BURNABY—The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) has issued a second call for applications to its $3 million professional development fund, after revising the funding and eligibility guidelines, in order to provide more opportunities for health science professionals to increase specialization, improve health care service to rural and remote areas of B.C., and meet ongoing requirements for professional development.
Funding is still available and CUPE members covered by the HSPBA are encouraged to either apply or, for those whose first applications were denied, to seek reconsideration. Details about the PD Fund were announced in September.
Funding criteria have been broadened in these ways:
- Within the same funding caps, the funding guidelines have been broadened to now also include eligibility for education that starts after August 31, 2019 (up until education that starts on December 31, 2019);
- Exam fees and travel related to exam fees;
- Travel for education within Canada;
- With acceptable rationale, education costs and travel for education within USA;
- With acceptable rationale, education costs (but not travel) for education internationally.
Members are encouraged to review the new funding eligibility guidelines, application and frequently asked questions documents. Previously-denied applications will not be automatically reviewed under the new criteria. Members who were previously denied may seek reconsideration by emailing:
- For CUPE 15 members, submit applications to: Mark Gloumeau: mgloumeau@cupe15.org
- For CUPE 1978 members, submit applications to: Lindsay Fumalle: fumalle@cupe1978.com
- For CUPE 4816 members, submit applications to: Connie Penman: conniepenman@shaw.ca
In solidarity,
Chris Losito
CUPE Health Coordinator – BC Region