Whistleblower bill good first step
Nurses re-issue demand for government support for comprehensive protection
BC Nurses' Union President Debra McPherson said she's pleased to see that a bill has come to the legislature that is designed to protect nurses and other workers from reprisals when they blow the whistle on dangerous, illegal or risky practices in their workplaces.
"The BC Nurses Union has been calling for such legislation since before the last election in BC because I have heard time and time again that our members feel intimidated and silenced when they speak out." said McPherson.
"Although our members advocate for those who receive care every day in BC, comprehensive legislation would encourage nurses and others to act quickly in order to ensure those who are in care are protected from abuse and neglect. It would also send a clear message from this government that they value and respect our members and that blame and targeting by employers will not be tolerated."
"The nursing shortage and many other factors are creating very stressful workplaces for a diminishing number of health care providers in this province. I would hope that the government would do all that it can to demonstrate to our members that they will be fully supported when they defend our patients, clients and residents right to quality care and our members' right to safe workplaces."
The Whistleblower Protection Act was introduced as a private members' bill in the BC legislature yesterday by Vancouver- Hastings MLA Shane Simpson. McPherson says the government should get behind such legislation in the interests of all British Columbians.
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