March 29, 2024

Temporary agreement over provincial flu shot policy

After various health worker unions kicked up a fuss over the new mandatory flu shot policy there has been a compromise reached. Fraser Health Spokesperson Roy Thorpe-Dorward was asked what happens now if health care worker refuses to get a flu shot. "However in the first year of this new policy we are not going to be disciplining employees who come … [Read more...]

BCNU fights back against “coercive” flu shot policy

Little more than two weeks before all BC health care workers face more pressure to get flu vaccinations, the BC Nurses Union is demanding the cancellation of what's being described as a 'coercive' policy. Union President Debra McPherson says recent scientific reviews indicate studies being used to justify the policy are not credible. "We encourage … [Read more...]

Mental health policy in the workplace has been delayed

It's taking longer than expected for the Federal Government to implement a new policy for mental health in the workplace. It was supposed to be done this month. The National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace will establish voluntary guidelines for employers. It has been in the works more than two years. Labour … [Read more...]

BCNU won’t fight new flu shot policy

BC's nurses won't oppose the province's new mandatory flu shot policy for health workers. But that doesn't mean the nurses union is happy with the enforced regulation. BCNU spokeswoman Margaret Dhillon: "We would always prefer that vaccinations be voluntary, but we of course continue to support and encourage all of our members to get them. But we … [Read more...]

Lawyer slams RCMP raids; Mounties hammer out new social media policy

The lawyer who represents families of missing and murdered women at the Oppal Inquiry is demanding answers, after the home of a man who helped expose the online sexual activities of an RCMP officer was raided. Cameron Ward wants to know why the RCMP is going to such lengths to carry out a seven member raid on a private residence. Ward says he has … [Read more...]

More concerns over new flu policy

The association representing seniors care providers is reacting to the province's new influenza control policy. That policy will require health care workers to get the yearly flu shot. The BC Care Providers Association says it will comply with the new policy, but still has concerns over how it was implemented. Spokesperson David Hurford says there … [Read more...]

Mayor Gregor wants insurance policy against oil spills

The governing party at Vancouver City Hall is taking steps to fight a proposed 5-billion-dollar expansion of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain Pipeline. Mayor Gregor Robertson says he's strongly opposed to plans for a five-fold increase in oil tanker traffic through Vancouver. He plans to introduce a motion at Tuesday's Council Meeting, calling on … [Read more...]

Vancouver Police revise strip search policy

The same month two protesters -- who claim they were illegally strip-searched by Vancouver Police -- are taking steps to have their lawsuit classified as class action, the VPD is updating its current strip search policy. Elise Thorburn and Christopher Jacob were strip-searched after they were arrested at a 2003 rally against the war in Iraq... that … [Read more...]

VPD could adopt ‘major shift’ in sex work enforcement policy

The Vancouver Police Board will consider new guidelines this week designed to significantly improve the safety and wellbeing of sex trade workers. Senior officers have been meeting with groups representing the industry since the Missing Women Inquiry began in October. They have been trying to find ways to improve relations that have become … [Read more...]

Changes could be coming to policy on carbon neutrality

Changes might be coming as cash strapped schools in BC complain about being forced to pay into the Pacific Carbon Trust. School boards are among public bodies who are required by the government to either be carbon neutral or buy offsets if they aren't. Environment Minister Terry Lake says he has heard the complaints from school boards and others, … [Read more...]