CAOT-BC at HSA Convention

On Friday April 7, 2017, CAOT-BC attended the Health Sciences Association (HSA) annual convention in Vancouver, BC. There were approximately 300 delegates from over 20 different health disciplines representing all regions of British Columbia. Categories of resolutions debated and voted on included: education, health services, labour relations, occupational health and safety, and political action, among others.

Resolutions of note:

• HSA will “continue to support public awareness of all professions in HSA, including those which may not have widespread recognition”. (carried)
• In regard to the limited resources of the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program, HSA will “lobby the government and health authorities to develop and implement alternative equipment loan strategies to adequately meet the needs of all clients in BC”. (carried)

John Horgan, from the NDP party, made the keynote speech and discussed the party’s proposed health care changes, pledging to advocate for the health sciences in providing better health outcomes for patients across British Columbia.

As voted by the delegates, Val Avery was re-elected as HSA’s president for another term.

To learn more about HSA and how they represent occupational therapists, visit http://www.hsabc.org

By Christl Bradley, fieldwork student with CAOT-BC