The BCGEU have been working with the provincial government and contract service providers to ensure continuity of service for our members and the public. The BC Government recently announced two notices of intent to extend their contracts with IBM (ISM) to continue providing IT services to health authorities and for provincial government. 
 
The health IT contract extension provides for service by ISM, for an additional nine months (to December 31, 2019) with the possibility of two additional 3-month extensions. This will ensure continuity of service and allow the procurement process to finalize with the new contract service provider.
 
In addition, the Ministry of Citizen Services contract extension provides service by ISM for an additional 12 months (to March 31, 2020) with the possibility of two additional 3-month extensions if required.
 
The BCGEU is working with ISM and the leading proponent (NTT Data) to ensure successorship for our members when the new health IT contract becomes operational and to provide support during the transition period. The contract extensions allow the government and contractors time to finalize the changeover in service delivery within a manageable timeframe.
 
Your union is actively monitoring the transition, and we will issue periodic updates to members when new information becomes available.
 
In solidarity,
 
Judy Fox-McGuire
Vice-president - Social, Information and Health Component 6
 
Lori Strom
BCGEU staff representative