New HSABC president says system depends on health professionals for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation
Vancouver (22 April 2007) - Delegates to the 36th annual convention of Health Sciences Association of BC (HSABC/NUPGE) have elected Reid Johnson as their new president.
The union represents 15,000 health care professionals who work in hospitals and communities around the province.
Johnson, a social worker at the Centre for Ability in Vancouver, takes over from Cindy Stewart, who stepped down after 14 years in the position.
Johnson told delegates the most important priority for HSABC is to address the growing crisis of the "labour shortage" in B.C.'s health care system.
"Without action today to address the training deficit in the province, British Columbians won't have access to the health science professionals they need for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in the health care system," he warned.
"This has to be a priority for HSA, and every individual and organization involved in health care - from the people who work in the system to our elected officials who have been entrusted to manage and support our health care system."
Johnson also argued that the union needs to stand up for public health care and against the encroachment of for-profit private medicine.
"The fight to maintain, enhance and improve public health care in this country is going into a very difficult time. We need to represent not only our members but our communities in that fight," he said.
Johnson has been a member of the HSABC board of directors since 1997, and has served as the union's secretary-treasurer, overseeing union finances and assisting in developing multi-million dollar annual budgets. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Aloha and their four children. NUPGE
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