The 44th Annual HSAS Convention will be held in Saskatoon on October 27 & 28, 2016 at the Sheraton Cavalier.
Delegates will hear from three speakers at this year’s convention:
Heather Thiessen will share her experiences in Saskatchewan health care.
Curtis Weber will speak about the importance of workplace safety by using his own personal experience of a near fatal workplace incident.
Larry Brown, newly elected President of the National Union of Public and Government Employees (NUPGE), will provide an environmental scan of the labour movement in Canada, the threats to it, and the opportunities for it.
Your Communications Committee is happy to report that over 300,000 Saskatchewan people have seen the campaign. HSAS encourages you to print HSAS profession posters and add them to the HSAS union board in your workplace.
The HSAS Annual Membership Survey is coming soon to your non-work email. The survey is administered through a third party, and provides you with an opportunity to weigh in on your Union.
Watch your email!
HSAS Member's Letter to Premier Brad Wall
Below is an excerpt from a letter written by HSAS Member, Public Health Inspector Robert Stadnyk to Premier Brad Wall regarding concerns over the Saskatchewan Party's campaign promise to ease the restrictions on "low risk" home-based food processors. This letter was submitted to the HSAS office in July 2016.
I am writing to you, as a member in good-standing of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI), a member of the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS) and to date, a Saskatchewan Party supporter to express grave concerns with your late campaign promise to ease restrictions on 'low risk', home-based food processors.
While I do not doubt that this promise was made with the best of intentions, easing restrictions on home-based processors can at best, be described as short-sighted and at worst, an affront to licensed and regulated restaurateurs, bakers, processors and caterers; an assault on public health inspection that could undermine consumer confidence in food safety and a potential death-knell to Saskatchewan farmers markets.
HSAS Welcomes New Labour Relations
Officer to the Regina Office
Chris Wright is new to the HSAS Labour Relations team after serving over 18 years in both Quebec and Ontario in various Union roles. During his 16 years in Quebec, Chris worked within the largest labour organization in the province, holding various Union positions from Organizing to Vice President of Grievances, advocating and servicing health care workers in many different job classifications. In the past two years, Chris worked for the largest health care sector Union in Ontario, honing his bargaining and negotiating skills, once again advocating for health care workers in various classifications, travelling throughout the province and working closely with the members.
Chris prides himself on understanding the needs of and protecting the professionals that he represents, using his experience to move the labour movement forward and is always a team player. Chris looks forward to helping out the members of the HSAS, learning and moving forward with the organization.
HSAS is pleased to announce the addition of the HSAS News Feed to the website. This addition will give HSAS members and the public direct access to health care news stories that are trending across Saskatchewan and Canada.
Click here for the 3sHealth June 2016 members’ newsletter that contains information on new enhancements to the extended health and dental plan, the Better U Challenge, health case management and the enhanced disability program.
From the HSAS News Feed
More boards presuming PTSD caused by work
Research has shown that first responders are at least twice as likely to develop PTSD than members of the general population due to their routine exposure to traumatic stressors. From: Canadian Occupational Safety - Online - Author: David Marchione - July 25, 2016
Going on STARS calls — "an overwhelming experience"
Transported by STARS to the scene of a horrific motor vehicle accident, Dr. Terry Ross felt helpless. From: The Leader Post - Online - Author: Pamela Cowan - July 14, 2016
Alberta declares June 27 PTSD Awareness Day
The Alberta government has created a new day of awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition estimated to affect thousands of people in the province. From: Edmonton Metro - Online - Author: Alex Boyd - June 28, 2016
NDP bill introduced in legislature to end PTSD investigations by WCB
Currently, workers who live with PTSD are investigated by WCB if they file a claim, even though they've been diagnosed by a professional. From: News Talk 650 CKOM - Online - Author: JT Marshall - June 24, 2016
Shepell: Your Employee & Family
Assistance Program
Through your employment with the health region, the Shepell Employee and Family Assistance Program provides HSAS members and eligible family members access to a variety of health and wellness resources and tools via phone, in person and online. Click the links below for more information: (all information has been provided by Shepell)
Are you considering your options for extended health benefits coverage after retirement?
If yes, you may want to review 3sHealth's option that is available to health region retirees. Click below to read the resources posted by 3sHealth on their website.
