Provincial Candidates

After 33 years, nursing has become who I am as much as it is my profession. My education in nursing has spanned the decades starting with a diploma in nursing from Langara in 1987, specialty education at BCIT for neonatal in 1989 and then perinatal in 2001. I then completed my BSN at the University of Victoria in 2017. I have held various nursing positions including: frontline, clinical resource nurse, clinical nurse educator and currently serve as the Patient Care Coordinator in the NICU in Abbotsford as well as casual Public Health Nurse in Mission. My career choice has allowed me to continue to change, learn and be excited about the profession.

I became a steward in 1993 learning from great mentors the importance of listening to the members and understanding their issues. I realized the power of collectivity and team work. We are stronger together. In 2011, when the role of the fulltime steward was developed I took the first position available in Abbotsford. In 2014, I was elected as the Regional Chair of the Fraser Valley. During this term my region was very actively involved in rallies, campaigns and outreach to our community. I was very proud to lead this great group of nurses. We advocated for youth mental health, safe workplaces, funding long term care beds, funding mental health facilities, to name a few of our initiatives. I participated in NBA bargaining as well as independent collective bargaining. I met with CEO's, Mayors, MLA's and media, any chance I could to get the voice of the nurses heard at all levels.  My goal is to bring that energy to the provincial level as your President.

I believe now is the time to raise our collective voice to improve working conditions and work life balance. We are highly intelligent educated people that need the appropriate resources and conditions to effectively deliver the care we know our patients and clients need and deserve. We must unify our nurses no matter what the designation. Nurses all direct patient care in multiple ways. It doesn't take a title to affect change: it takes collectivity and solidarity. I believe in team work and a collaborative vision.

My Objectives:

• To build trust

• To be transparent

• To be collaborative

• To communicate effectively with the members.

• To advocate for safe working conditions.

• To encourage nurses to voice their concerns safely

• To educate members on their rights.

• To uphold the values of BCNU.

• To unify our members.

I am a passionate advocate. I am frontline. I am transparent. I am interested in diverse opinions. I believe the BCNU structure needs to return to a grassroots model, with the members informing Council and the Council advising the President. Our nurses should question everything, think differently and ultimately create our future. As your President I will be listening and taking action. Together we can create a cohesive network of nurses that lead us into great workplaces that respect our voice and ultimately benefit our patients with safe care.

EMAIL CANDIDATE: krhamilton2601@gmail.com
WEBSITE: Katherinehamilton4president.com

My name is Christine Sorensen and I am seeking re-election as your President. It has been my privilege and honour to represent and serve all 48,000 members in the BCNU. 

As a BCNU member and nurse for over 30 years who has worked in both acute and community care, I share your passion for the patients and clients we serve. I have advocated strongly for safe and healthy worksites, adequate staffing and reasonable workloads.

Over the past three years as your President, I have led us through some of the Union's most challenging times, but I have always focused on the positive and what was possible. Leadership is modelling the way for others to stand up to create change.  It's about taking risks when you do not have all the answers.  Leadership is about doing the right thing in the long term collective interest of all our members.  

With members as my priority, I instituted personal leave days, a partial payment for registrations fees, a community business allowance, LPN wage gains and other contract improvements while seeking to protect our pensions and improve benefits. I advocated for violence prevention initiatives to make our workplaces safer and successfully lobbied for PTSD presumption through WorksafeBC. And while the Patient Care Assessment Process has been delayed, I ensured nurses were compensated for every hour they worked waiting for PCAP to begin. 

Within the Union, I led governance reform that began with Council and through widespread member consultation renewed our Constitution and Bylaws. To increase transparency, I established a regular review of our polices to ensure our procedures were transparent and reflective of our members needs. Our staff has been reorganized to better serve our members, our Professional Practice department has been established and a 1-800 call line has been set up for member support.  I oversaw the growth of our strike fund to improve our strong financial position and the careful investment of millions of dollars for our retiree benefits. 

If re-elected, I will fight for access to proper PPE, ensure you have support to refuse unsafe work, seek wage improvements to better reflect your role as an essential service provider and champion innovative solutions to address longstanding problems such as violence and safe staffing levels. This fall as we begin our bargaining process, I remain committed to being accessible and responsive to your concerns.  I look forward to increasing our use of technology to connect with all 16 regions to determine how to enhance member services, increase engagement and build on previous bargaining gains. 

As your President, I will promote a positive, inclusive and respectful culture and a sense of pride and unity. I believe strongly in BCNU's values and promise to represent you with integrity, transparency, professionalism and enthusiasm. I look forward to the future and being the voice of BC's Nurses. 

Www.christinesorensen.ca

Facebook - Christine Sorensen

Twitter @csorensen4 

EMAIL CANDIDATE: csorensen4@gmail.com 

Respect, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, Advocacy and Democratic process are what resonate with me defining a strong union, including living the values etched on the wall in the BCNU Boardroom.

This past year I was Elected Vice President, participating in Council, Provincial Executive, serving on several Committees. I want the members to know that I am here to serve you the members and listen to your concerns, addressing them in a timely manner with due process.

My pledge and promise to advocate for:

• Safe staffing levels including baseline and ratios in Acute Care, LTC, and Community with replacement of uncovered shifts.

• Worksites free from Violence, Racism and Bullying

• Ensure the Health Authorities and Government provide proper and adequate PPE

• Bring back the 36 hour work week

• Term limits: 2 terms and return to Frontline.

• Member Engagement / Outreach. Increased visibility and  presence in the worksites to address concerns. Ward reps on all units and better accessibility to Stewards. Increase the number of Stewards and provide them with more education. Maintain Telephone hotline 24/7 coverage, review creating an online chat        room.

• Provide workshops / webinars to address questions about navigating Maternity Leave, Sick Leave including medical EI, WCB, EDMP, LTD, GRTW, Supernumerary status, Duty to Accommodate, and buying back Pensions.

• Retention and Recruitment 

  Retention: Review what is needed to keep nurses in the profession, scheduling, renumeration, increased shift differentials,mentorship, advancement opportunities, education.

• Recruitment: Increased involvement in promoting Nursing as a profession, advocating for more Nursing seats to be funded and made available to students. Advocating for the government to assist Internationally Educated Nurses to work in the healthcare system in some capacity, while they are awaiting Registration with    the College. Mentorship program 

• Consultation with all members for key concerns to be addressed at the next bargaining round and a completed Collective Agreement.

• Hold a referendum on matters involving democratic process change.

• Retirees: 1% benefit fund, what benefits are retirees receiving from this fund? Create a complete retiree database.

 33 years of Nursing as a Frontline Nurse, 20 years in Leadership, mainly as Site Leader for the entire campus of SMH. By remaining hands on, and current in practise, mentoring, and leading our members to provide care to their patients, with sufficient staff, supplies and resources. 

Serving as Provincial Human Rights and Equity Chair, and promoting Allyship amongst the Indigenous Leadership Circle, Mosaic of Colour, LGBTQ2S+, Workers with Disabilities, Young Nurses Network, and Men In Nursing Caucuses. 

Advocating for inclusivity, and change to address biases, systemic racism, bullying, harassment and advancing the platforms that these Caucuses are promoting. It was an honour to hold the Human Rights and Equity Conference: Climate Change- Nursing, Advocacy, Leadership.

Working as Co-chair of the Seniors Strategy Working Group, it is imperative that staffing levels and care needs of our Seniors are reviewed and advocated for.

In Solidarity, Rising from the grassroots, to bring back nurses voices.Trust and acceptance of change, is necessary to facilitate an organizational shift to better serve and represent our members. Please Vote for Change! 

EMAIL CANDIDATE: grewaman@yahoo.ca

Leadership means shelving personal agendas and listening carefully while representing ALL members. That's how I'll lead when serving as our next BCNU Vice-President. I excel at remaining calm and collected, especially in difficult situations. I seek consensus while making tough decisions. I resolve issues through respectful, collaborative efforts with a common sense approach. My positive attitude and enthusiasm run deep and my mature leadership skills are a huge asset. I try to never forget to include gratitude and humour. I get along well with others and enjoy working in a variety of teams. My varied experiences as a long-time Union activist, Mental Health nurse, Regional Executive member and now as RCH's Full-time Steward have given me the background to succeed and advocate for better contracts, safer work-sites and manageable workloads. I have been a member of other Unions (BCGEU, Steelworkers, Teamsters, CUPE, and HSA) where my advocacy and Steward skills developed.

Since leading my nursing colleagues out of a non-nursing Union into BCNU in 2012, I am proud of my record and will be honored to serve on our Provincial Executive Team. I started working full-time as an RPN at RCH in 2008. I am an elected Steward, was the RCH co-Chair of the PR Committee (for over 5 years), was a Member Organizer, and also the Regional PR Advocate from 2017 until becoming RCH's Full-Time Steward in 2019.  I am committed to being a strong voice at every level. Some members have expressed that our Union's culture has become somewhat disconnected from our members, but I'm dedicated to empowering our membership towards having their ideas valued and implemented whenever possible. All our leaders must have a collective vision that understands the needs and goals of all BCNU members. With your vote, I can be a vital part of that vision. Together we can shape our Union into a well-balanced, productive force that will serve our members well. I stand ready to lead in a progressive and positive direction.

If elected, I will consistently strive to:

• Bring drive, passion, vitality and stability to my role;

• Build a more open and inclusive atmosphere that fosters a climate of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and amicable communications;

• Encourage participation so all members have abundant opportunities to participate in and feel connected to our Union;

• Make efforts to effectively engage and empower our membership;

• Promote 21st century practices that embrace technology and innovative ways of conducting business;

• Remain approachable, accountable and responsive to members.

I am open to hearing from our members how they believe we are doing and their ideas on how to best accomplish their requested changes to promote confidence and pride in our Union and our leaders. I'm looking towards strategic preparation to defend our already won gains plus bargaining maximum precision with significant increases into our Collective agreements. My ultimate goal is to achieve the very best Contracts for every single member – ones that are appreciated as substantial improvements for all.

 (Edited to comply with word count limit)

EMAIL CANDIDATE: royh@shaw.ca
Website: https://www.roy4vp.com/

Tracy Quewezance - for Vice President 

I was asked to run for the VP position at this time when the world, our Province is in an upheaval, with so many unknowns, caused by the pandemic. This is a time of change, a time like we have never seen. 

25 years ago, I became a steward. I became involved to advocate for others, to support the nurses, to become a strong voice. This is truer than ever today. So much has changed from when I began with BCNU.  The roles I have held over the years in BCNU as an activist, have prepared me for the VP role. From steward, to steward coordinator leading a team ,planting seeds of activism and empowerment ,participating ,organizing and leading the members through strikes and job actions .Moving forward and taking on a new role as a steward liaison to support ,encourage and lead stewards in the  region . Back then the steward liaison role in my region was also vice chair of the region.

 My preparation for the VP role began years ago, even before I knew it. From there, I followed a labour relations path, as FT steward at RIH for 6 years, advocating, encouraging, and lobbying for changes, the nurses needed.

 In all these roles I did media interviews and became more experienced and articulate public speaking, finding my voice, speaking out for the members. 

 In 2012 I was asked to run for regional chair. I went into that role and it further supported and developed my growth, advocating at a higher level, encouraging, supporting, mentoring my regional executive team, regional caucus reps, FT stewards, stewards, and members. 

My career has been about supporting, mentoring, advocating and uplifting others to succeed. I advocated for safe workplaces and helped turn Hillside around. In all roles I have held ,I have participated in bargaining ,to gain stronger language, better wages and benefits and through it all strengthen BCNU. I meet with our MLA'S and MP'S to share what is happening in our sites and in our communities and to address the concerns members are facing. I have organized quarterly meetings with all the site administrators and executive directors in my region, to develop working relationships, so that we have regular dialogue, to address the nurse's concerns at that higher level. 

Having years of experience and knowledge, brings value to the Union and the role of VP.

OBJECTIVES:

Uphold the Mission and Values of BCNU

Keep Human Rights and Equity issues in the for front of BCNU and support the work of the HRE Caucus  

Successfully assist and mentor the new council members, in their transition to new BCNU board members 

Lobby to address Nurses workload and safe psychologically healthy workplaces 

Lobby to ensure health care and issues affecting nurses is a top priority in the Provincial and Federal elections

Empower Members to find their voices, to lobby for change and to address issues in their workplaces 

Vote Tracy Q for Vice president 

EMAIL CANDIDATE: qutea63@gmail.com
Website: https://tracyquewezance.com

Democracy, transparency, true advocacy, equal opportunities and equality is a must to fairly represent all our members. It should be a priority for any organisation as members are the ones who pay to run their organisation.

Therefore I decided to run.

I have been a union activist for 15 years; I worked in the North West region in Terrace before moving to the Okanagan. I became a steward in 2013, worked as a JOHS steward; I am currently Mosaic of colour caucus regional rep & provincial chair. I was lobby coordinator in TNO. I ran for the provincial & Federal elections in 2015 & 2019. One of the main reasons I ran was to give nurses & health care workers a voice & to address our ongoing concerns at government levels, also to advocate for healthcare, mental health & the need for resources. I was able to put health care & social justice issues forefront by raising our voice at every 'All Candidates Forums', with media, news, live debates on radio and interviews on Global TV, CBC & Local channels.

I work at frontline as a PCC and as bedside nurse casually in Vernon community & at Vernon Jubilee hospital, I am so familiar with the challenges we face every day. Members share with me that, "It feels like we lose something at every bargain rather than gaining, or we have to compromise one thing to get another." Bargaining means gaining not losing or having to compromise. After getting lots of encouragement from members I decided to run; however I received couple of calls & messages asking me to not run because, "I will split the vote, we have to be strategic, and maybe run next time" etc. I felt like it was attempt to kill democracy; real democracy is to run with an honest, respectful and transparent campaign by sharing with members who we are instead of slandering other candidates or playing tricky politics. I have utmost respect for all candidates as they bring several qualities, lots of courage & desire to serve the members.

If elected, I will work hard to:

Restore member's trust and confidence

Continue to encourage member engagement by advocating to get rid of any barriers as I know how it feels when we are repeatedly discouraged & supressed from coming forward to show abilities

Strongly stand for a transparent bargaining where members will know exactly what they are voting for I still remember with 37.5 work week. I voted along with other nurses to have extra 15 minutes added to our existing shifts, however later we were told that, it was not an option.

I will be approachable and will encourage members to share their voices & concerns without any fear of repercussions. I will work harmoniously & collaboratively with council members, by always keeping members &their concerns at forefront.

This election I won't be able to meet you all in person so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 

EMAIL CANDIDATE: bcnusteward@hotmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Harwinder-Sandhu-for-BCNU-Vice-President-Vote-for-Integrity-101671011644059/

My name is Mary Jean Lyth and I am running for the position of Provincial Treasurer for BCNU.

I have been a nurse in BC since 2008 and have worked in residential care, acute care, hospice and Community.

I have been involved in BCNU as a steward and as a member of the bargaining committee 2014 where I advocated for the rights of all nurses.

I am a strong leader in the community, and in my position, I advocate with and for my colleagues or those that are in need of a stronger voice. I feel if I am going to complain about the problems, I better be willing to put myself out there to be part of the solution

I have seen unfair treatment of my co-workers that has brought them to tears and left them feeling alone. I have seen bullying in the workplace and rights being thrown out the window. More stewards and education are needed to help support and empower our members.

I will be honest, transparent and show integrity in all issues that affect and matter to the members. 

When elected, I will propose and enact processes to ensure that union revenues are used to their full potential.

I believe contracts should are clear, concise and not left open for interpretation by the employers; the members should know what they are getting prior to voting online with an independent third party.

I will be proactive in reviewing the benefits and providing information, understanding and choice to the members. My belief includes discussions for improving benefits and not leaving them open to erosion. 

I will promote member involvement. Members are the ones working to pay dues to build the union. People wanting to help should be seen as a gift, involvement by membership is critical to form a strong forceful union.

I will work towards a member driven union. The people that the members trust enough to elect into the leadership positions, should always work for the needs of the members which will build a union that is healthy, supportive and unbeatable.

I will work with those who paid into the 1% fund to develop a retirement Blue Cross Medical/dental/optical/hearing plan.

The scopes of all members have changed in the past few years. We need to promote all members to a higher level of work and a better job satisfaction. We are still working short, unsafe and without enough supplies like Protective Equipment, in some cases.

I will work to provide change, guidance, leadership and help this union be an anchor for members to reach. I believe in term limits being set at 2 to keep our leadership fresh and knowledgable.

Vote for me and for a grass roots union, a member-driven union, a union that will bring a positive change. Join me and say we want and deserve better.

Yours in Solidarity

Mary Jean Lyth

EMAIL CANDIDATE: mjlyth1@gmail.com

Since September 2016, I have been honored to serve the BCNU membership in the role of Provincial Treasurer providing education based financial leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and ongoing financial stability for members.

In 2013, I graduated with a Master of Business Administration (UBC) and have a Certificate in Financial Management (Dalhousie University). This education enables me to effectively oversee the funds of our organization through the competent use of resources including best practice standards for evaluating financial decisions. I hold a Certificate in Governance and Leadership (Queens IRC), training in Robert's Rules of Order, and am currently enrolled in the Fundamentals in Retirement Plans. Having completed one full-term in as Provincial Treasurer, my credentials and current experience have prepared me to oversee the financial business of our Union and ensure that our assets are well managed.

My diversified nursing career in several clinical areas, both rural and urban, allows me to understand the unique challenges of our profession, continue to strongly advocate for members rights, and understand services needed in the regions supported by budget.

My priority is transparency of financial data through education, ensuring members have a good understanding of our fiscal position, investments, and funds. Through the creation of a process for Regional Council Members to submit budget requests, regions have an opportunity to inform provincial resource allocation.  Additionally, I continue to work towards increased security and efficient processes to ensure our assets are protected.  Examples of new technology and expanded financial controls include a stream-lined process for expense reimbursement and internal technological controls for transactions. 

As chair of the NBA Retiree Benefit Fund Committee, it is my role to obtain regular account details to maximize the fund's rate of return while balancing the level of risk the committee is willing to accept on members' behalf. The financial market is influenced by the global economy, and despite market unpredictability, the fund realized investment returns of 14.69% in 2019. My commitment to you is to ensure membership dues are spent wisely and that safeguards are in place to protect our strong financial position. 

Priorities and Objectives:

• I pledge to bring passion and dedication to the role and do my best to maintain the integrity of our organization and our noble profession.

• Continued vigilance that there are strong financial controls to optimize our fiscal position.

• Monetary resource decisions are shared openly and transparently with the membership.

• Financial decisions are applied in a manner that considers the risk and benefit to our membership as its highest determining factor.

• Continued outreach to members to provide information regarding our finances and to understand what is important to you.

• Skilled investment decisions.

• Participate and encourage debate that engages in frank, open dialogue accomplishing the best outcome for membership.

• Governance of the organization through clear, thorough financial policy.

• Preparing for Bargaining by ensuring a robust defense fund.
  

As an experienced leader, with the necessary qualifications and skills required to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of the Provincial Treasurer, I ask for your support to continue to serve you.

Respectfully,
Sharon Sponton

EMAIL CANDIDATE: sharonsponton@outlook.com
Website: www.sharonsponton.com

As a proud registered nurse and longstanding BCNU advocate, I am seeking your support to be re-elected Executive Councillor, Occupational Health and Safety.

Since 2015, I have led the OH&S and Mental Health portfolios, provided effective and accountable leadership, advanced political action by lobbying government on issues important to members such as violence prevention and the Presumption of Mental Injury, including PTSD.  

I am driven by action because I care deeply for our profession and the conditions, we work in.  In addition to supporting members, achievements that I have contributed to include:

• Inclusion of nurses in Presumptive Legislation for Mental Injury 

• Personal Resilience Workshops

• Nurses Violence Support Line

• Improved OH&S contract language 

• BCNU Violence Prevention Campaign:  Violence.  Not Part of the Job 

It has been an honour to present at national and international conferences on behalf of BCNU, build relationships and network with external partners.  I have completed training in conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, parliamentary procedure, achieved a Certificate in Governance & Leadership from Queens IRC and am currently enrolled in the Fundamentals in Group Benefits certificate program.

Objectives:

• Call for government transparency on the status of PPE supply and healthcare worker Covid-19 transmission rates 
• Lobby for Presumptive Legislation-Viral Pathogens (Covid-19)
• Safeguard and optimize our benefits
• Prevent mental injury by creating psychologically safe workplaces through the successful implementation of the CSA Standard for Psychological Health and Safety. 
• Pilot dedicated, full time OH&S Stewards and a Peer Support Program 
• Implement violence prevention strategies specific to rural/remote healthcare settings, emergency departments and continuing care.
• Advocate for an increase of appropriately trained healthcare specific, security officers 
• Strengthen support for OH&S Representatives, Mental Health Advocates, OH&S Stewards, and JOH&S Committee Members 
• Educate members on their OH&S rights including the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
• Empower members to demand safe workplaces, free from bullying and violence

I will bring experience, integrity and passion to the role advocating for the physical and psychological well-being of all members.  As a leader, I will continue to foster diversity, inclusiveness, champion member consultation, embrace innovation, surface issues, and ensure transparent and accountable governance.  

After caring for the sick and most vulnerable, nurses have the right to return home to their families' free from harm.  Unfortunately, workload, overcapacity, staffing issues, incivility, trauma, and workplace violence contribute to moral distress, burnout, injury and negatively impacts patient outcomes.  Although BC has been successful at flattening the Covid-19 curve, members continue to experience PPE restrictions.  Often, our clinical judgment is not respected and access to higher levels of respiratory protection is denied when caring for suspect or confirmed cases of the novel pathogen. 

As a union, we must continue to address these serious issues and hold employers, WSBC and government accountable to our safety.  It is imperative that in preparation for an anticipated resurgence of Covid-19, provincial PPE supply is adequate and fit testing is accessible to all direct care nurses.

Website:  www.adrianegear.com

My name is Aida Herrera. I hold a dual bachelor degree in anesthesiology from the University of El Salvador and after immigrating to Canada in 2001, I completed my BSN in 2011. I am experienced as a relief PCC and clinical nurse educator, providing education  and mentoring LPNs during the introduction of IV medication administration to expand their scope of practice. 

I became a steward because I saw the need to advocate for the members, and believed our voices were not being heard. As an active advocate, I successfully filed grievances that created conditions that made my unit desirable to work at. I am a strong believer in fairness, equality, and inclusiveness. I will ensure there's transparency between the union and the members. 

Many of the current leadership team has been out of the frontline for too long and I believe, it makes them "out of touch" with the reality of today's health care. We need to address workload. We need to implement the working short premium across all designations if working short. It is not only causing stress and mental fatigue but it is putting nurses' licenses and patient's lives at risk if we do not have adequate staffing. We need to better support nurses who are burning out and developing mental health issues because of workplace violence and poor working conditions. 

I have lived and witnessed firsthand what is happening in the workplace. I know the emotional and psychological impact of being bullied, verbally and physically abused. We have workplace violence policies that are not enforced or policies that don't work. I know nurses have to work without appropriate equipment or broken equipment that many times result in injuries. We have to make the employer accountable for these injuries. We need to negotiate a fulsome contract in the next bargaining round with black and white language.

As your Provincial OH&S executive councillor I will play an active role in the preparation for the influx of COVID19 patients into our hospitals including ensuring and advocating for appropriate PPE to members across the province and I will ensure PPE is not being denied to our members. I will advocate for safe staffing levels and for a safe workplace for ALL. I will listen to members and I will make sure any decisions taken are in the best interest of all nurses in BC. If you want change as much as I do, we have to stop electing the same people and expecting different results. Let's vote for change. 

In Solidarity,
Aida Herrera

EMAIL CANDIDATE: aida.herrera24@hotmail.com

I was elected Provincial Executive Councillor in December 2017. 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 with my wife and son 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.

Holding the position of Executive Councillor for Pensions and Seniors require a specific set of skills which are not necessarily achieved during traditional nursing education. There are some key aspects of the position which require the following:

Financial/Investment Literacy, 

Benefits and Pension Plans Literacy, 

Public Trustee Education, 

Governance and Leadership, 

In the last 30 months I have been immersing myself in various education streams related to my portfolio at BCNU in order to serve our members better. Some of my accomplishments include:

Queens Certificate in Governance and Leadership Excellence form Queen's University Industrial Relations Centre

Certificate of Achievement in Advanced Trust Management Standards (ATMS) from International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans

Certificate of Investment Literacy-Strategy& Programs from BC Investment Management Corporation (BCI)

Retirement Plans Associate-RPA Designation

The Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designation is an ideal credential for those who work with pension plans or government-sponsored plans or who are involved with the management of plan assets.

My short term goals on personal development include:

I am enrolled in the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS) program which is the most respected designation in the benefits industry. The Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) form the core of the CEBS curriculum.

The CEBS designation is a credential that is recognized for the depth and relevance of critical knowledge achieved. I will earn my CEBS Designation with an estimated graduation of December 2020.

The Master of Trust Management Standards (MTMS) is a new educational program for trustees that builds upon the key knowledge areas in FTMS and ATMS, a next step that challenges trustees to take a leadership role in their funds and update their skill sets.I am planning to complete the MTMS program as soon as the program will be restarted and I estimate that before the end of 2020 I will have graduated.

EMAIL CANDIDATE: armeanu@yahoo.com
WEBSITE: www.chrisarmeanu.com

​I am excited to put my nomination forward for Executive Councillor, Pensions and Seniors Health.

As a single mother of three adult children, I understand the financial pressures families face and the importance of financial independence which includes a secure pension plan.  I am passionate about Seniors Health and want to ensure that our elderly have access to affordable, high quality Long-Term Care if, and when they need it. Further, we need to improve working conditions for our members in the continuing care sector. 

If elected to the position, my priorities include:

• Transparency of all matters related to pension reform.  All members of the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) current and retired, must have access to information necessary to make an informed decision on pension plan reform options.

• All LPN's in the NBA be provided the opportunity to opt into the 1% Retiree Fund

• Improved access to BCNU Pension Workshops. All members, regardless of where they live, and work ought to have access to high quality, reliable information to inform retirement decisions and strategies to optimize their pension.  In addition to in-person workshops, I will utilize video conferencing technology to ensure equitable access

• Advocating for an increase in nursing positions in Long Term Care to benefit residents and help address workload issues and practise concerns for our members.

• Highlight issues that arise in private care.  While BC did not experience the same grave consequences as Ontario and Quebec did due to Covid-19, we need to ensure it never happens here.
  

• Certificate in Governess and Leadership Certificate and Certificate in Labour Relations from Queens IRC. 

• UBC Sauder Business School  Financial Statement Analysis for Non-Accountants

• Elected by Council to the Finance and Bursary Committees.

I have been involved with BCNU as an activist for many years and have held a number of union positions preparing me to be successful as an Executive Councillor including temporary Labour Relations position and my current role as Regional Council Member for the East Kootenays.  Other positions held include:

• Steward Liaison

• Lobbyist

• Secretary

• Member Educator

• Steward

• LPN Campaign Ambassador

I graduated from Nursing in 1992 and have worked in Alberta, Florida and extensively in British Columbia.  Areas of nursing include:  Cardiac, Home Care and Case Management, Renal Dialysis, Medical.  In addition, I have worked in both public and private Long-Term Care which made evident to me the inequities in care, staffing and even representation outside of publicly funded facilities.  As a Case Manager I feel I garnered the awareness of the issues that Seniors face as they age and need care.  

I am grateful to BCNU for providing me the opportunity to grow and learn as a Leader.  I will continue to use that experience to support the membership in the role of Executive Councillor and ask for your support.

Thank you,
Helena Barzilay
elections@helenabarzilay.com

EMAIL CANDIDATE: helena.barzilay@hotmail.com

I am a proud nurse of 17 years. Of those, I served over 15 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 worked at Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial Hospitals as well as community nursing as a Case Manager and Team Leader. I have extensive experience working with seniors and have a broad understanding of how the healthcare system supports seniors as well as where improvements need to be made. I have held various frontline and leadership positions in my Health Authority and with BCNU. I served as Regional Chair for South Fraser Valley Region from 2014-2017.

During this time, I served the members in several capacities:

• Led the largest region in the BCNU

• Member of the BCNU Finance Committee, overseeing the finances of the organization

• Chair of the Bylaws Committee, guiding the legal structure that governs the organization

• Participated in both NBA and Independent collective bargaining

• Participated in the development of revised Inter-RAI Best Practice Guidelines with the MoH and Health Authorities

• Assisted Family Birthing unit nurses at SMH to achieve an historic settlement related to chronic short staffing

• Council Student Nurse Liaison, supporting future nurse leaders

• Member of the Nurse Relations Committee (NRC) for Fraser Health, addressing staffing challenges

• Completed Fundamentals of Finance & Accounting at UBC Sauder School of Business 

After my term as Regional Chair, I have returned to community nursing where I can see and feel the frustration within the membership. 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 to reduce nurses' magic number to that of other first responders. In a time of worldwide economic uncertainty, nurses must consider very carefully if now is the time to look at potentially changing our entire pension plan, our futures

• Ensuring no member would face action against them that may threaten their livelihood or job status

• Encouraging free and open dialogue, welcoming diverse points of view

• Contributing to negotiating collective agreement gains through clear, unambiguous language, negotiating fully bargained language 

• Being a strong advocate for you, making sure your voices are heard, never forgetting grassroots or the front line

• Helping to steer the organization back towards a member driven, rather than top-down structure

• Working to advance the priorities of nurses

• Leading in a kind, calm and inclusive way

We as nurses have faced many challenges over the past few years from increasing workload to ambiguous contract language resulting in the lowest ratification vote (54%) in the past thirty years, to the Covid-19 pandemic. 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! 

EMAIL CANDIDATE: msordal@starcon.com