Our front-line health care workers provide valuable services to seniors and people with disabilities

2016 marks the sixth annual Health Care Assistant Day in BC. With more than 38,000 health care assistants across the province, be sure to take a moment and acknowledge our care aides and community health workers and the very important work they do.

• Read the B.C. government proclamation here. 
• Download the poster here.
• Download postcards here.

Watch BCGEU president Stephanie Smith’s statement on Health Care Assistant Day

“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all community health workers and care aides on Health Care Assistant Day. These caregivers make a difference in people’s lives every day, providing personal care to clients at their home and at health care facilities.

“I know how hard you work, and I know how dedicated you are to your job and to your clients. But I also recognize that funding cuts have made it hard for you to do your jobs. You are expected to do more with less. That’s why we are launching our campaign: Seniors Deserve Better. We will be pressuring the provincial government to ensure funding levels are high enough to help our clients lead longer, healthier, happier lives.”

-Carla Dempsey, Vice President, Community Health Component 8

“October 18 is Health Care Assistant Day in BC. I urge all British Columbians to take a moment and recognize these workers and the important work they do.

“The B.C. government proclamation states that ‘health care assistants have demonstrated to be an indispensable component in the safety and quality of personal care to patients, clients and residents.’ Our care aides work around the clock to deliver hands-on, quality, compassionate care to seniors and others living with chronic conditions. They are the frontline workers who provide a supportive, caring environment, which allows their patients to live in dignity and remain independent and active as long as possible.”

-Sherry Ogasawara, Vice President, Health Services Component 4