HSPBA and BC Government Agree on New Funding for Professional Development

Working in partnership with the government of British Columbia, the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association has secured $3 million in new funding to support professional development for members covered by the Health Sciences Professional Bargaining Association collective agreement. The funding, provided by the BC Ministry of Health, will allow members to pursue further specialization of skills in key professions.

Key points about the new professional development funding:

The funding is to be allocated to training and upgrading skills for HSPBA members working in professions experiencing shortages, or in rural and remote locations, as well as ongoing required professional development for all HSPBA members;
The funding will apply to education or training commenced between April 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022;
The education or training must pertain to professional development in a health science professional discipline being practiced in the public health care system; and
Eligible expenses for reimbursement include tuition fees, registration fees, cost of required books or materials, and other reasonable education-related expenses and may also include reasonable costs of travel and accommodation if the applicant must travel or temporarily relocate to attend education or training or related clinical placement.

All health science professionals covered by the HSPBA collective agreement, which includes members of HSA, BCGEU, CUPE, PEA and HEU are eligible to apply for funding. Details on the application process will follow.

Brett Harper

Interim Labour Relations Officer