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ion 25 dit l e cia e Sp years Official news magazine of the B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM) Vol. 23 No. 4 Special edition, 2020 Saturday, Oct. 24 Please vote!
25 THE ADVOCATE In this years Board of Directors Labour Council Delegates & Regional edition President Diane Wood, BCGEU Representatives Chair Campbell River, Laird Cronk, BCFED President Courtenay & District Barb Biley As British Columbians prepare to First Vice President East Kootenay & District choose how we will be governed in Sam Wiese, PSAC Chris Johns the next four years, we take a close Second Vice President look at what the minority NDP gov- Gary Werk Gord Savard, CUPE ernment has accomplished as well as Fraser Valley Secretary what the B.C. Liberals did during their Mike Annesley Miriam Olney, UFCW 1518 16 years at the helm. Pamela Willingshofer Treasurer Kamloops & District We start on page 3, where President Dan Bradford, BCGEU Diane Wood makes the case for elect- Mogens Jorgensen ing a government that works for or- Directors Edna Park dinary people, not just the fat cats. Tony Brown, ILWU Kitimat, Terrace & District Also in this edition: Gwenne Farrell, MoveUP Raymond Raj Fred Girling, USW Nanaimo, Duncan & District • Andrew Weaver hopes Ivan Limpright, UFCW 1518 John Horgan is Premier again....... 5 Iris Taylor Marion Pollack, CUPW Christine Walker • Judge the B.C. Liberals by what they John Radosevic, UNIFOR New Westminster & District did, not what they say .....................6 John Savage, UNIFOR John Hooker • An historic renewal of health care....7 Bill Silvester, USW Gerry Townsend • Laird Cronk: the choices we face......8 Linda Forsythe, FPSE North Central • What it looks like when government Russ St. Eloi, BCTC Victor Johnson works for people ............................10 Gerry Tiede, BCTF Heather Sapergia • Dave’s Corner ................................11 Betty Valenzuela, HEU Ron Williams • An economy that works for every- Staff North Okanagan one, not just the rich......................12 Theresa Couture, USW Doug Gibson • Renew your membership and sign Greg McGowan up a friend today ...........................15 Port Alberni & District • Many options for voting safely ......16 Mike Lang The Advocate is published by the South Okanagan Boundary B.C. Federation of Retired Union John Colbourne Copyright 2020 Members. BC FORUM – supported by Terry Green Articles may be re-printed if they include: WE Consulting and Benefits and affiliated “Reprinted with permission from with the B.C. Federation of Labour – is Squamish Labour Committee The Advocate, official newsmagazine of the dedicated to representing the interests Marie Worth B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members, of members and their families, continu- Sunshine Coast www.bcforum.ca.” ing into retirement the relationship they Ray Haynes enjoyed with the union movement. Vancouver & District #200-5118 Joyce Street Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1 Agnes Jackman Printing of the Toll-free 1.800.896.5678 Victoria Advocate courtesy of: Tel. 604.688.4565 Nora Butz bcforum@bcfed.ca Holly Page Editor: Soren Bech West Kootenay & District soren.bech@gmail.com Mary Gay 2102 Porter Rd, Roberts Creek, B.C., V0N 2W5 2 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT Whose side are they on? We need a government Canada. Before the BC NDP took action to address it, the wealthiest 1% that works for us paid a lower rate of taxes in relation By Diane Wood to income than everyone else. President, BC FORUM Equality? Fairness? Forget it. I hated paying Medical Services Plan In election campaigns, B.C. (MSP) premiums. I hated paying Liberals promise to look out for bridge tolls. Every month, the people. When they’re in office, they bill would arrive. And every year it do the opposite. went up. By the 2017 election, they had Until John Horgan and the NDP turned our province into what the eliminated MSP premiums, those Globe & Mail called “a pay to play bills were a constant reminder of empire.” The New York Times called how far the B.C. Liberals would go us “the wild west of political fund to make sure the fat cats received an raising.” ever larger share of the pie. Corporate lobbyists knew what They infuriated me. they wanted from the government. B.C. was the only province to They knew the way to get it was to impose such a fee. Seniors and give tons of cash to the B.C. Liberal ordinary families were paying up to Party. And the B.C. Liberal govern- $1,800 a year. ment gave it to them, at times going It was a massive hit for low income beyond their wildest wishes with workers and people on fixed incomes, more unexpected tax cuts. and pocket change for the wealthy. That’s just not how democracies It was so unfair. A person earning should work. Small wonder the rest Diane Wood $42,000 a year paid the same as a of us weren’t heard. vulnerable, and compare it to how person who earned $400,000 or even Governments should work to much John Horgan and the NDP $4 million. provide the services that make all of have accomplished to undo the mess, On top of that, people who us stronger as individuals and as a I am in no doubt as to how I will happened to live on one side of the society. They should promote equal- be voting. Fraser River and work on the other ity, not inequality. They should work for people, not against them. Voting by mail were hit with daily tolls that could add up to $1,500 a year. That too was hugely regressive. On page 6, Advocate editor Soren Bech outlines some of the areas W e’re all getting used to physical distancing and other precau- tions when we go grocery shopping. where the B.C. Liberals imposed deep And why were we paying cuts to public services – even closing That’s how in person voting will be these fees? hospitals and long term care homes done safely. We were paying them to make up – in order to cover the cost of their I have registered to vote by mail. for the massive tax giveaways the tax giveaways to people and corpora- It was very easy, and only took five B.C. Liberals were handing to profit- tions that already had the most. It’s a minutes. If you’d prefer to do like- able corporations and the super rich. condensed summary. Soren tells me wise, visit the Elections BC website In 16 years of pandering to the a complete list would have gone on at elections.bc.ca/ovr, or telephone wealthy, they made our province for pages and pages. 1-800-661-8683 to request a voting more and more unequal. The gap When I think about all the pain package. between the wealthy and the rest the previous government imposed There’s more info about how to of us grew to become the largest in on so many, including the most vote on page 16. Please vote! The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 3
ELECTION 2020 Premier John Horgan met with creators and producers Sept. 14 to “This new fund will help B.C.’s domestic film industry create new mark the launch of a new Domestic Motion Picture Fund. content so it can recover faster, and get thousands of skilled work- “The past few months have shown us how quickly the motion ers involved in film and TV production back on set.” picture industry can change,” said Horgan. The fund is part of the NDP’s COVID-19 Action Plan. It’s time for us to decide T he provincial election, says had over the course of our minority the time to have an election.” Premier John Horgan, is our government is not as strong as it was Horgan noted that British opportunity to answer two when we began. Columbians have worked hard to important questions: Where do “The challenges of partisanship “get on the right side” of the COVID- British Columbians want to go? And within the Legislatue will always be 19 pandemic. who do they want to lead them? there, but particularly this summer “But we are far from out of the As leader of a minority govern- it was clear to me that there is a woods. We are not at the end of ment, Horgan said there is growing great divide between the two sides,” COVID-19. We’re at the beginning, instability at a time when stability is he said. and it will be with us for a year or required to deal with the challenges. “The best way forward is to allow more,” he said. “We have 12 months remaining those who no longer want to repre- “Like a lot of things these days, in the mandate of this government, sent their communities because this election is going to be different but we have a four year project or of long service. I know there are from the one we had three and a half longer ahead of us. We have had, seven within my caucus, at least years ago, but I know we can do it as you know, through the summer, seven within the Liberal group safely. And together, we can keep some challenges with passing legisla- and, of course, Mr. Weaver who are B.C. moving forward – not for the tion,” he said. moving on. people at the top but for everyone,” “The stability that I believe we “I believe, in my heart, that now is said Horgan. 4 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020 EQUALITY “I hope John Horgan is Premier again” HUMAN RIGHTS AA step towards equality ndrew Weaver, who led the amazing politician! She did a superb Green Party to its greatest job as Finance Minister, probably one ever success in a B.C. elec- of the best B.C. has ever had. tion, is today rooting for his former B “David Eby as Attorney General, ritish cOluMBiA will re-establish opponent. “The BC Federation of Labour highest level,” said Irene Lanzinger, what an outstanding Attorney a human “I hope (Johnrights Horgan)commission is Premier to believes strongly that human rights President of the BC Federation of General! fight inequality and again. British Columbia has been discrimin- are workers’ rights, and that systemic Labour. “The BC Human Rights ation, very Premier “George Heyman as to Environment served well John by the Horgan Premier,” has discrimination of marginalized work- Commission can help address this announced. ers needs to be addressed at the M i n i s t e r, discrimination.” a n o u tstanding Weaver said in the Aug. 31, 2020 “Every person Environment Minister,” he said. episode of the “This isdeserves VANCOLOUR” to be treated with dignity and respect. podcast. Weaver, a climate scientist, was By re-establishing a human rights elected as B.C.’s first Green Party “The Premier is a regular person. commission, we will create a more MLA in 2013. This year, he sat as He’s a real human being. What you inclusive and just society, where we see is what you get. There’s no fake Former Green Party Leader Andrew Weav- an independent and is not seeking work together to eliminate inequal- re-election. John Horgan. ity and prevent discrimination on the er appeared on the Aug. 31, 2020 edition “There’s the real John Horgan “British Columbia would benefit basis of race, religion, sexual orien- of the “This is VANCOLOUR” podcast. and that’s tation, the only gender Johnand identity Horgan,” gender before the pandemic and during the from having Mr. Horgan as Premier. said Weaver. said Horgan. expression,” pandemic, and singled out several “He’s clearly indicated to me that Overall, the former British Columbia leader is the onlygives prov- cabinet ministers for extra praise. he cares deeply, profoundly about top incemarks – an “A”without in Canada rating – to the BC a human “We have a remarkable Finance people. To me, it’s sincere,” said NDP government’s rights commission. performance The previous both Minister, Carole James. What an Weaver. commission was dismantled in 2002. Only a complaint-driven tribunal remains. “Building a better B.C. that is vibrant and full of opportunity starts with making sure everyone feels welcome to be a part of that future. Not only must we address discrimin- ation when and where it happens, we must also educate, reach out, EQUALITY and take proactive steps to address HUMAN RIGHTS systemic inequalities,” said Attorney General David Eby. A step towards equality “I have asked Parliamentary Secretary Ravi Kahlon to lead the public consultation process and B Retired Union Members Save $$$ On Insurance I look forward ritish cOluMBiA will to receiving hisre-establish “The BC Federation of Labour highest level,” said Irene Lanzinger, recommendations.” a human rights commission to believes strongly that human rights President of the BC Federation of The consultation ation, Premier Home, Marine, RV and Travel Insurance fight inequality and discrimin- are workers’ rights, and that systemic Labour. “The BC Human Rights processJohnwill Horgan has discrimination of marginalized work- Commission can help to address this onlineCall include bothannounced. our professional, unionized and face-to-face ers needs to brokers be addressed foratathe freediscrimination.” quote meetings with“Every British person Columbians,deserves to be stakeholders and with treated For a dignity human special discount, rights please mention that you are a member of BC FORUM and respect. experts, andBy will seek to learn what re-establishing a human rights 1-800-663-4200 a renewed human sion could look commission,rightswecommis- like.and inclusive will create a more Consultation just society, where we is to continue months, with www.wvins.ca work together through itylegislation and prevent theto autumn eliminate inequal- discrimination expected to on the follow in 2018.basis of race, religion, sexual orien- tation, gender identity and gender The labourexpression,” movementsaid praised the Horgan. announcement. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 5 British Columbia is the only prov- ince in Canada without a human The Advocate, Autumn 2017 – 13
ELECTION 2020 Judge them by what they did, not by what they say We’re still paying the wildlife habitat protection and enforcement of environmental price for what the regulations. B.C. Liberals did during • Scrapped the climate change 16 years in office program, the Green Economy Secretariat, and Fisheries By Soren Bech Renewal B.C. Editor, The Advocate B • Abandoned the ban on raw log C L iberal Leader Andrew exports, and the link between Wilkinson may seem like a new logging and local jobs. face. He’s not. He cut his teeth in politics serving as a deputy minis- • Fired the human rights commis- ter in the office of former Premier sioner, the environmental auditor Gordon Campbell as the B.C. Liberals and the mental health advocate. slashed vital public services. • Cut $7.5 million from job re-train- Their first step was to implement ing programs for welfare recipients. a fantasy just as bizarre as Christy Still the attacks continued Clark’s claim that LNG would make us all rich. They cut taxes – mostly for the Andrew Wilkinson photo by University of the Fraser Valley - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, T hrough the years, the tax give- aways to the most fortunate went on while the rest of us were forced to very wealthy and profitable corpora- https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. shoulder the burden. tions – claiming these unneeded tax php?curid=73964856 giveaways would pay for themselves. Their plans included closing 24 different story. court houses, cutting legal aid by 40 The annual reduction in revenue percent, cutting alcohol and drug was more than $2.1 billion. Ministries were instructed to provide three scenarios: “Reductions treatment, cutting childcare subsidies At the same time, they fired more for low-income parents. of 20, 35 and 50 percent over the than two dozen deputy ministers, They ripped up legal contracts next three years.” Cabinet ministers and replaced them with hand-picked negotiated by teachers and health were told to compete with each other ideologues – including then B.C. care workers. They cut social to see who could cut the most. Liberal Party President Andrew service spending. They radically Wilkinson. He was hired at $180,000 They did just that. It resulted in increased MSP premiums, one of a year to oversee intergovernmental what The Economist last called “a wild the most unfair taxes imaginable. relations in the Premier’s office. All gallop to the right.” They put tolls on bridges. Froze the the new folks were given raises of In short order, while Mr. Wilkinson minimum wage. nearly 32 percent, plus performance sat at the right hand of the Premier, bonuses. Their plan to “protect health care“ the B.C. Liberals: turned out to include: More for them. Less for us. We all • Cancelled the before and after paid for it. • Closure of hospitals in 11 school day care program. communites. Huge cuts in public services • Ended MSP coverage for eye • Closure of 3,000 badly needed B efore the election, the B.C. Liberals promised no cuts. Indeed, their platform promised in 13 separate exams, physiotherapy, massage and chiropractic services and diabetic supplies. long-term care beds. • Freeing health authorities to apply user fees. places to improve, protect or enhance • Delisted 17 drugs from Pharmacare. public services. • Targeting health care workers • Froze health and education fund- for layoff. The reality that British Columbians ing, an effective 9 percent cut. faced in the following years was a And Mr. Wilkinson worked to • Cut 20 percent from fish and make it all happen. 6 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020 An historic renewal of health care F rom its first day in office, providers working together in the the Horgan government has same community location. The made massive investments to teams will include family doctors, improve public health care for British nurse practitioners, as well as other Columbians and reverse the damage health care professionals ranging caused by the B.C. Liberals. from registered nurses, traditional Action is being taken throughout wellness co-ordinators and cultural the province to provide greater access safety facilitators to allied health-care to primary care, which is critical to professionals, social workers and clin- life-long health, especially for those ical pharmacists. who don’t have a family doctor. Over the next three years, the “About 17 percent of people in initiative will help connect about British Columbia report not having 300,000 people to a local primary a primary care provider,” says Health care team or provider. Minister Adrian Dix. In total, British Columbia has In addition only 44 percent of 39 primary care networks under- British Columbians are able to get way, including 12 in Vancouver same-day or next-day appointments Coastal, 14 in Fraser Health, five in with their primary care providers. Interior Health, five in Island Health and one in Northern Health, with “This means they often have to more coming. wait long hours in walk-in clinics or at their local emergency departments The team based primary care to get the care they need. Our primary will be delivered using a number care strategy and the networks are of different models, including full providing a real solution to people service family practices, urgent and so they can get the care they need, primary care centres, community closer to home,” he says. health centres, First Nations primary care clinics, and nurse practitioner “We’re putting networks of health primary care clinics. professionals at the centre of our primary care transformation, making Dix says the primary care networks life better for everyone in B.C.” mean that patients: Dix recently announced the • who don’t have a regular care addition of 22 more primary provider – a family doctor or care networks, in addition to 17 nurse practitioner – will be able to announced previously. get one. “More people will benefit from • will have an ongoing relation- a seamless patient-centred experi- ship with their care provider, ence that meets their unique health which is important for their life- needs,” he says. long health. For people and families, the new • Will get faster, more conven- networks mean faster, better access to ient care. their primary care team or provider • will be provided and connected – including evenings and weekends with appropriate and accessible – as well as being connected to appro- services and supports. priate supports in the community. • will know where to go to get the The primary care networks care they need, even on evenings will feature teams of health care and weekends. Health Minister Adrian Dix The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 7
ELECTION 2020 This election, let’s choose a better, fairer future for all by Laird Cronk contract-flipping and terrible under- Chairperson, BC FORUM staffing to run rampant. This election, British John Horgan and the BCNDP saw Columbians have a choice: the way contract-flipping got rid of experienced caregivers, and banned • Go back to the senseless the practice. They invested in increas- cuts that left so many ing the number of caregivers in people out in the cold, care homes. and left us vulnerable? Over 8,000 long-term care work- • Or build a future for everyone ers in BC had to work in multiple that puts people and care homes, in many cases just to families at the forefront? make ends meet - a legacy of the BC Y ou and I remember the BC Liberals changes. The BCNDP govern- Liberals all too well: how they ment saw the COVID transmission governed only for the wealthy risk this represented. So they limited and powerful. workers in seniors’ care homes to a single facility, to limit the risk of But after three and a half years of exposure while minimizing income government by Premier John Horgan loss for workers. And they levelled and the BCNDP, we’ve had a chance up wages, so all seniors’ care workers to see what it’s like to have a govern- earned the higher provincial stan- ment that actually listens to workers. dard rate. They’ve made major progress in building a better, fairer province. There’s still a lot to accomplish: universal Pharmacare and dental care, Well before this pandemic began, expanding and improving public B.C. FORUM Chairperson Laird Cronk ad- John Horgan’s government took steps services, a truly worker-centered dresses the 2019 annual general meeeting. like investing in affordable childcare Workers’ Compensation Board, and housing, raising the minimum investing in building sustainable way things were. wage, eliminating MSP premiums, green infrastructure and tackling That only happens, though, if investing in primary health care, improving our labour and employ- climate change for future genera- enough of us vote for the future ment standards laws, developing tions, and more. we want to see — and re-elect a Canada’s most ambitious climate But to do that, we need a govern- government that listens to us. And action plan and recognizing the ment that can act without constantly with Elections BC expanding mail- UN Declaration on the Rights of looking over its shoulder — a stable, in voting, you can do it safely and Indigenous Peoples in law. four-year NDP government. Because easily. Just visit elections.bc.ca/ovr, this province needs to make deci- or telephone 1-800-661-8683 for your And during the pandemic, the sions not just about getting through package, and then be sure to vote. BCNDP took care of people. They brought in job-protected sick the next few months, but what BC We have an opportunity to leave, income supports, help for rent- will look like for many years to come. make lasting changes for British ers and BC’s most vulnerable people, The good news is that we know Columbians like investments in improvements to worker safety and British Columbians share our vision. crucial public services, securing good workers’ compensation — and a jobs and opportunities for the next A recent poll the BC Federation lot more. generation, and building a better, of Labour commissioned showed fairer and more sustainable economy. Think about seniors’ care. The that 72 percent of British Columbians Liberals underfunded it and treated want to see BC make changes to We have the chance to build a private-sector long-term care as a support a fairer, more equal prov- future that works for everyone. business like any other, allowing ince, rather than going back to the Let’s take it. 8 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020 Tackling climate pollution T he government’s CleanBC plan people, communities and businesses. is aimed at reducing climate “We need to begin changing how pollution, while creating more we live, work and commute to put jobs and economic opportunities for B.C. on a cleaner, more sustain- people, businesses and communities. able path.” “The low-carbon economy we “CleanBC is a British Columbia build together will bring oppor- specific approach to making our tunities and jobs throughout the communities strong and vibrant for province, so people can live and work decades to come as we rise to the with greater security in the commun- challenge of global climate change,” ities they call home,” says Premier said George Heyman, Minister of John Horgan. Environment and Climate Change “By moving to clean, renewable Strategy. energy – like our abundant supply “We can build a low-carbon econ- of B.C. electricity – we can power omy that includes all sectors and all our growing economy and make life workers. Together, we can protect our better and more affordable for British children’s future, while making life Columbians.” more affordable today.” The government’s priorities are to: As part of this strategy, the govern- • Reduce climate pollution by shift- Environment Minister George Heyman ment’s CleanBC labour readiness ing homes, vehicles, industry and is rising to the challenge of climate plan will help ensure we can take full business off burning fossil fuels change,” Horgan said. “Every year, advantage of labour and workplace and toward greater use of clean we’re seeing the unprecedented wild- opportunities that emerge through B.C. electricity and other renew- fires and floods that hurt so many the implementation of CleanBC. able energies. • Boost energy-efficient solutions, Boosting support for seniors like zero-emission vehicles and home heat pumps, by making them more affordable and avail- I n addition to other measures taken to improve affordability and servi- ces for everyone, the NDP has taken day programs, reversing the cuts imposed by the previous govern- ment, and helping seniors to able for British Columbians. steps that are of particular interest to remain in their own homes. • Make B.C. a destination for new retired workers and our families. • Increased benefits to seniors living investment and industry look- • Provided funding of more than independently by an average of ing to meet the growing global half a billion dollars over three $930 per year under the Shelter demand for low-carbon products, years to improve services to Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) services and pollution-reducing seniors, including home support program. technologies. and residential care. • Taken action to ensure that direct The CleanBC plan was developed • Restored free passenger travel, care to seniors will – for the first to achieve the province’s legislated Monday to Friday, for seniors on time – reach the target of 3.36 climate targets of reducing green- BC Ferries. hours per resident per day by 2021. house gas emissions by 40 percent by • Eliminated PharmaCare deduct- Hundreds of thousands of care the year 2030, based on 2007 levels. ibles for senior and other families hours have already been added. The plan describes and quantifies with net incomes of $30,000 or • Rescinded the B.C. Liberals’ infam- measures that will eliminate 18.9 less, and reduced deductibles for ous Bills 29 and 94 which led to megatonnes, about 75 percent of families with net incomes up to the firing of thousands of work- the 2030 target. Remaining reduction $45,000. ers, caused mass privatization of initiatives will be quantified over the • Invested $75 million over three health care services, and disrupted next 18 to 24 months. years to support caregivers by the continuity of care to seniors “With CleanBC, British Columbia expanding respite care and adult and patients. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 9
ELECTION 2020 Here’s what it looks like when government works for people Reducing inequality, creating opportunities W hen the BC NDP took action to prevent a 4.5 percent rent increase and protect tenants from renovictions and demo- litions, B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson accused them of “pander- ing” to tenants. “They’ve put all kinds of restrictive caps on the behaviour of landlords around charging rents, long-term leases and renovation of apartments,” Wilkinson said in the Legislature last year. It’s a remarkable illustration of the mind-set of a man who was part of a government that froze the minimum wage, welfare rates and disability allowances for the most vulnerable. For a decade. In from the cold T he Horgan government moved quickly to end the freeze. The minimum wage has been steadily BC FORUM President Diane Wood shared a light moment with Premier John Horgan as she introduced him to members at the 2018 annual general meeting. increased. By next year it will be based model that costs us more than And much more $1.5 billion a year. • Made B.C. the first province to fully $15.20 an hour. The discrimina- tory server wage will be eliminated. Fixing long term care recognize the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. H Welfare and disability rates have also undreds of millions are being been increased. spent to improve long term care • Strengthened child labour Fairer taxes by hiring thousands of care aides, protection. expanding training opportunities B ig stepshave been taken towards • Shifted home support in three and removing barriers to recruitment health authorities from for-profit tax fairness with increased taxes from other parts of Canada. corporations, making it an integral on the highest income earners, and the elimination of MSP premiums The government has also ensured part of public health care. and bridge tolls. that staff only work on one site, • Restored transit passes to people boosted wages during the pandemic, with disabilities. Fixing ICBC for drivers eliminated contract flipping to • Created thousands of new licensed, T he B.C. Liberals siphoned $1.2 billion from ICBC, throwing the company into chaos. Legislation ensure continuity of care and moved to build new beds. affordable child care spaces. • Froze runaway ferry rates and By comparison, the B.C. Liberals passed this spring will provide better restored free travel for seniors. closed 3,000 long term care beds, coverage and lower rates effective encouraged privatization, and drove • Moved ahead with new hospi- May 1, 2021. down wages, reducing the quality of tals, renovation and expansion In addition, B.C. will no longer be care for the most vulnerable seniors throughout the province. the only province with a litigation in our province. • Adopted a plan to reduce poverty. 10 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
DAVE’S CORNER Looking for a fall activity? By David Porteous are still young at least mentally if not your family and friends and engage F all is upon us. Embrace the physically. in positive conversation about what change in weather and activities is important to you and family in Now is the time! that can boost your well-being. these difficult times. If possible, stay For many the upcoming election could help them stay active and O ur government needs a new four year mandate not only to continue the fight against COVID but connected using any technology you have. This is the time to speak up engaged. and let your knowledge and feelings to ensure that our social programs be heard. COVID-19 has changed our lives expand and continue to help the in many ways and I am sure it will Remember to stay connected while families with the best health resour- practicing physical distancing. change the way the election is run. ces possible. Now more than ever Many of us started reading more to we need to keep a government that When the 2020 COVID-19 escape isolation during COVID. We believes in putting people first. pandemic fades away, we will need a have been bombarded with some- government where the priorities are times stressful information. We must How you can help! families first. Helping in this elec- F find solutions to escape (if only for a irst you may want to call your tion will help you walk away from moment) from this reality. The elec- local candidate. They will need this historic milestone stronger and tion could be part of the solution. your help whether it’s just a dona- mentally well. For many seniors who have run tion or help in other areas. I am sure David is a Licensed Insurance and worked many elections we may they will give you information that (Nominee), an Elder Planning Counselor hear the mumbling “another elec- is important to the outcome of the and a charter member of the Canadian tion.” Just remember life goes on, we election. Another option is to contact Initiative for Elder Planning Studies. BC FORUM BC FORUM Health Health & Dental Plans Plans Exclusively for Exclusively for BC FORUM members membersand andtheir theirfamilies families * Ifare • If you youthinking are thinkingofofretiring retiring * Retired • If you with little are retired withor no few retiree or nobenefits retiree benefits * Still • If you areworking but needbut still working benefits need benefits Plans that conditions Plans cover pre-existing cover pre-existing conditions if converting and out from a previous of Country group Medical plan within 60 days, and some BC FORUM Benefit Plans have coverage for you! plans cover out of country medical if you are medically stable, as per the policy wording. E&OE For union Union products products and services, and services are just acontact us away: phone call today: Metro Vancouver: 604-941-7430 Ext. 108 www.weconsultants.ca Metro• BC Vancouver: 250-861-5200 Interior:604 Ext. 108 941-7430, Ext. 108 Toll Free: 1-855-894-8111 info@weconsultants.ca B.C. Interior: 250 861-5200 Ext. 108 We specialize in: Toll free: 1 855 894-8111 Third Party administration We specialize in: Services, Health & Welfare Plan Design Third & Management party administration in health services, houseandASO or Insured. welfare plan design and management in house ASO or insured. Trust & Pension Design & Management, Insurance Trust and pension design and management, insurance company and Company and Union Negotiations, Stand-Alone Consulting & Benefits union negotiations, stand-alone long-term disability including WE Consulting & Benefits Services Ltd. Long-Term Disability including optional LTD programs optional LTD programs for members. Benefit bargaining courses. Div. of CAUS Canadian Administrative Underwriting Services Inc. for members. Benefit Bargaining Courses. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 11
ELECTION 2020 An economy that works for everyone, not just the rich BC has led Canada in its 7,000 new front-line health-care • Support strong commun- workers. This includes thousands ities by investing over $400 response to COVID-19 of health-care aides to manage million to revitalize community economic challenges – outbreaks in long-term care infrastructure and support local with more to come homes and 600 contact tracers governments to provide the valu- T to help stop further spread in able services people depend on. heBC NDP government has the community. The plan will This includes $100 million in outlined additional steps it also increase support for mental infrastructure grants for shovel- will take to help people, busi- health care in the workplace and ready projects that will create jobs nesses and communities come out introduce a new Hospital at Home right away. The plan also earmarks of COVID-19 stronger and better initiative that will allow patients over $1 billion in provincial and prepared. B.C.’s total provincial to receive medical services in their federal investments to help keep response exceeds $8.25 billion. own home from a team of health people moving, whether by transit, “As British Columbians, we’ve professionals. TransLink or BC Ferries. An addi- been through a lot recently. We tional $540 million in combined know our recovery won’t happen • Create jobs and opportunities by investing in targeted and short- federal/provincial funding will overnight, but by focusing on people help B.C. communities address and taking care of each other, we will term training in the skills people need to get work in high-demand other local challenges impacted ensure there are better days ahead for by COVID-19. all of us,” says Premier John Horgan. fields, including for those who want to move into new, front-line The plan includes $1.5 billion B.C. entered the pandemic as an in economic recovery spending health, child care and human- economic leader in Canada, making it measures that respond to immedi- service positions. The plan will also among the best-positioned to support ate needs. It is in addition to $660 expand Indigenous skills train- a strong recovery. Since moving million in tax measures and more ing and accelerate the creation of forward with a safe restart plan in than $1.86 billion in federal and affordable child-care spaces so that mid-May, we have had stronger- provincial restart funding for munici- more parents, particularly women, than-expected consumer spending, palities, transit and education. It also can get back to work. It includes housing activity and employment builds on B.C.’s record $22-billion investments of over $100 million gains. By August, almost 250,000 jobs investment in public infrastructure to support tourism-related busi- had been restored, equal to 62% of over the next three years. Those nesses and communities. the jobs lost due to the pandemic. capital projects are estimated to • Help businesses grow and rehire “When COVID-19 first hit, we create 100,000 direct and indirect with a 15% refundable tax credit acted quickly to keep people safe and jobs over the life of the projects. based on eligible new payroll. It support those in need. While we are The next steps build on the prog- will also introduce a small and now starting to see hopeful signs of medium sized business recovery ress the NDP has made with new recovery, we know many people are grant to support approximately investments to expand CleanBC, still struggling. There is a lot of work 15,000 hard-hit businesses, while reduce air pollution and tackle left to do,” says Finance Minister protecting as many as 200,000 climate change, prepare for its Carole James. jobs. Tourism operators will be impacts and create good, new jobs. “British Columbians are pull- eligible for a special top-up. The In developing the plan, B.C. ing together, and we’ll be there to plan will also provide a temporary engaged nearly 50,000 British support them every step of the way.” 100% PST rebate on select machin- Columbians in every region of the S tronger BC for Everyone: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan will help build a stronger, more resilient econ- ery and equipment to make it easier for eligible businesses to province. Premier Horgan and James also met with business, labour and make the kinds of investments Indigenous groups, economists, omy for everyone: that will allow them to grow and youth, green technology experts, • Improve health care by hiring become more productive. faith leaders and many more. 12 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020 We’re the Hospital Employees’ Union On the front lines and behind the scenes, our members are working for your care. Finance Minister Carole James, who was diagnosed with Parkin- son’s Disease early this year and is not seeking re-election, will con- tinue to oversee economic recovery spending, ensuring continu- ity of support to people, businesses and communities during the campaign period. What they’re saying The right time for an election “I believe that calling this election is not only timely, but it is also prudent given the intensifying COVID-19 pandemic…. “Now is not the time for a shaky coalition govern- ment that could fall at any moment. We need a majority government, a strong majority government with a strong mandate. “I have 15 grandchildren and I’m gravely concerned about what the future holds for them, their health and well-being. I want a strong government in place to deal with the unprecedented challenges forthcoming.” – Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs The best government in Canada “I’m hard pressed to think of a better governing party in this country than the BC NDP; indeed, my sense is that British Columbia is the best-governed province in Canada.” – David Moscrop, postdoctoral fellow at the University of /hospitalemployeesunion @heu_in_bc Ottawa, studies democratic deliberation, political deci- sion making and digital media. He writes for Washington \ @HospEmpUnion heu.org Post, Maclean’s Magazine and several other media. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 13
ELECTION 2020 Tackling the “For many years, there has been a patchwork approach to how old opioid crisis growth forests are managed in our province, and this has caused a loss of B ritish Columbia is pioneering new biodiversity,” says Doug Donaldson, ways to save lives by providing Minister of Forests. safer alternatives to increasingly toxic “We need to do better and find street drugs. a path forward that preserves old In a North American first, the prov- growth forests while supporting ince will offer more legal alternatives forestry workers,” he says. and allow nurses to prescribe them. “We are breaking new ground “A decade of dirty here, no question about that,” says Judy Darcy, minister of mental health money” – report and addictions. The initiative will support patients T he B.C. Liberals ignored the warn- ings and allowed millions upon millions from illegal activity to be who could not find a doctor willing to prescribe take-home opioids. laundered through B.C. casinos. A report by Peter German QC, who Supporting conducted an independent review for forestry jobs Protecting old the provincial government, called it growth forests “a decade of dirty money.” N ew regulations requiring domes- tic processing of lumber prior to export go into effect Sept. 30, 2020. Ina new approach to forest manage- ment, B.C. will protect more than The “dirty money” powered the opioid crisis, made it easier for drug dealers to operate, and even The changes are designed to 350,000 hectares of old growth forest contributed to the housing afford- increase domestic processing, creat- from logging. ability crisis. ing jobs in B.C. rather than in The commitment follows the release of A New Future for Old Forests, It happened because the B.C. foreign lands. a report that will guide an overhaul Liberals refused to act and looked the other way when the alarm bells More child care of forestry rules. rang. Not once. Not twice. But time It is based on the work of two C hild carespaces are being created at the fastest pace in B.C. hist- ory – an average of 780 new spaces foresters who travelled the province for months, hearing about how B.C.’s and time again. The BC NDP has appointed massive old growth trees should be Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullin each month. protected. to conduct a public inquiry. More than 20,000 spaces have been funded in the last two years. Information for retired workers Through a range of initiatives under the Childcare BC plan, more • The Office of the BC Seniors’ to B.C. seniors. Search the web than 32,000 children have received Advocate provides links to a for “When I’m 64: Benefits for child care for no more than $10 a day. wide range of services including Seniors” to get a free copy. health care, housing, income • The Council of Senior “The momentum of our Childcare support, personal support Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. BC plan continues to build despite and transportation. Visit (COSCO) offers free work- the challenges British Columbia has www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca. shops to seniors groups. Visit been facing over the past months,” • Protect yourself from scam artists www.seniorshelpingseniors.ca says Katrina Chen, Minister of State with info from the Canadian for a complete list of topics. for Child care. Centre for Elder Law. Google “Be • The Deprescribing Network – “We remain committed to giving a Savvy Senior Fraud Protection.” deprescribing.org – has info on families better access to inclusive, • The People’s Law School has how to safely reduce medications quality affordable child care as we summarized benefits available that may no longer be needed. rebuild our economy,” she says. 14 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
TOGETHER WE’RE STRONG Strengthening Renew your membership BC FORUM has never been more P at the mailing label on this edition of The Advocate lease have a look to check whether your membership is now due for renewal. If your membership is about to expire, you can renew by mailing the coupon below important to BC FORUM, #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1. You can also join us or renew your membership on-line at www.bcforum.ca. Please encourage your friends to join our team Many unions cover first year dues T hrough our unions , before we retired, we’ve all seen the bene- fits of collective action. Our voices B C FORUM actively welcomes members who are 50 and better, working or retired, and the list of unions that cover the first year dues for their quali- fied members keeps growing! We welcome CUPE 402 and the B.C. Ferry and are strongest when we stand together Marine Workers Union to the ranks of unions that support our campaigns in solidarity. and our work. That’s where BC FORUM comes in. If you’re not yet a member, contact your union for details. Some even pay We are the only provincial organiza- dues for three years. And don’t be shy about encouraging your friends and tion that represents union members family members to join us. Solidarity makes us strong. who have retired or are nearing í retirement. We are an integral part of the labour movement, with formal BC FORUM has always provided free $2,500 representation in leadership bodies, Accidental Death and Dismemberment insur- Great and maintain strong links with prov- ance coverage to members. incial and national seniors’ groups. We are proud to now extend this coverage deal! Together, we can make a differ- to members’ spouses at the low cost of $5 per ence for ourselves and our families. year. All you have to do is check the appropriate Please encourage friends, colleagues box when you apply or renew your member- and family members to join us ship. BC FORUM’s AD&D coverage is valid until using the form below, or on-line at you reach age 86, the maximum age we were www.bcforum.ca. able to negotiate. # Your expiry date is on the mailing label. BCGEU, BCFMW, HSA, MoveUp, CEU, CUPE Locals 386, 402 and 7000; UFCW 1518, Heat and Frost, and LiUNA 1611 pay first year dues for qualified members. B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members • #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, V5R 4H1 604 688-4565 • 1 800 896-5678 • Fax: 604 430-5917 • bcforum@bcfed.ca • www.bcforum.ca Membership: q Application q Renewal q New address Name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| LAST FIRST INITIAL Address: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| STREET ADDRESS CITY POSTAL CODE Phone: |__|__|__| |__|__|__|__|__|__|__| E-mail: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Union: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of birth:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR Spouse’s name: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Spouse’s birth date:* |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR Single membership: q $20 - 1 year q $49 - 3 years With AD&D for spouse: q $25 - 1 year q $64 - 3 years q Cheque q Visa q MC Expiry |__|__| / |__|__| CVV*|__|__|__| SIGNATURE Card number: |__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Date of application: |__|__| |__|__| |__|__|__|__| DAY MONTH YEAR * Required for Accidental Death & Dismemberment group insurance coverage to age 86. * Credit card companies now require the CVV for payment to be processed. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 15
ELECTION 2020 Explore the options for voting E lections BC, the impartial body safeguarding their health and exer- Voting in person T that oversees provincial elec- cising their right to vote. All voters o prevent close contact, some tions, has for months been have the option of voting in person familiar voting procedures will studying ways to safely conduct elec- with protective measures in place, or be different. For example, voters will tions during a pandemic. voting by mail,” he says. make a verbal declaration of their “Recognizing that the pandemic Voters should stay home if they eligibility to vote instead of signing would likely be a factor whenever are feeling sick or self-isolating, a book. You can also bring your own the next election was held, planning and instead request a vote-by-mail pen or pencil to mark your ballot. for a pandemic election began in package. Advance voting opportunities early April,” says a statement from have been expanded to seven days Voting by mail Elections BC. to provide more options and help “At that time, Elections BC reached out to the Office of the Provincial E lections BC is anticipating a significant increase in voting by mail, which is an option available to reduce numbers in voting places. Advance voting places will be open Health Officer and other Canadian from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Pacific time all voters. election agencies to consult on the starting Thursday, Oct. 15 and ending development of safe voting plans. In past elections, about 1 percent on Wednesday, Oct. 21. of votes were cast by mail. “New Brunswick held a provincial Voting places will be open during election during the pandemic on Surveys conducted by Elections the same times on election day, September 14, 2020. Saskatchewan BC in May and August suggest this Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:00 am to has a provincial election scheduled may grow to as much as 35 percent 8:00 pm Pacific time. for October 26, 2020,” it said. this year. Safe voting practices are detailed “Our main focus is ensuring a The voting packages required to at elections.bc.ca/safevoting. The safe and accessible voting process,” vote by mail can be requested now. measures include physical distancing, says Chief Electoral Officer Anton To do so, visit the Elections BC capacity limits, election officials wear- Boegman. website at elections.bc.ca/ovr, or tele- ing personal protective equipment, “We have been working with Dr. phone 1-800-661-8683. protective barriers, hand sanitiz- Bonnie Henry’s office to develop our The agency notes that there are ing stations, and frequent cleaning safe voting plans and make sure that proven processes in place to admin- of voting stations and frequently voters don’t have to choose between ister voting by mail, tested in several touched surfaces – most of which recent provincial elections and we’re all familiar with from grocery referenda. shopping. Preserving Strict procedures are in place to In addition, voters are encouraged the history of ensure the integrity of the process. to wear masks to protect others. BC workers New address? New e-mail address? Please send your new address and e-mail address to BC Forum. Oral history program You can mail in the form on page 15, or you can reach us by telephone Walking Tours • Research or e-mail: 1.800.896.5678 (toll free), 604.688.4565, bcforum@bcfed.ca Newsletter • Videos Labour History School Curriculum 41946512 www.labourheritagecentre.ca Please check the expiry date on your label. Is your membership due for renewal? 16 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
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