GLP Meeting with the Minister of Finance

Dear PEA members,

This afternoon, we had a productive meeting with the Minister of Finance, Brenda Bailey, and her Chief of Staff, Kelly Sather, reinforcing the crucial role that government licensed professionals (GLP) play in the safety, sustainability, and resilience of our province. Our preparation for this meeting was extensive, ensuring that we effectively communicated the importance of investing in public sector professionals.

We emphasized that, particularly in times of economic uncertainty, the province must lean on the expertise and dedication of its licensed professionals to maintain stability and drive economic growth. We linked our message directly to the 2025 Throne Speech, highlighting how professionals are integral to the government’s plans for building a self-reliant economy that creates well-paying jobs and strengthens BC’s future.

Our discussions focused on three key areas: the need for competitive compensation, reducing reliance on external contractors, and ensuring that professionals have access to modernized tools. We made it clear that public sector professionals are the backbone of regulatory oversight and we urged the government to prioritize investments in its own workforce rather than outsourcing critical expertise.

The meeting was engaging, with insightful questions about the work of PEA members, and acknowledgements of the challenges that lie ahead. There was a recognition of the importance of the public service and the labour movement in supporting the province’s long-term goals. We left the meeting confident that our message was heard.

With the Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC) mandate still to be determined, this is just one of the proactive steps we are taking to ensure that government decision-makers understand the long-term value of government licensed professionals.

The bargaining committee will also be prioritizing protecting employment security, as outlined in Memorandum of Agreement #10 in the collective agreement. 

In the coming months, we will continue to meet with other Ministers and key decision-makers to ensure our priorities remain at the forefront. We will keep you updated on our progress. You can review the package we submitted to the Minister of Finance HERE and see photos on the PEA socials.

In solidarity,

Dwayne Anderson
GLP Chapter Chair

Allison Westin
GLP Bargaining Chair

Trevor Demerse
GLP Bargaining Committee 

Melissa Moroz
Executive Director

Andrea Mears
Labour Relations Officer