. workers and this will be achieved care resulted in the firing of nurses; Very heavy work loads, working over- through increased flexibility of hours heavier workloads for the nurses that time, low moral in the hospitals, and recognition of experience. were left; and low morale among health nursing shortages are all of great A Progressive Conservative govern- Qcare professionals. What plans does your concern to the Liberal party. We will ment will also let Manitobans know Party have for improving the work envi- help support nurses to improve their how their health care system is per- ronment for nurses so that Manitoba can work environment, their wage con- forming and where improvements attract and keep new nurses in the cerns, nurse shortages, nurse image have been made. We’ll let them know system? concerns, availability of full time where the problems are and what jobs, concerns about medical errors, steps will be taken to address it. We NDP: By laying-off trained nurses etc. through open communication will achieve this by issuing an annual and making deep cuts to health care and involving nurses in decision- Health Accountability and funding, the former Conservative making. By using advances in Transparency Report, a report to tell government created a negative work technology to decrease paperwork Manitobans where their health care environment for nurses and put the and to improve the efficiency with dollars are being spent and we will let care of thousands of Manitoba which nurses can care for patients them know where the problems are patients in jeopardy. for example, some of the work load and what steps will be taken to can be decreased. address them. We will continually look for ways and measures to improve the work environment and quality of care to Manitobans.

6 MNU Front Lines Magazine Election Edition 2003 6. Nurses are on the front lines of health 7. Nurses experience high levels of PC: A Progressive Conservative gov- care everyday. Their experience and workplace stress and injury. What plans ernment through increased ideas are invaluable when considering does your Party have to improve the education and full-time jobs would how to best meet the challenges of our health and safety of nurses on the job? enable a better working environment Qhealth care system. How will your Party Q for nurses. Nurses work too many include nurses in decision-making about overtime hours and too many part- NDP: New Democrats recognize the the future direction of health care? time jobs. By effectively managing high levels of stress experienced by better working hours, the current nurses on the job. Today’s NDP is stress on nurses would improve. A NDP: The health care crisis of the committed to working through our Progressive Conservative government 1990s reflected a lack of consultation Joint Nursing Council to advance would encourage day cares at the with nurses, and little opportunity specific workplace health, safety and workplaces of health workers. We for them to be involved in health care wellness initiatives. Educating and would provide in servicing for per- reform decisions. Today’s NDP keeping more nurses in Manitoba sonal health wellness. We would values the frontline experiences of will also help address the nursing encourage more health gyms at the nurses and believes that Manitoba shortage and ease the burden on workplace. An investment into the nurses have much to contribute to nurses. Recently, we dedicated health of nurses is a positive invest- the ongoing revitalization of our $700,000 to nurses’ safety and secu- ment for the health care field. health care system. rity, to be allocated by RHA’s in In keeping with our promises of the consultation with nurses. For last campaign, we have established a instance, nurses working in remote Joint Nursing Council, which areas told the Quality of Worklife includes representatives of the Task Force that providing simple Nurses’ Union and management, and items such as cell phones and winter is chaired by the Minister of Health. survival kits could do much to We have also appointed health care improve their safety. professionals to sit on Regional Health Authority Boards, giving frontline care givers a direct say in health decisions. LIBERAL: Injuries occur in the work- place in a number of particular circumstances – for example back injuries from lifting patients. LIBERAL: Manitoba Liberals see that it Manitoba Liberals see that practices is very important to include nurses elsewhere have been successful in in decision-making as a critical part reducing injuries, and we see it of health care teams. As an important to understand and use example, the leader of the Manitoba best practices from around the world Liberal party, Dr. Jon Gerrard to decrease injuries on the job. A worked closely with nurses as part of useful Manitoba example is the pres- a multidisciplinary team looking ence of the Wellness Centre at Seven after children with cancer. Nurses Oaks Hospital – which is credited played a very important role in deci- with supporting wellness so that sion making on the team, and in health professionals at Seven Oaks improving the quality of care for have fewer days lost to injuries, and these children. This approach by Seven Oaks Hospital pays less in including nurses in decision making Worker’s Compensation premiums needs to be used much more widely than other hospitals in Winnipeg. in our health care system. There is an important lesson here there we should look to expand to other centers.

PC: A Progressive Conservative gov- ernment will establish a Health Advisory Committee whose member- ship will comprise front-line workers, including nurses and will play a prominent role in shaping the future of health care for Manitobans.

MNU Front Lines Magazine Election Edition 2003 7 8. For the first time since the Manitoba attract more nurses back to the pro- fession, New Democrats will work PC: A Progressive Conservative gov- Nurses’ Union started to survey nurses, a ernment would establish a majority (60%) of nurses say they would co-operatively with nurses on recruitment and retention strategies, mentoring program for new nurses recommend nursing as a career path in and experienced nurses. There would QManitoba. What plans does your Party with the aim of preparing for the be a mentoring bank program set up have for mentoring new nurses and health care needs of today and tomorrow. where nurses could be linked encouraging current nurses to stay in together. The education and training Manitoba. component would be based on nurse interest, companionship, experience and guidance. NDP: Today’s NDP is very pleased LIBERAL: On the job mentoring is an that nurses are starting to feel more important aspect of learning to do A Progressive Conservative govern- appreciated and optimistic about the job of nursing well. One of the ment would offer incentives to all career opportunities in their field. particular issues in Manitoba is the Manitoba Nurses to remain in After all, nurses are the backbone of need for mentoring in rural and iso- Manitoba through reduced taxes, the our health care system. Since 1999, lated areas. Manitoba Liberals see it elimination of the education tax on over 600 nurses have come to is important to work with the MNU the property bill, and positive work Manitoba to work from other and MARN to look at the most effec- environments at the workplace. A provinces and other countries. tive ways for mentoring nurses and Progressive Conservative government Working together, we have made sig- in addition for supporting nurses so would encourage full-time positions nificant progress in improving that more nurses will stay in our for new graduates. Buried under a conditions for nurses, but there is wonderful provinces. debt load of school education, young still much more to do. nurses need to secure full-time This includes our plan as designed in employment. We would create special If re-elected, Today’s NDP will add 25 our answer to question 1. We will job apprentice programs for new spaces to the nursing refresher help to promote nursing as an grads in order that they may obtain program at Red River College. To attractive profession full-time employment and experi- ence.

Make Your Informed Choice: Tuesday, June 03, 2003