We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kellie Shand, a long-time BCGEU member, who tragically died while on shift as a correctional officer at Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC).

This is a terrible tragedy for not only our Corrections and Sheriffs component, but for our entire union. In his 22-year career as a correctional officer, Kellie was a committed and experienced professional, dedicated to keeping our communities safe. 

While the exact circumstances of his passing are still being determined, I want to reaffirm our union's commitment to workplace safety and protection on the job.

My heart and thoughts are with Kellie's friends, family, and his colleagues at VIRCC and the broader B.C. Corrections and Sheriffs community during this difficult time.

-- Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President

Local 467/MoveUP

To: All BCGEU Members in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton and Smithers (at the below listed worksites)

Hello Everyone!

Executive Vice President, James Coccola will be visiting worksites in Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton and Smithers starting at 8:00 am on October 22 as outlined in the schedule below (all times are approximate):

Prince Rupert, Sunday October 22^nd, 2017:

1. 8:00 - 10:00 am Crest Motor Hotel
2. 11:15 - 11:35 am BC Liquor Store

Old Hazelton, Monday October 23^rd, 2017:

1. 10:00 – 10:45 am MCFD/Service BC/Forestry

Smithers, Monday October 23^rd, 2017:

1. 1:00 – 1:45 pm Bulkley Lodge
2. 3:00 – 3:45 pm Northwest Community College Smithers Campus

Terrace, Tuesday October 24^th, 2017:

1. 1:00 – 1:45 pm Community Corrections
2. 2:00 – 2:45 pm Social Development
3. 3:00 - 3:45 pm Sheriffs
4. 4:00 – 4:45 pm McConnell Estates

Terrace, Wednesday October 25^th, 2017:

1. 8:30 – 9:15 am Service BC/Ministry of Labour
2. 10:30 – 11:15 am MCFD Sub Regional Office
3. 3:00 – 3:45 pm Northwest Community College
4. 4:00 – 4:45 pm Northern Health – Public Health on Kalum Street

 _{Local467/MoveUP}

Yesterday, the BCGEU entered our submission to the B.C. Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services yesterday, outlining the union's priorities for the upcoming provincial budget for 2018/19.

This budget marks an important moment. It will take the next steps toward a fiscal plan for the province that truly puts families and communities first.

"We support the new government in its readiness to honour and renew this tradition of public leadership. We offer practical suggestions for strengthening the vital public programs and services upon which its success depends," said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.

We asked the committee to adopt the following recommendations and advocate for their incorporation into the upcoming budget:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive affordable housing strategy.

2. Begin implementation of universal, affordable, $10 a Day Child Care.

3. Invest in community-based health and its workforce.

4. Restore funding to the justice system, especially for court services, corrections, and legal aid.

5. Make a significant reinvestment in natural resource management, environmental protection and climate action.

6. Restore funding for postsecondary education.

We also asked the government to explore these options to access additional revenue, and restore fairness to B.C.'s tax and revenue system:

1. Further increase personal income tax rates for society's top earners.

2. Restore B.C.'s corporate income tax rate to 13.5 per cent.

3. Implement new housing-related tax measures.

4. Eliminate costly and inefficient oil and gas subsidies.

5. Strengthen revenue opportunities for the Liquor Distribution Branch.

6. Invest in the proactive enforcement of employment standards rules.

7. Increase operational funding for BC Parks.

"B.C.'s future depends on the government's budget decisions. Immediate action to expand government revenues and to implement tax fairness, invest in vital public services, and promote equality, sustainability and diversification will fulfill the long-term vision for good jobs, healthy families, strong communities and a greater economy for B.C., said Smith.

You can read our submission here…

Local 467/MoveUP

Download the PDF file of the 2017 Fall issue of The Provincial magazine. In this issue:

• Electing workplace stewards
• Dangerous work at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
• BCGEU’s sound financial management
• Mental health first aid
• and more...

Show support for youth in and from foster care, group homes, and other types of government care in B.C.

Rally: B.C. Legislature
Tuesday October 24, 2017, 3:00 pm

19 years ago, the province of BC declared October Community Living Month. The BCGEU is proud to represent thousands of members across the province who have dedicated their careers to helping those who are not able, or need the assistance of others, to bring a level of independence and quality of life that benefits not only those with developmental disabilities, but also the communities that we live in.

Through volunteer programs, day programs, employment programs, home care and more, our members are there to ensure that every day begins and ends with the support they need to enjoy life in the way that most take for granted.

This month we honour our members who work each day in Community Living, we celebrate those with developmental disabilities who do not let their challenges hold them back and bring value to all our communities. 

October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are our reason for demanding continued action.

The BCGEU believes that the October 4th Sisters In Spirit Vigils are a movement for social change. The number of SIS Vigils has grown from 11 in 2006 to an impressive 216 vigils in 2014.

Family members, Indigenous community members, and concerned citizens gather for a vigil every October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. 

Vigils will be taking place in many communities around the province. These gatherings serve to raise awareness and to provide support to families who have lost a loved one. 

For a full list of events taking place in British Columbia, visit the Native Women's Association of Canada website:

https://www.nwac.ca/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-spirit/october-4th-vigils/  

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union President Stephanie Smith and other union members will be in Fort St. John Tuesday to help open the BCGEU's new building on 100th Ave.

Smith will officially open the new BCGEU area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street late Tuesday afternoon. The two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers, and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John.

Read more...

Fort Saint John --- President Stephanie Smith and the rest of the Provincial Executive members will be in Fort St. John to visit with local B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) members at their workplaces.

"Showing up and talking with members in their community about the issues that affect them is one of the best ways to understand how the union can be a positive force in peoples' lives" said Stephanie Smith.

"Being available to meet face to face is part of our commitment to northern communities. In Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, the BCGEU is here for working people. It's why we decided to put that commitment into action, and invest in building a new union area office in Fort St. John."

Later in the week, President Stephanie Smith will officially open the new $5 million B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union area office on the corner of 100th Ave and 102nd Street.

This two-storey, 6,300-square-foot building was built by unionized workers and was designed to be one of the most modern and sustainable buildings in all of Fort St. John. Members and their community will be able to use the new space and its meeting rooms, lounge, as well as ample parking with block heater outlets. 

There will be an official event on October 3^rd at 6 PM that is open to BCGEU members and their friends and family, as well as media. BCGEU President Stephanie Smith and Mayor Lori Ackerman will be in attendance to make a few brief remarks and meet with guests.