Time to celebrate the tireless, dedicated work of BC's health care assistants

October 18^th marks the second annual Health Care Assistant Day in BC. It is a day to recognize health care assistants in BC and the very important work and contribution they make to our health care system.

As a result of Canada’s rapidly aging population, Canada is facing a significant demographic shift. According to census numbers released last month, there has been a 38 per cent increase of the number of seniors living in nursing homes over the last decade.

It is clear now, more than ever before, how critical the role of caregivers in health facilities and with clients at home is within our healthcare system.

This summer we reached out to many of our health care members who work in residential care. We heard from you about how you enjoy caring for seniors. We also heard from you about the challenges you face in providing quality care – including dealing with short staffing, increased workload, and dangerous and unsafe working conditions.

You told us that the threat and reality of contracting out makes it very hard to make ends meet, and that many of you are working more than one job to support your families.

Your union is standing up for you and the care you provide at the bargaining table, and in Victoria, calling on the government to implement the BC Ombudsperson's recommendations on seniors' care, and increased funding for home and community care.

On October 18, be sure to take time to acknowledge and celebrate our hard-working, dedicated community health workers and care aides and thank them for their tireless commitment.