South Islands Regional Executive – 2023 Election Results

Since 2018, Lanaea has diligently served the BC Nurses Union as an active member, steward, and Communications Secretary for the South Islands region as well as the Richmond Vancouver region prior to that. Over this period, she has efficiently streamlined regional communications, ensuring operational smoothness and alignment with BCNU’s mission and vision. 

With diverse experience as a licensed practical nurse in medical surgical, long-term care, and palliative care, Lanaea's commitment to patient-centred care is mirrored in her service as a PN instructor at Sprott Shaw College. 

Her unwavering dedication lies in advocating for member rights and bolstering regional communication needs. As your Communications Secretary, her objective remains the assurance of continued strong leadership and effective communication to our members within our region. Lanaea feels immensely proud to be part of this dynamic team. She is eagerly anticipating the continuation of her engagement with you, our valued members. Inspired by the belief in collective strength and shared goals, Lanaea is eager to build on past accomplishments and work towards a vibrant and inclusive regional nursing community.

My name is Ashlee Kiraly and I am running for the position of Mental Health Representative. I have been the South Islands Mental Health Representative since September 2022, and with your vote, I would like to continue within this role.

Being elected to this position would allow me to carry on with my advocacy for the mental health and well-being of the South Islands BC Nurses Union members. I have helped to facilitate mental health awareness events within the region, which focused on providing education and resources. I have participated in meetings with the South Islands Long-Term Disability networking group, which provides a supportive and informative environment for those currently on Long-Term Disability leave. I am a steward within the region, and I am determined to provide information to members in relation to the Collective Agreement, while being an advocate for their rights.

I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 2009 and have focused my career within the Long-Term Care setting. As a part of the interdisciplinary team, I pride myself on being an approachable and respectful team member, who helps to support the safety of staff and residents. 

I believe that my passion for knowledge, dedicated work ethic and eagerness to advocate for BC Nurses Union members, is a valuable addition to the South Islands Regional Executive Team. If elected, I will focus my efforts on providing resources and learning opportunities to the membership, in relation to mental health and well-being. I am seeking the support of members in this election and would be grateful to have the opportunity to continue within the role of Mental Health Representative.

Thank you for your consideration,

Ashlee Kiraly

Hi! 
I’m Jocelyn Barr – I come to you with request for election for South Island’s Region’s Occupational Health and Safety Executive position. 
In 2010, I moved to Victoria from The East Kooteney’s – my roots are still in this BC region as well as deep collegial relationships with nurses of this area. 
Victoria is now considered home as this is where my career took off – with experience in community withdrawal management, acute care psychiatry, including Psychiatric Emergency and Intensive Care Units, Medical float pool, a stint in leadership with the opportunity to assist in creating a new psychiatric unit, and now, currently adventuring in Community Nursing as a CNE with Mental Health and Substance Use Residential Housing. 
Having a diverse career path has introduced me to different avenues of nursing, all with their own occupational health and safety issues. I have learned that OHS, whether we appreciative this fundamental necessity in our workplaces, has a great impact on the care delivery nurses are able to offer and clients/patients are able to receive. 
As nurses, we are capable of making informed decisions for the betterment of health of others and our profession. I see occupational health and safety as another opportunity stream for nurses to advocate for their communities and those they serve – effectively, clearly, and in collaboration with other systems. 
Utilizing pathways set in place by organizations like BCNU, Island Health and WorkSafe, I feel that by actively engaging while seeking out information for strategic improvements, we (union and employer) are able to work together to achieve best practices throughout our organizations. 
I have had the delight of serving in this position for the past 7 months; I have been able to receive introductory training to OHS and JOHSC from BCNU and my employer, I have also been updating BCNU’s list of active JOHSC members and have been successful in recruiting several more JOHSC representatives. 
During this period, I have learned of the ways the union and I can support this profession and those who are called to carry our work forwards. By Engaging in regional meetings, meeting our regions stewards and engaging with lobbyist regarding upcoming campaigns, I have learned the ways that individuals in these elected positions can promote and effect change. 
I have seen the reach of this union, the power of this union, and the empathy that remains, in my opinion, a root force of the activist work that we do. 
I continue to nurse because I continue to find joy in this profession. Despite working and living through a global pandemic, I see and believe in the value of this profession and the value of the voices that make our collective body strong, proud, and ultimately a united voice of change for quality health care for our Country. 
Occupational Health and Safety is work that I feel passionate about, that I understand comes with great responsibility and great honour. It would be a privilege to be re-elected. To continue to learn and advocate for Occupational Health and Safety Issues within South Islands, and to enhance my capabilities of altering barriers in order to assist other members of our Union to do the same.
Thank you for allowing me time to share a little about me and my passion towards occupational health and safety. I am confident whomever assumes this position will do great things for our region, 

With wellness, 
Jocelyn Barr. 

Hi there. My name is Andrea Beattie and I would like to continue to be your Professional Responsibility Advocate position for the South Island Region. 

Since January 2023, I have held the role of Professional Responsibility Advocate in the SI region. I have been an LPN for 16 years and worked in LTC as well as Acute Medicine, with a special focus in dementia care. As a Steward and JOHS rep, and more recently the Professional Responsibility Advocate, I have endeavored to help others to use their voice and inspire transformation in themselves and their work environment. If elected to this position, I am committed to increase awareness of the Professional Responsibility Process through education opportunities for members and utilize the process for positive change. I have been honored to be a part of the South Island Regional Executive and to collaborate with the incredibly knowledgeable Professional Practice staff at BCNU. I hope to be able to continue my work and advocacy for BCNU members in this role.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Andrea Beattie LPN

Being a practicing nurse for over 10 years, I have a deep understanding of the challenges that professionals face and am committed to helping nurses overcome these obstacles and achieve their goals. I am passionate about providing guidance and support to others from a compassionate yet professional lens.
I have a passion for helping others succeed and find a voice for advocacy for all nurses within the profession. I possess strong communication skills, and have a natural ability in leadership and hope to inspire and motivate others to take action to help create and advocate for change where needed. 
Overall, with my combination of passion for advocacy, communication skills, and leadership qualities, I believe I would make an excellent, ideal candidate for the Professional Practice Advocate position, and commit to continuous learning to provide relevant and informed guidance to our nurses.

My name is Caitlin “Cait” Jarvis, and I am asking for the support of the South Islands BC Nurses Union members in this election. I hope to be elected as one of your Regional Council Members. 

I am running for Regional Council Member because I would like to have the opportunity to support our region in a greater capacity. I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure our union continues to be a force for positive change. I am passionate about advocating for both physical and psychological safe working conditions and bringing concerns forward to ensure nurses have the resources they need to provide safe patient care. 

My vision for the BC Nurses Union centers around transparency, accountability, and conscious change. I believe that it is important to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing the issues that impact our profession. I would be proud to use my nursing experience and union advocacy to represent members of our South Islands Region. 

Throughout my nursing career, I have gained valuable experience in various care settings, including Acute, Long-Term Care, Hospice and most recently Community Health Services. For the last 7 years I have been a worksite steward and since early 2022 I have been the Steward Liaison on the BCNU Regional Executive Team. As the Steward Liaison, I have worked to recruit new stewards, ongoing mentoring, engaging with membership, building relationships with the employer, and working closely with our Full Time Stewards and Steward at Large to continue my active work as a steward to ensure members understand and feel supported with their rights within the collective agreement. 

If elected as Regional Council Member, I will work hard to represent the interests of the BC Nurses Union. I will ensure I listen to the voices of our members and seek to engage with our South Islands membership as I strongly believe that together we can continue to build a stronger, more empowered union that advocates for the wellbeing of all nurses. I believe that nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and that it is crucial to ensure that our voices are heard at a provincial level. 

I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you all, 

Caitlin “Cait” Jarvis
jarvis.caitlin@gmail.com

With your vote I would like to re-run for the position of Regional Council Member of the South Islands Region. During the last year I have remained active as a steward, have worked front-line alongside you, and have taken your voice to bargaining and ensured you were represented at BCNU Council. I am committed to empowering members in their rights through the Collective Agreement, and supporting you in a safe workplace. 
I have worked diligently to establish, build, and maintain relationships that create wellness in the workplace and exemplifies sound leadership principles with team members and external agencies.
During my last years on the regional executive, I have worked hard to develop effective relationships with the employer, allowing me to bring the member’s voice and solve issues at the local level. When local resolutions cannot be achieved, I work relentlessly to determine a means of advocacy. 
I am keenly aware of the challenges our profession faces and I wish to continue speaking out and advocating for the members of this region, and for the nurses of BC as a whole.
With your vote comes the great responsibility of having your voice heard. I believe in BCNU and the activism we do because I stand by the work that I do each and every day. I believe this is a strong union because we are a strong profession. Further, I believe that nurses have the solutions, and I will endeavor to have these solutions brought to the table.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to connect about my platform carlykoeppen@gmail.com 

My name is Leanne Robertson-Weeds and with your support I am prepared to continue as your South Islands Regional Council Member of the BC Nurses Union.

For the past three years I have listened to your concerns and have done my best to represent your interests to Island Health and BCNU Provincial Council. I have responded to thousands of emails, texts and phone calls, all within a timely manner.

I am well organized and a problem solver. I have done my best to highlight the tremendous pressure nurses face daily, while they attempt to do their best for patients. While I applaud your stamina, I also understand the frustration you feel.

Now that we have a new contract, I will continue to work to highlight staffing shortages and endeavor to ensure that the contract is fully implemented as possible.

My extensive BCNU training and my twenty-eight years at the bedside enables me to advocate on behalf of nurses in all the sectors.

I pledge to work to empower members to create caring communities and compassionate workplaces that promote justice, equity and human rights. We must continue to work toward adequate staffing to ensure a workplace that is free from physical and mental abuse. Both nurses and patients deserve better.

I am a strong BCNU activist, having served in an executive capacity with the BC Nurses Union for 14 years. If you wish to continue with positive and progressive leadership, please vote for me.

Thank you for your consideration.

In solidarity, Leanne Robertson-Weeds
leannerobertson@shaw.ca 
Cell #250-881-2200

Social Media Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047777776848

I believe that leadership is a form of servitude. I see this responsibility as a privilege to serve those who look to their leaders for support during difficult times. I am asking for your vote so that I may have the chance to support the membership of South Islands using my unique skills, education, and experiences to promote positive change in our worksites. In early years, I began my post-secondary education in the area of Business Administration. I then switched my educational goals to nursing as I had a strong desire to care for others while giving back to community. I have worked in the mental health and addictions sector of nursing for most of my 15 years of experience as a nurse. During this time, I have also served the South Islands membership as a Steward, a Regional Executive Member, and a Regional Council Member. I deeply understand the concerns facing nurses today including but not limited to a lack of personal safety and respect, short staffing and inability to meet practice standards, and lack of work/life balance without feeling compensated financially for the sacrifices you make. 

I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Leadership at Royal Roads University. Through my ongoing learnings, I am benefiting from the enhanced understanding of organizational operations as well as the positive impacts that can be achieved with the application of ethical business practices. My current research revolves around best practices for establishing and enforcing safe and respectful workplaces for all. I believe each and every one of you deserve respect for the hard work and professionalism that you show each day as nurses. Help me to help you achieve the safety, respect, and dignity that should be associated with your calling; the brave calling to support others during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I thank each one of you for your hard work and dedication, especially during such unprecedented times of change. Together, Let's commit to be part of a movement to make change for the betterment of healthcare.

I have worked as an RN for three years in acute inpatient mental health at Royal Jubilee Hospital as well as Tertiary Care at Seven Oaks. Prior to graduating as an RN from the University of Victoria in 2020, I worked for the BC Government and the Capital Regional District for nine years as a Chartered Professional Accountant. Much of this time was spent establishing proper accounting controls for spending, as well as preparing user-friendly financial reports to be read by the public. My objectives as Regional Treasurer for South Island will be to ensure the proper stewardship of members’ money by producing easy to read financial reports in a timely manner and where appropriate, work to streamline the processes that handle member claims and expenses. I am also very encouraging of member feedback on how we can improve the way the BCNU handles its affairs.
Social media page: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-linstead-2111b4139

I’m Michelle Sauk, and I am seeking re-election for Regional Treasurer of the South Islands.

For the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working as the Treasurer for the South Islands Region. I have risen to the challenge of learning the processes required to approve regional spending, maintain accurate records, and provide financial reports to the membership and regional executive. I am confident in my ability to utilize the financial accounting system and member expense claim systems used by BCNU. I have become more organized in my role ensuring member salary reimbursement and expenses adhere to the BCNU financial policies and are approved in a timely manner. I have fostered a relationship with the BCNU finance team and have learned a great deal attending the annual BCNU provincial budget meeting which in turn has given me the knowledge to build an appropriate annual budget for the South Islands Region. 

I have been a nurse for over fourteen years, working in a variety of positions throughout acute care, long-term care and home and community care. I have been a steward for seven years and have attended meetings related to grievances, investigations, respectful workplaces, JOHS concerns. I also have provided union representation during union management meetings, the provincial bargaining convention and BCNU’s annual convention. I decided to get involved with the union when I found I was often confused about our own contract and continually asked questions in order to understand the contract language and my rights as a union member. I am a strong advocate for our nursing profession, staff and patient safety and enjoy helping my fellow nurses with understanding the contract. Working with the South Island Executive team over the last few years has been a wonderful expense. I am proud to have been a part of this team, trying new avenues to involve the nurses on the south islands and providing additional face to face meetings to answer questions and listen to issues that concern the nurses in our region. It has been amazing to see how many members are attending events for the first time and I am excited to see this trend continue and increase the number of nurses being engaged on the south islands.

I believe that I can continue to provide strong leadership for our members. I promise to ensure that the spending priorities of the South Islands Region reflect the goals of BCNU, are accountable and fiscally responsible as well as reflective of the membership needs. I look forward to representing the South Islands as your Treasurer.

I have worked as a steward with in the South Island region since 2020. In 2022 I became the Fulltime Steward for the South Island Community portfolio. In this position I gained a lot of experience working with members, the employer and the collective agreement. During my time as the Fulltime steward I also worked alongside new stewards to support them in their new role as a BCNU steward. I would be honoured to continue supporting the membership while working on the regional executive advocating for members. I am keen to continue working to onboard and support new stewards and empower members to learn about their collective rights.