National

B.C. nurses ratify new three-year collective agreement

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Apr, 2023 09:44 AM

Nurses in British Columbia have ratified a new three-year collective agreement covering about 51,000 registered, psychiatric and licensed practical nurses in the province.

The new deal includes wage increases and comes alongside a government promise to make B.C. the first Canadian province to adopt a nurse-to-patient ratio to improve workload standards in public health.

The BC Nurses' Union says 61 per cent of its members voted in favour of the new deal, which also includes improvements in job flexibility and access to leaves, and investments in workplace health and safety.

Union president Aman Grewal says the agreement recognizes nurses' dedication and sacrifice and includes significant investments to recruit more into the profession.

Premier David Eby says the agreement is part of the government's commitment to continue supporting nurses and strengthening the provincial health-care system.

The government says it will spend $750 million on the new staffing model, which will allow nurses to spend more time with the people they care for and provide better services.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. public school teachers ratify new contract

It boosts annual salaries for new teachers as much as $8,500 by the end of the third year while B.C.'s highest-paid educators will earn up to $13,500 more over the same period, which Johnston says pushes them above the $100,000-per-year threshold for the first time.

B.C. public school teachers ratify new contract

Arctic cold descends on parts of B.C.

Arctic outflow warnings have been posted for B.C.’s central and northern coasts, with the wind chill predicted at minus 20. Special weather statements are also up for most of Vancouver Island and the south coast, with icy conditions and wind chills near minus 10.

Arctic cold descends on parts of B.C.

Street drugs kill another 179 people in B.C.

The coroner says the October statistics show that illicit drugs caused the deaths of 1,827 people in B.C. in the first 10 months of this year. Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe says the increased toxicity and variability of street drugs has created an environment where everyone who uses substances is at risk.

Street drugs kill another 179 people in B.C.

Metro Vancouver storm creates traffic chaos

Several crashes blocked the Alex Fraser Bridge, one of the main arteries over the Fraser River. The route was closed for hours in both directions over safety concerns, the government said.

Metro Vancouver storm creates traffic chaos

Guns seized including a Ghost gun, charges sworn against Surrey man, Baljit Singh Nijjar

32-year-old Baljit Singh Nijjar of Surrey has been charged with multiple firearms charges including unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm and possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm without a license.

Guns seized including a Ghost gun, charges sworn against Surrey man, Baljit Singh Nijjar

Vancouver Police are investigating 2 homicides that took place a week apart

The victim was located inside an apartment building on East Hastings near Carrall Street. VPD’s Homicide Unit has identified the victim as Joseph Kelly. No arrests have been made, and anyone with information is asked to call Vancouver Police.