Provincial Executive - 2023 Election Results

Despite a new agreement and the promise of ratios, many nurses continue to work in horrendous conditions. With over 5000 vacancies, staffing remains abysmal in most areas, contributing to dangerous situations and negative patient outcomes. Understaffed, over-census, deferrals and redeployment is the norm. As a workforce, we are physically exhausted, morally injured and many feel exploited. As a profession, our voice is silenced out of fear of reprisal. 

Even with the immense challenges before us, I am determined that together, we can hold government accountable for the promise of ratios and compel employers to improve working conditions so that we can provide the care our patients deserve. As a collective, we can reimagine BCNU and achieve great things.

As President, I will make BCNU a better, stronger union that gets results and provides excellent service to members. I am passionate and driven by action because I care deeply about our profession and the conditions, we work in. 

Commitment: 

• Champion a culture committed to Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Fight for full implementation of the collective agreement. 
• Lobby all political parties and levels of government on the implementation of ratios. Ratios must be an election issue!
• Develop a robust media strategy and campaign to educate the public on how ratios improve patient safety and retain nurses in the public system. 
• Bargain future contracts that retain, recruit and respect nurses. Wages, incentives, improved working conditions and enhanced benefits (mental health, eyecare, maternity leave and infertility treatment, for example).
• Amplify your voice by sharing experiences with the media and expose the realities of our current healthcare system. 
• Foster solidarity, engagement, and improved communication with members through social media and interactive online platforms.
• Increase unionism literacy and empower the membership. We are 48,000 strong and nurses ought to know their worth and collective power. 
• Advocate for and support the implementation of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, especially those that focus on health care (18-24)
• Appropriately resource and support stewards and regional executives to better represent members and enforce the collective agreement.
• Unify Council, promote sound governance and decision making that positively impacts members on the frontline.

Since being elected Vice-President in 2022, it has been a privilege to champion the Human Rights & Equity portfolio, lead campaigns, rallies and lobby all levels of government on the critical nursing shortage. Media work and chairing Council are other areas of responsibility. I am proud to have delivered on my promise to foster a relationship with Labour with the rejoining of CFNU and move by-law amendments and resolutions that increase BCNU’s accountability, democracy, and transparency. 

As Executive Councillor (2015-2020), substantive contributions include improved PH&S, OH&S and violence prevention language and leading campaigns: Violence. Not Part of the Job and the inclusion of nurses in mental injury presumptive legislation. 

As an RN with 30 years’ experience having worked in Long-term Care, Surgery and most recently, Case Contact Management & Surveillance, and Sexual Health (practicum), I am proud to be part of the nursing profession and it would be my honour to have your support for BCNU President.

Website: www.adrianegear.com

I am Aman Grewal, President of the BC Nurses Union, a registered nurse, advocate, leader. 
Nursing has afforded me an amazing 36-year career, with a vast number of frontline nursing experiences:
§ Pediatrics, including PCC. 
§ Emergency, 
§ Paediatric Emergency, 
§ Diabetes Educator: Pediatrics, Gestational, adult diabetes, South Asian and First Nations Indigenous education. 
§ Clinical Trial Research Nurse for dyslipidemia and diabetes 
§ Site Leader at Surrey Memorial Hospital for 16 years
§ 2019 Elected Vice President of BCNU, re-elected in 2020. 
§ In late September 2021, I became President of BCNU after the untimely departure of our past president.

These have been difficult and trying times, we have faced challenges from a pandemic with new unchartered uncertainties, impacts of climate change in our communities, and severe nursing staff shortages. 
There have been numerous changes within the union and many challenges that I have navigated through while continuing to advocate for members. I can reassure members that despite all of these challenges, I remained strong, resilient and committed more than ever. My passion and drive to keep nurses safe, while improving their working conditions does not falter. We have recently bargained and ratified a collective agreement, as President, my role would be to ensure member rights are actualized.

Our core values at BCNU guide me in serving our members, through Collectivity, by listening to and being the voice for all members, advocating for their rights and bargaining a collective agreement addressing the members’ top 5 priorities. 

Striving for Excellence, as President I have been bringing to the forefront the importance of the nursing profession and all the sacrifices nurses have made in their lives to keep the healthcare system functioning. 

I strongly believe in Democracy and democratic process, through member engagement with the union, listening to the members and seeking their input because they are the union.

Integrity is not just a core value but a piece of who I am. Honesty, transparency, and humility, to try my best to do right by others and the right thing. 

Social Justice is about caring and compassion, but also taking action to fight for members rights, so that one day we are all working side by side without barriers. We need to break the barriers and build our future together as one. 

As former Provincial Chair of the HRE caucuses, a person of colour and a worker with disability, I am committed to bringing about allyship, by relating and identifying with our members fight and desire to achieve Equality.

In Solidarity my goal and objectives are to continue to bring about change within the union. I was able to lead BCNU in joining CFNU and will continue working on bringing BCNU back into the BC Labour movement honouring our grassroots movement from where we started back with our first strike in 1989, working in solidarity for common goals for our union sisters and brothers.
Positive change has started, and I commit to continuing this change and representing our members voices.

Every nurse has the power to influence and affect healthcare: collectively, that power is formidable. I believe I am the candidate that will elevate the voice of nurses across this province at every table discussing healthcare. We need to be bold and ask for what we want unapologetically; it is time to be seen and heard. I am Katherine Hamilton, and it would be a privilege to serve you as your Vice President.

Objectives:
§ Create action plans to deliver the bargained language to our nurses in a timely way.
§ Develop user-friendly and responsive media platforms that cater to members' needs.
§ Celebrate and invite diverse opinions, modelling respectful dialogue. Take on issues, not people.
§ Return to a grassroots model, with members actively informing our union and participating in collective action, boots on the ground!
§ Advocate for LPN Bridging to RN programs in BC. Utilize the LPN Laddering Fund to support our members.
§ Design our future in an honest, open, and optimistic environment.
§ Value multiple ways of knowing that highlight diversity, inclusiveness, and equity in our union.
§ Be the strong, educated voice of nurses at the government level. 
§ Advocate for strong ratio language on the frontlines inclusive of all designations.
§ Lobby the government for safe patient care, exposing the overcapacity, understaffed and under resourced health system.
§ Lobby and elevate the issue of compassion fatigue and burnout, nurses need support now!
Be accessible and accountable to our members.

I have over 35 years experience in nursing, including surgical, neonatal, perinatal, and public health. I have held various positions, including frontline, clinical resource nurse, clinical nurse educator, and currently work as the patient care coordinator for the NICU in Abbotsford. As a lifelong learner, I completed my Diploma of Nursing in 1987, neonatal specialty in 1989, perinatal specialty in 2001, and my BSN in 2017. I continue to be excited about our profession.

I have 30 years experience as a union advocate, with roles as a steward, full-time steward, Regional Chair of the Fraser Valley , 2014-2017, and currently the Professional Responsibility Advocate for Fraser Valley. As Regional Chair, I met with CEO’s, Mayors, MLA’s and media to get the voice of nurses heard at every level.I advocated for nurses who were fired by an LTC facility in order to contract out. We successfully rallied within 24 hours, highlighting the situation across all media platforms, and bargained for their safe transition to other nursing positions, maintaining seniority and benefits. Job Security language was then negotiated and created change for all.

Nurses deserve approachable leaders who collaborate, listen, and create the change needed. We deserve deliverable action on solid ground. We will be unified, respected, and compensated.We need to question the status quo and stand up for our worth.Breaking barriers and building our future together from the grassroots up. I am a passionate frontline transparent leader: now is the time to be bold and vote for Katherine Hamilton for Vice President.

Social Media: IG- @Katherinehamilton2023 Email- katherinehamiltonvp@gmail.com 

Nurses deserve better. 
Better from their employer 
Better from their Union. 

     Nurses deserve a union that doesn’t simply ‘advocate’ for them, but fights alongside them, and provides services of value. BCNU is a membership based service provider that nurses contractually pay for service; a contract that we are required to sign and cannot revoke. If services of BCNU are not perceived as relevant or valuable then the organization is failing its members. 
     I believe that BCNU has become disproportionately focused on: professional brand, protection of the organization, and building relationships with government and employers. This focus entrenches the Us (Nurses) vs Them (union) mentale. As VP I intend to shift this focus toward improving the experience of nurses. 
     In this bargaining round, BCNU signed two ‘agreements’ outside of our collective agreement that I believe lack meaningful clarity, accountability, and enforceability.  In my opinion these agreements (Ratios and $100M), though beneficial to nurses, are largely tied to the government's own priorities. As VP I will ensure nurses are at the table advancing the priorities of nurses. 
     This election, let's elect Nurses with the skills, vision, and integrity to effectively lead. 

Accessible and accountable Leadership: 
•    VP for all nurses of BC 
•    Present in all regions within 3 months of taking office, and regularly throughout the term
•    Regularly scheduled drop-ins and reports to members. 
•    The conduit for the union you deserve, not your director 
•    A self reflective, empathic leader that seeks opportunities to mentor and empower our nurses. 

Innovative Leadership with Results  
•    Throughout 2020-23 my team facilitated uninterrupted member engagement, including outdoor socially distanced Mini-Regionals, virtual education sessions and virtual mental health events. 
•    Regional member engagement average of 92% (compared to BCNU wide average 35%) 
•    Determination to bring that success to the province 
•    Diverse and Inclusive opportunities including cross region HRE and MH events. 
•    Introduced political action into our Regional Meetings (ex. Eagle Ridge Rally)
•    Creation of the Steward Resources Booklet and welcome package 
•    Reinstated the BYOD program for advocates 
•    A focus on passion and strength based leadership 

Experience 
•    13 years of Nursing in Emergency, Mental Health, Community, Site Leadership  
•    BCNU Steward 2015-
•    Regional Communications Secretary 2017-20
•    Regional Chair 2020- 

Priorities for this term and bargaining: 
•    Increase the value of the Union to Nurses
•    Increase education and appreciation opportunities
•    Create a fund for challenging the employers (ex. arbitrations, ratio implementation) to demonstrate we are going to go the distance for our nurses 
•    Effectively support and coordinate our advocates 
•    Enhance local advocate autonomy, in order that we may be more timely, responsive, and effective in our service. 
•    Will coordinate and support local level advocacy, including but not limited to rallies. 
•    Promote a culture that fosters the pillars of reconciliation, diversity, equity and inclusion. 
•    Meaningful Member Appreciation program that benefits us all 
•    Ensure that members will never again be told how to vote

Leadership Reimagined 
Accountable Accessible Innovative 

Website: tristannewby.com

Social Media: tristanvp2023@gmail.com 

Just over a decade ago I had the privilege to be a candidate for President of the BCNU. I ran against the longest serving president BCNU has had, Debra McPherson.

A woefully ill prepared, albeit passionate me almost won that election. I ran then because I wanted more out of my union, an opinion I still have. 

I wanted better wages, benefits, work/life balance, and a secure pension. I do not think a package that better takes care of me more than we currently have should label me "greedy". 

Instead of doing nothing to better prepare me for BCNU leadership, I quietly just do work for the Union: steward, committee or otherwise.

I was sensitive to BCNU activists, that I label harsh, critique of me and decided to be a referee to obtain a thicker skin to help.

I want more out of my union because I believe nurses are worth more than what we keep getting given. 

As a working nurse, I have endured countless horrors that will contribute to my early death--I am worth being compensated for this.

As a working nurse, I know what it means to live contracts that take away for promises and leave me with wage increases that see my real wage and purchasing power decrease--I am worth year over year compensation gains that net me a realtime wage increase.

The demand for our work is at a historic high and the supply of nurses has us in a historic nursing shortage; we should be in the drivers seat to define the terms of our compensation.

Frontline, change, passion, accountable, transparent, buzz word buzz word this is politics--I want a different way.

I do not like meetings, I like to do work and as such I have been a general duty nurse in most nursing areas, but predominantly in the Operating room. 

I want to work hard for you. I want to show this world what nursing is about and present a solid financial case for Nurses worth.

I want the public to know just how hard it is at times to do nursing work and that we do it with impossible supply and human resource limitations. 

I want us to share the stories of our sacrifices for the people in our care as examples of our worth.

I want our stories to translate, as they should, to better compensation, benefits, working conditions, pensions.

Let me be clear, our worth is because the work we do is hard, requires education, and our replacements do not exist. 

I am currently busy with family care but hope to resume my campaign for you to learn more about me and how I can represent you to get more out of your Union--the power of the first follower is the role I want to assume with you're vote.

My family consists of my wife (Principal--the irony is not lost on me) and two ministry adopted life enriching children. I have two dogs and three cats and up here in rural Fruitvale we say "Ain't nothing to it but to do it" 

Get me to work for you and let us build on the foundation that we fought for.

Let us get it done. 

I have been honoured by my peers with their encouragement and endorsement to run for the Provincial Treasurer position. I have deep respect for my profession as a nurse and BCNU member. I have been a passionate activist since I became a healthcare professional over 26 years ago. I have extensive experience as a board, committee, and council member across various capacities including:
• CLPNBC Board of Directors 2006-2008
o Finance Committee member 2007-2010
• LPNBC Board of Directors 2002-2018 (various roles) 
o PN Articulation Committee member – 2004-2018
• BC Coalition of Nurses Board of Directors 2015-2018
• Canadian Nurses Association Speciality Advisory Board (representing LPNs)
o Member of CNA first LPN Certification in Gerontology 
• Professional Practice Councils member (FHA & IHA)
In addition, I have:
• published research papers, participated in radio interviews on senior care, and published the very first “LPN Lab Values” published across all health authorities. 
• taken over 15 leadership courses, including Dorothy Wylie Leadership, Clear Leadership, and Mentorship courses. 
• been honoured with over 6 awards including HEABC Health Care Hero Award 2007 
• been invited to speak at numerous forums with government representatives, CLPNBC AGM and guest speakers on many healthcare topics. I am a passionate volunteer, including being on the Medical Team for the 2010 Olympics 
• worked as, LPN at many hospitals and LTC such as Royal Columbian, Surrey Memorial, Comox General and currently at Kelowna General ER LPN/Ortho Tech 
• my Provincial Instructors Diploma, taught and helped develop curricula HCA and PN programs. 
• worked as a Residential Care Manager for Assisted Living, responsible for over 146 clients living in a privately funded home, overseeing a large staff of housekeepers and HCAs ensuring the care needs of the clients were met, providing monthly reports, budgeting and scheduling. 
• worked for Fraser Health Authority as a Clinical Practice Consultant, which was the first of its kind in BC to have an LPN. Responsible for budget during my tenure, ensuring that education and training, and government funding were fully optimized. My budgets were balanced to the penny. 
• Currently, I am a union steward at KGH. I have experience in presenting grievances, arbitrations and have attended rallies, conferences, and conventions.

What sets me apart is my decades of experience in accounting and business administration (before nursing). I have experience as a general accountant in preparing full financials, day-to-day ledgers, month-end, and payroll, and assisting the CGA in year-end preparations. 

My priorities:
• Protecting nurses’ hard-earned income advocating for equity across all designations
• Continuing to provide clear and concise language for all members.
• Supporting free and open dialogue, welcoming diverse points of view, especially for the smaller groups that remain feeling “unheard”. 
• Be a strong advocate for all members, making sure your voices are heard and never forgetting the front line.
• Remaining committed to engagement strategies to ensure we as a provincial council are advocating for direct member input into important decisions 

I believe my extensive experiences will bring a new outlook to examine what is working well and what changes may be necessary. My commitment to you is to be your voice at the leadership, you are not feeling alone, forgotten or disregarded.

I am thrilled to submit my election bio and humbly request your support to serve as your Provincial Treasurer. I am deeply committed to effecting positive change, advocating for the needs of our members, and working tirelessly to create a brighter future. BCNU has never been in a better fiscal situation. Safeguarding our funds and ensuring a strong financial position now and into the future continues to be vital for me. A primary responsibility is to ensure accountability in the expenditures of your money and I do so without bias. 
Education is a cornerstone of progress, and I have been committed to investing in my growth. With a focus on being fully responsible, skilled, and accountable in this position, I have taken the following education:
• Executive Master of Business Administration, UBC
• Financial Management Certification, Dalhousie University
• Certificate in Leadership, Queen’s University
• Union Labour Relations Program, Capilano University
I ask for your support in allowing me to use this knowledge to serve.
My primary goal is to ensure that the money that has been negotiated on your behalf is utilized to ensure that you benefit from those initiatives. I have a sound understanding of bargaining language, as well as relationships with government which will place me in the best position to achieve this for you.
With a diverse nursing background and a strong commitment to union activism, I bring a unique perspective to this work. I have been actively engaged with BCNU and enthusiastically addressing the issues that matter most to our members. I began as a steward, moved to Regional Treasurer, followed by Regional Council Member and then Provincial Treasurer. Through my experiences and education, I have cultivated a deep understanding of our financials, implementing creative solutions to streamline processes, such as moving to a technology-based program that improves our checks and balances.
My core principles are rooted in integrity, accountability, and inclusivity. In my position of Chair of the Council Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Working Group, I am committed to accomplishing strides in our work towards inclusion. I prioritize open lines of communication, actively seek input, and ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Educating you regarding our financial position will continue to be, top of mind.
Creating sustainable and secure oversight of funding is vital for the growth and professional position of BCNU. As your Treasurer, I will advocate for policies that encourage the financial health of our members. A sound knowledge of investments and opportunities is needed for a thriving environment. Making our funds work for you and ensuring that you have the services that you need requires integrity, knowledge, and an ability to advocate for the best decisions on your behalf.
Lastly, I am committed to fostering a secure environment for all our members. I will collaborate with members, BCNU leadership and staff to develop comprehensive strategies that address the best outcomes for you in your amazing and under-appreciated career. Nurses are, undoubtedly and exceedingly valued. 
I am enthusiastic to serve as your Treasurer and utilize my skills, experience, and dedication to make a meaningful impact for our members. I believe we can achieve great things. I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Website: www.sharonspontonprovincialtreasurer.com

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063675151898

“Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much” – Helen Keller

My name is Tracia Batson-Dottin, I am an IEN who immigrated to Canada in 2009 from the lovely Caribbean island of Barbados. I hold a Bachelors of Nursing Science and other healthcare related qualifications. I am employed by PHSA as an Infection Control Practitioner assigned to the FPH. 

Approximately two years ago, I made a conscious decision to become involved in the union for three reasons: 

• To advocate, support and represent members who find themselves disadvantaged by the employer within the workplace 

• I felt like BCNU wasn’t adequately addressing the concerns affecting the membership and wanted to make a change. The 3C’s in life: choice, chance and change – you must make the choice, to take the chance, if you want anything in life to change

• As a person of colour, representation matters therefore BCNU’s leadership should reflect its membership 

Serving others isn’t new to me as I have been a Soldier and Firefighter – so the best interest of the membership is at forefront of my decision making process. I would love the opportunity to be your next Provincial Executive Councillor for OH&S and MH, the qualities that I will bring to this position are integrity, decisiveness, experience, knowledge, problem solving skills, critical thinking, communication, humbleness, dependability, determination, forward thinking, commitment, professionalism and transparency. 

Presently, I hold the following positions:

• Simon Fraser Region Mental Health Representative

• Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee Representative

• Steward

• Provincial Chair of the Mosaic of Colour Caucus (MOC) 

• Simon Fraser Region MOC Representative

Some of the things that I have accomplished as I am driven by action, not words:

• Restructure MOC – change it from a events celebrating caucus to a caucus that addresses the concerns affecting nurses of colour. Provided mentorship and education for the Reps

• Advocated for the four (4) HRE DEI Stewards 

• Advocated for some accountability by the employer to be put into the Respectful Workplace Complaints process 

• Developed an Allyship Campaign along with the MOC Reps 

• Represented members of all ethnicities from various regions in HRE related cases with favourable outcomes

• Drafted a site specific Anti-racism Policy teaming up with BCNU OH&S Department 

• Advocated for the employer to take serious action in toxin work environments through the JOSHC

• 1st Co-Chairs of FPH Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Five main focus areas if elected:

• Advocate for members to get more mental health resources and more psychological supports targeting the holistic member

• Work with WCB in reviewing the psychological injury criteria for psychological claims to be accepted

• Respectful Workplace Complaints process – more involvement by the union in representing the members in this process 

• Advocate for stronger polices to address the verbal and physical abuse from patients and their families with a zero tolerance approach 

• Promote OH&S and Mental Health campaigns - mental health promotion, violence prevention, awareness and prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries

I will never promise the membership anything that is not deliverable to be elected. Let’s bring back strength, unity and respect to our union. Entrust me with your vote and watch me work for you!!! 
 

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092347887980

My name is Aida Herrera. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Anesthesiology from the University of El Salvador and after immigrating to Canada in 2001, I completed my BSN. I am your Executive Councillor for OH&S and Mental Health, a Registered Nurse at SMH and a Douglas College BSN advisory committee member. I accomplished all this with the help of my husband as we raised 5 children.
Four years ago, I saw a need for CHANGE. I was told “if you don’t like it get involved,” I did. Going into this role 3 years ago I believed the collective agreement language created a challenge as it was difficult to implement. I came with an immeasurable passion for health and safety, for making the lives of nurses better, and with a commitment to work hard to advocate for nurses’ health and safety and mental health. 
I have faced many obstacles in this role, but I will not let those stop me in my commitment to you. I understand your key issues and I am deeply committed to working collaboratively to create better working conditions for all nurses. As your executive Councillor, I refuse to use members dues to do “flashy” campaigns that will not make your workplaces safer.

My vision for change is to identify and deal with the root cause of the problems. I followed through on that commitment by providing additional education and training to our worker reps, provided valuable resources and tools to OH&S and MH reps so they can provide support on the ground. I know you have multiple barriers to reporting so we created the reporting lanyard cards so nurses can have the phone numbers easily accessible, and I am pleased to see language that will lay the groundwork for a single reporting system.

As your Executive Councillor my priorities are:

• Continue to fight for employer’s implementation of safety systems to protect nurses from assaults with weapons and exposures to noxious substances in the workplace.
• Ensuring we enforce the new language around health and safety and psychological health and safety including respectful workplace, violence, bullying and harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, because you deserve to feel safe while caring for your patients and clients.
• Continue to be the voice of nurses at different tables: WSBC board of directors, Ministry of labour, Ministry of health.
• Ensuring the New Nurse Fund in the Collective Agreement is easily accessible to support nurses’ mental health needs.
• Ensuring implementation of the LPN Career Laddering Fund.

Nurses have suffered greatly over the past few years, and it is reasonable to demand more from your Union. You deserve leadership that puts your needs ahead of political agendas. I have a reputation of being genuine, honest, transparent and someone with no political agendas other than nurses’ wellbeing. I want to be part of creating a union that you feel proud of. There are a lot of challenges ahead and I am ready to tackle those head on, breaking barriers and creating a safe future together.

I am Melissa Vannerus, an RN for over eight years on the Neurosurgical unit at Royal Columbian Hospital. I am the Simon Fraser Regional Occupational Health & Safety Rep, the Provincial Chair of the Young Nurses’ Network, and a Joint Occupational Health & Safety Rep and Site Steward at Royal Columbian Hospital. In previously held roles, I was the Simon Fraser Regional Mental Health Advocate and covered as Full-time Steward at Royal Columbian Hospital.

Having worked under an ineffectual system, it is evident that there needs to be change. Time and time again, we see the same issues not being addressed, we see burnout in the workplace, and we see our voices go unheard. Provincially, we need a voice which advocates for policy bettering the mental and physical well-being of our nurses, we need to empower our JOHS reps and strengthen our reporting systems, and we need to engage and listen to nurses at their place of work through targeted campaigns and initiatives.

If elected into this role, I want to:

• Use the new central reporting system to collect data to drive evidence-based and informed policy decisions. To achieve this, we must educate nurses on our existing reporting systems and strengthen the site JOHS roles.
• Give the JOHS reps the time needed to do their work outside of their nursing duties. If we want to strengthen our site JOHS Committees, we need to allocate the necessary time for our JOHS reps to do their jobs and provide ongoing education and mentoring. 
• Facilitate strong communication with the Regional and Site Union and JOHS reps to target safety concerns as they arise. This means coming to the worksite and showcasing the unsafe working conditions through ongoing campaigns and initiatives brought forth.

None of this will be possible without active participation and coordination from the Provincial, Regional and site roles, along with the voices of our nurses. As the Provincial Executive Councillor for OH&S and Mental Health, I want to take this fight to each region and be on-site with you to campaign and advocate by your side.

Website: https://www.melissavannerus.com/

Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissavannerus?_t=8cHqwNC5338&_r=1

My name is Chris Armeanu.
I became a nurse in 2012 after graduating from Douglas College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychiatric Nursing. During my nursing school years and upon graduation I worked at hospitals across the lower mainland, including Royal Columbian Hospital, Ridge Meadows Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital. I have also worked at the Cottonwood, Connolly and Cypress Lodges at Riverview, and Chilliwack's Cedar Ridge Lodge, providing acute care to patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders.
Born and raised in Romania, I immigrated to Canada in 2001 and ran my own successful transportation business. I was drawn to nursing after witnessing the care my father received following a major stroke, and I decided that helping people when they are at their most vulnerable would be a more rewarding career.
I also hold an Associate Degree in Computer Science (Applications Programmer) from Oakton Community College in Skokie, Illinois.
Academic and training courses directly related to Pension Plans, Trust Management, Investments, Governance and Leadership, including
1.Retirement Plans Associate designation
2.Advanced Trust Management Systems designation 
3.Advanced Investment Literacy designation
4.Queen's Certificate in Governance and Leadership Excellence
During my previous time in this position I have:
-Revitalized and transformed the BCNU Pension Workshops for better knowledge and easier understanding 
-Produced and delivered the first Zoom  Pension workshop during pandemic
-Gained a solid business administration, legal and financial knowledge including: 
-Public Pensions Act
-Income Tax Act
-Family Law Act
-Employment Standards Act
-Wills and Estates Act
-MPP Plan design
-MPP Joint Trust Agreement 
-MPP Statement of Investments Policies and Procedures SIPP 
-NBA Collective Agreement
-Retiree Benefit Fund (RBP)
-Inflation and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
-Investments in the Public and Private financial markets 
-Finances and Wealth Management
My objectives if elected:
 
- Take the lead in creating a supplemental health benefit upon retirement to complement the MPP benefit package, with enhanced vision and dental care, using the Retiree Benefit Fund (the 1% fund)
 
-Develop and deliver an Advanced Pension Workshop on how to maximize the pension duringworking years 

-Develop and deliver specialized workshops for nurses going into maternity and also others going into LTD, with all pension and benefits implications

- Return to in-person Pension Workshops with extensive Q/A sessions at the end in addition to online presentations

-Attend regional meetings province wide, in person, and re-activate "Ask a Pension Question" cards

-Implement two days per month for 1:1 with members who are contemplating retiring with support in understanding options and fill-up the MPP retirement forms

- Implement an online feedback and reviews system with regards to BCNU Elected Executive Team performance. 
 
Website:https://armeanu.wixsite.com/mysite

My name is Hardev Bhullar and I am running for the Executive Councillor for Pensions and Seniors health position. I have been honoured to be your voice at the Regional and Provincial level for the past two terms, and with your support I hope to continue serving members at a provincial level. My nursing career has spanned over 15 years, I started as an LPN and then transitioned to my RN. 
Throughout my career I have experience in various areas of nursing such as long-term care, acute care, rehab and with mental health and addictions. I have taught LPNs in classrooms and in a clinical setting. I am currently completing my Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA), which has increased my knowledge on governance and leadership within the organization. I have taken financial and accounting courses within the EMBA program, which will assist me in managing the pension portfolio. 
In my role as a Regional Co-Chair and Council Member I fulfilled many responsibilities to help SFV and BCNU prosper. As a Regional Co-Chair, I have taken on any learning opportunity available to me to allow me to become a more effective leader. In order to become a stronger leader I took the Roberts Rules of Order, Chairing successful meetings, and the Queens Program for Governance and Leadership. 
As a Regional Co-Chair, I assisted members through the following ways; doing regular worksite visits, giving timely responses to their inquiries, attending various meetings with them, guided them through their collective agreement, and assisting members through the grievance process. 
I was the Chair of the Bylaws Committee, where we completed the first ever revision of our Constitution and Bylaws. I continue to advocate for the Young Nurses Network as the Council Liaison, and I sat on the bursary committee to review and approve applications. I sit on the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) working group to try and find ways to incorporate DEI within the organization. I am a part of the seniors strategy committee where I identify and advocate for some of the needs in long term care.
 
If you elect me as your Executive Councillor for Pensions and Seniors health, I will explore all options to retire early without incurring significant penalties. I will work to smooth the transition for our LPNs into the 1% fund. I will continue to support diversity and equality in our union as a strong voice on council. I will continue to respond to members questions and concerns within a timely manner. Building professional working relationships is an essential part of this position, and in order to maintain this I will continue to establish clear communication within the organization in order to build trust, and advocate for members at all levels especially in relation to their pensions. BCNU will prosper with the engagement of members, thus I hope to cultivate member engagement by hosting pension workshops and providing frequent updates to our members. I hope as your Executive Councillor for Pensions and Seniors health I can be a strong advocate for all of our members by addressing some of the issues in long term care and protecting our pensions. I have thoroughly appreciated my role as a Regional Co-Chair and with your support I hope I will be able to represent you at the Provincial level. 

I am a proud nurse of 20 years. Of those, I have served over 18 years as a steward and BCNU activist. I love being a nurse and my passion for nursing translates into my work supporting and caring for nurses and colleagues. I want to make change and bring nurses concerns to the forefront.

I have been an acute care and community nurse at various sites. I have extensive experience working with seniors and have a broad understanding of how the healthcare system supports seniors and where dire improvements need to be made. I have held various frontline and leadership positions in my HA and with BCNU. I served as Regional Chair for South Fraser Valley Region from 2014-2017 after which time I returned to front line for 3 years before being elected as your Executive Councillor, Pensions & Seniors. 

During my time in various BCNU roles, I have served the members in several capacities:
• BCNU appointed Trustee, Municipal Pension Plan
• Chair, Seniors Care Committee
• Member, Provincial Job Action Committee
• Member, Retiree Benefit Committee
• Led the largest region in the BCNU
• Member, Finance Committee
• Chair, Bylaws Committee
• Participated in both NBA and Independent collective bargaining
• Participated in developing revised Inter-RAI Best Practice Guidelines with the MoH and HAs
• Assisted FBU nurses at SMH to achieve an historic settlement on chronic short staffing

Nurses are frustrated and many are feeling unseen. During the last election members sent a clear message that they wanted to see their union operate differently. I have worked hard to be a part of that change, but there is still so much more work to be done. Members need to be able to trust their union and that begins with transparency. We cannot afford to go backwards this election, we must be focused on breaking barriers and building our futures. I want to build transparency and trust between the members and their union. 

My priorities are:
• Refreshing democracy within the union
• Protecting nurses’ hard-earned pensions, advocating for gender pay equity
• Advocating to amend the income tax act at a federal level to have nurses included in the definition of ‘public safety occupation’
• Continuing to provide clear and concise pension education for members
• Encouraging free and open dialogue, welcoming diverse points of view
• Contributing to negotiating collective agreement gains through clear, unambiguous language
• Being a strong advocate for you, hearing your voices, never forgetting the front line
• Helping to steer the organization back towards a member driven, grass-roots organization
• Advocating for direct member input into important decisions 
• Leading in a kind, calm and inclusive way

We as nurses have faced many challenges over the past few years from increasing workload to the Covid-19 pandemic and the toxic drug crisis. These are unprecedented times and nurses need strong and transparent leadership that puts members first to carry us forward into the future. Your pension is your future and I intend to work very hard to protect it. 

We can to do this together, thank you for your support!