Okanagan Similkameen Regional Executive – 2023 Election Results

My name is Melina Kerrivan and I am seeking your vote for the position of Communication Secretary in the Okanagan Similkameen Region

 I became the Communication Secretary for the OS region in 2021. Since that time I have learned much about the role and the complexities involved in it. I believe that I am finally at a place that my learning curve has begun to level off and I am working in an efficient and effective manner for the OS Region. I have enjoyed my time in the role, as it is a very practical one and process oriented which is very much aligned with my skillset. 

Union Experience:

OS Region Communication Secretary (2021-present)
Steward - 2018 - present
Alternate on JOHS Committee at KGH

As a nurse, I have worked for Interior Health since 2004 with the majority of my experience in the ER. I work at KGH as an RN and Patient Care Coordinator at Kelowna General Hospital Emergency Department. I have worked for Interior Health in various roles including the Professional Practice Office as New Grad, ESN Coordinator, Educator at South Okanagan General Hospital, Quality PCC at KGH ER

As a nurse and a union member I advocate for for my fellow colleagues.

Statement of Objectives.
1. To bring comprehensive, fair and diverse communication to the OS Region members
2. To work in a fair, equitable and comprehensive manner with the members of the OS Region executive to provide communication and service allowing all OS Region members to participate in union activities and access union services as needed.
3. To consider the needs of all members when determining methods of communication within the region.
4. To work with BCNU Provincial and the Provincial Communications department in a manner that promotes the needs of all members of the OS Region.
5. To advocate for the members of the OS Region in all aspects of the role of the Communication Secretary.
6. To continue to increase and expand my knowledge of the union and the role of the Communication secretary in order to provide the best service possible to the OS Region members.

Previous Healthcare / other work experiences:

UBC Nursing Clinical instructor 
Business Owner - Forestry and First Aid Proprietorships

Education: Masters of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSc Forestry

Hello Fellow Nurses-

I am running for the position of Lobby Coordinator in the OS Region. 
I have been on the Regional Executive since Fall 2020- and in this time we have gone through some of nursing's darkest days. 
While we have made some improvements- there is still plenty of work to do to have nurses voices heard. 
I welcome the opportunity to continue on in the Lobby Coordinator position as your voice for the region.
I have met with the two main political parties in Victoria- as well as our local MLA's, MP's and been a part of our provincial campaigns. We need to keep the focus on the key issues impacting nurses and the health-care system. 
I am hoping with your vote, I will be able to keep building on my existing relationships with our local political parties to ensure our issues stay at the forefront.

We must keep the momentum going and have nurses remain at the top of all health care conversations. Nurses recruitment, retention and ratios are our top priorities- and I will speak out and ensure the OS Region voice is heard. For those that know me- I will not back out when the going gets tough- I have been a nurse for over 20 years and have worked in 3 different health authorities. From Surgical to ICU to Public Health I feel that I have a wide range of province wide nursing experience. 

While we still have a lot of work to do- rest assured, I am keen to do this work and hope you will vote for me so I can continue my outreach and campaigning for OS Nurses' and all BC Nurses'.

In Solidarity,

Jen O'Brien

CHRIS (TOPHER) HANSEN FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE!

Fellow BCNU members, my name is Christopher Hansen, many of you know me as TOPHER, and I’m running for the Mental Health Representative for the Okanagan Similkameen Region. 

I became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2006 after graduating from the College of New Caledonia. I also hold an Associate Degree in Science from the same college. In 2018 I took the BCIT LPN Hemodialysis Specialty Education Program to further my career. 

My 17-year experience as a nurse has come from various job sites including the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, Royal Inland Hospital, and now Kelowna General Hospital. I have worked in acute medical wards, but for the past 5 years I’ve worked in hemodialysis.

I have previous BCNU Executive experience as the North East’s Regional Treasurer. I was also Thompson North Okanagan’s (TNO) PR Advocate, and recently your Okanagan Similkameen (OS) PR Advocate. 

I’ve been a BCNU activist since joining our union in 2012. I’ve attended countless BCNU events and meetings, and I was privileged represent you as a delegate at a few BCNU Conventions. I also was the Men in Nursing Representative for TNO, and currently the Alternate Caucus Representative for the OS Indigenous Leadership Circle. I became a BCNU shop steward in July 2019, and I’m pleased to lead and represent you. I’m running for the Mental Health Representative to be more involved in our union, and the Okanagan Similkameen region.

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

In a time of this world where the pandemic is nearing an end, burnout is at an all-time high. Nurses work short staffed, in units that are in overcapacity, and in stressful work environments. I want to ensure our union dues work for us. Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness and shouldn’t be neglected. Mental health is a basic human right. I want to uphold BCNU’s Mental Health strategies, while continuing to improve on them, working towards a better system for all British Columbians. 

I want the employers and British Columbia Government to be held accountable for their word to nurses, and to their agreement in the Provincial Collective Agreement. I want to ensure the Nurse Patient Ratios is delivered effectively to decrease a nurse’s mental stressors. Nurses are fed up and burning out and the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the stresses of nursing. The Employer and Government should be held accountable for increased violence in the workplace and mental injuries from this. Changes need to be made in the current work environment for deliverance of safe patient care. Violence is not part of the job! Mental health is just as important as a physical injury. 

I hope to take on the role as the Mental Health Representative, and I am committed to working collaboratively with our members, and Regional Executive to represent and address nursing issues in our region.

VOTE FOR IMPROVING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH! VOTE FOR CHRIS (TOPHER) HANSEN!

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/tophedawg/?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ%3D%3D

Hello everyone, 
My name is John Mulvihill, and I am a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac ICU at Kelowna General Hospital. I submit this letter for my intention to be considered to continue in the role of the Occupational Health and Safety Representative for the Okanagan Similkameen Region.

After starting in the role of Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) worker representative, I discovered a passion and quest for knowledge in the lens of Occupational Health and Safety. I strongly believe in the right to safe and respectful workplace. This belief led me to run for ad be elected to the position of Occupational Health and Safety Representative in 2020, It has been my great privelege to serve the Okanagan - Similkameen Region in this role for the past 3 years,
The past 3 years have seen health and safety come to the forefront of the concerns of our colleagues as we continued to work through and adjust to the ever changing COVID-19 Pandemic Climate.

Throughout my term, I was involved in many different challenges supporting out members. Such challenges included:
- Reconnecting with and supporting the local Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and members
- Working through the "Refusal of Unsafe Work" Process in facilities relating to the lack of availability to appropriate PPE
- Working with members in relation to Violence experience at the worksite, follow up and prevention
- Supporting members through Violent crisis and the fallout
- Visiting the different sites within the Okanagan - Similkameen Region to offer education and support to concerns, as well as bring these concerns forward to the BCNU Health and Safety Team
- Creating and providing Region wide education to the JOHSC Members and Stewards relating to Health and Safety, Roles and Responsibilities, and WorkSafeBC.

I have greatly enjoyed learning about the Worker's Compensation Act of BC and it's application within the Healthcare setting. I enjoy educating our members to ensure each has the knowledge and power to identify concerns and promote a culture of Health and Safety at their worksites.

In closing, I would like to thank you in advance for considering myself for continuation in the role of Occupational Health and Safety Representative for the Okanagan Similkameen Region.
John Mulvihill RN BSN CCN(C) CNCC(C) 

Hi, 
My name is Jose Huberdeau and I am running for the PR advocate for the OS Region.
I have been an union activist my entire career starting in Manitoba as a new nurse. I started off as a union rep, followed by local Vice-President, Co-chair of the Regional and Local union/management committee as well as the nursing advisory committee.
I was then elected local president of my worksite followed by running for and being elected to the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Nurses Union. Since coming to the beautiful province of BC I have been a fierce advocate for my peers at KGH as well as our region with my union roles including ward rep, caucus rep and now a steward. I am running for the PR advocate for the region because I truly believe in supporting safe patient care as well as problem solving nurses concerns regarding providing safe patient (the two most important principles of the PR process in my opinion). I would really like to use my role in this position (if elected) to discuss the shortcomings of this process and advocate for some change in order to maximize the potential of the PR process.
It would be such an honor to be your PR rep for the OS region and I would greatly appreciate your vote and support.
Thank You

Jose Huberdeau RN BN ENC(C) 

“In the past jobs were about muscles, now they’re about brains, but in the future, they’ll be about the heart.” 
– Dame Minouche Shafik

Melanie learned long ago that the path to personal fulfillment comes through the act of service to others. She saw firsthand how her mother’s caring attitude and attention to her patients, made for more positive outcomes and acceptance. In her own experiences, Melanie has found that helping people has many benefits: the doer feels good, they gain confidence and competence in doing it and others are often inspired to follow their lead. 

Melanie has been nursing for 19 years and giving back to others even longer. Starting first as an LPN, she chose to get her RN degree so she could expand her scope of practice. Nursing satisfies two of her favorite passions: education & advocacy. Becoming a union activist was her destiny & spurred on by her own ignorance of the Collective agreement and her employee rights. 

As a new RN, Melanie was unknowingly taken advantage of by her hiring manager whom she had trusted. Soon afterwards, she learned that other newer nurses had shared this same misfortune, and this fact lit a fire under her that has forever changed her focus. "Nursing the nurses", Melanie’s goal is to educate her colleagues so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered. And now after 10 years of growing and learning in her various steward roles, moving higher up in the union organization, and reaching more of the membership is her next objective. 

Melanie did double duty in PRH, working as a float RN and as an active steward since 2013. She is best remembered for her flair whilst engaging the new hire orientees and student nurses at their union orientation talks, and her cool under pressure and friendly attitude she maintains throughout all meeting processes. 

In 2018, Melanie became the first successful applicant for the full-time designate Steward-at-large role for our region. She held that role for almost four years and was responsible for assisting those nurses working in the community and LTC sites. This opportunity helped her gain a better understanding and appreciation for these various roles and the challenges these nurses face in their jobs every day. In June 2022, Melanie was selected for the role of Full-time steward for KGH because she wanted to tackle new learning experiences and make new acquaintances. Working with a team dynamic, she mentors the new and up & coming stewards in addition to running meetings and answering member questions. The latter, which she delights in, has grown her own knowledge.

Through her total union work experience, Melanie has come to know all the key players and many more of the nurses. She has a greater understanding of all the various nursing positions and experiences in acute, community and LTC. Melanie has successfully resolved most of the grievances she has been given and is known for providing clarity and sound counsel to nurses undergoing investigative meetings. Her methods can be summed up in six words: optimistic attitude, empathetic, active listener, and preparation. Melanie loves what she does, and it shows in her results & member feedback. 

Going forward, Melanie intends to increase our members’ understanding of BCNU & what BCNU can do for them. This connection will allow us to recruit & train more stewards & JOHSC reps to aid in our efforts. Melanie is asking that you elect her as the next regional council member. 

My name is Candi DeSousa and I am seeking your vote for the position of Regional Council Member (RCM) in the Okanagan Similkameen Region. 

I became a union activist in 2004 and filed my first grievance within the year. Over the years I have held many regional positions including: Regional Council Member, Steward Liaison, Treasurer, and Member Educator. I have substantial Labour Relations experience having completed multiple courses as well as hands-on experience in labour relations roles. The courses include Capilano University Labour Studies, Queen’s University Labour Certificate, and steward training offered by BCNU. Work experience in labour relations includes working as the full-time steward at Kelowna General Hospital from June 2015-2018, as an LRO for BCNU in 2017 as well as in my current role as Regional Council Member. In these roles I have successfully worked collaboratively with the Employer and resolved many workplace issues. I have also just recently completed a term on the BCNU Bargaining Committee where we bargained the language for the new Collective Agreement.

As an RN I’ve worked in various places within the Okanagan Similkameen and the Thompson North Okanagan Region, both small rural sites and large tertiary acute sites. While my work as a nurse has been predominantly within the Emergency Department it has always included advocacy on behalf of BCNU members. 

If I am the successful candidate for the RCM position, I will work to the fullest of my potential towards creating a positive, supportive, and constructive relationship with our Members. Now, more than ever, we need to pull together and be a strong united Union. I am here to work for you, to work for a future in nursing where we thrive and not just survive.

I believe that I have proven over the last 3 years that I excel in the position of RCM and am asking for your support during this re-election.

I encourage you to take the time to read the candidate bio’s and vote between June 19 at 1200 and June 23 at 1200. You, the member, are the driving force behind this organization and it needs your participation.

Please feel free to connect with me at candidesousabcnu@gmail.com or 250-462-9517

Thank you for your support.

Statement of Objectives

I have a strong sense of loyalty to BCNU and believe wholeheartedly in the values and mission of the Union. If I am the successful candidate for the Regional Council Member position I will strive to bring the necessary resources, and supports, that BCNU can provide to its members:
• work to the fullest of my potential towards supporting positive relationships between the Union and our Members though enhanced transparency
• work to foster a cohesive working relationship amongst the Council 
• bring member concerns to the Provincial Council as they are brought to me
• work at ongoing support of the Collective Agreement 
• commit to being available to Members
• maintain a fiduciary responsibility to the Members as your dues are my dues
• pledge to support BCNU Members 

Website: https://candidesousa.wixsite.com/website 

Social media: https://www.facebook.com/rncandi.desousa

My name is Sherry Ridsdale, I am a critical care RN from Kelowna General Hospital. I work as a Casual, I have been nursing for over 38 years. 
I have been a Steward since 2008, in both the SF region and now the OS region.. I am a hard working steward, mentoring other stewards at KGH for both the contract and the JOHSC. I have done numerous jobs at the worksites as a steward, I was OHS executive, and Chair of the ILC. I filed and solved numerous grievances, I have mentored many stewards at differents sites.
I have gone to union management meetings for the members to get better working environments and solve issues at worksites. I have been on JOHSC at worksites that have brought about changes for safety and have helped members with the right to refuse, including have a dangerous situation investigated by WSBC, I have gone to numerous meetings to support members going through bullying and harassment. I have attended meeting and given support to our most vulnerable membership.

As your Treasurer, I keep the forms you send up to date, keep track of our budget and expenditures. I ensure that we are using as much of our budget to serve the members as possible.

I have attended the Treasurers meeting, and went to council to ensure the budget is used to serve our members and ensure when possible to increase monies to directly help our most venerable membership.

As Treasurer of our region, which I have been for approximately the last 2 years, I have strived to ensure the members are informed, that their forms are processed and I even try to correct any forms that I can, if its regional and assist the members with the provincial forms where I can. I go above and beyond to ensure the form is submitted and corrected, even asking members the information that is missing and correcting their forms.

I have taken problems to finance to solve for membership, and have helped members when they required assistance from certain funds, such as bursaries and the Evelyn Hood fund.

I am a critical thinker and problem solver, no problem that is financial, is too small for me to try and solve.
I have worked hard as a site steward, and in the region to help and assist members. 
I have done all duties asked of me by the region, to help ensure our members are well informed. I have gone to regional meeting and conventions to assist members and ensure the work of the Union is done.

My focus has been to ensure our financial records are done and accurate, that we are using our funds to keep all our members informed, by attending out reach, letting the site stewards know their budgets and available monies. When I attend the budget meeting for the next year, I want to ensure we use the money we have to ensure the members are receiving help and support form the Union. That we are keeping the grassroots members at the very heart of everything we do in our region and within the Union.
I try to make decisions on the executive to reach the most members we can in a year. That we do outreach to all areas of the region for every member to attend. I have taken courses to ensure I know my role as treasurer, to understand what is needed to ensure we have a healthy budget.

I will continue to response in a quick manner and with concise instructions, including hands on if needed. I intend to continue to support and help the region, mentor new stewards and help members whom reach out to me. 

Social media: intragram-sherrydiversenurse 

I am looking for your support to elect me to the position of Steward Liaison . I have been an active steward in BC for 17 years, I believe someone has to stand up for our collective agreement and keep the Employer accountable . I have been in the position for the last 2 terms I believe I bring a wealth of knowledge to the position, I enjoy mentoring new stewards to the role of advocating for our members. I work in the ICU, OR and PACU so I feel these positions have helped me develop into a strong advocate for our members please vote for me.