New HSPBA annual professional development fund available for CUPE health members

BURNABY—In the 2019-22 round of collective bargaining, the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) negotiated an annual $400,000 professional development fund for its members. These funds have now been made available and members are encouraged to identify courses and/or workshops and apply for funds beginning today.

CUPE’s portion of these funds each year is approximately $15,000. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available. The funds cover tuition or fees for courses, programs or conferences to a maximum of $300 per member. These funds cannot be applied to books, travel expenses or to cover wages.

Programs must relate to professional development in a health science discipline being practiced in the public health care system.

The first release of funds is for the April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 contract year. Programs taken between February 10, 2020 and December 31, 2020 will be considered, with only one application per member permitted for the period of February 10, 2020 through March 31, 2022.

Successful applicants will be reimbursed upon proof of completion of the program applied for, along with receipt for costs claimed. If a course, program or workshop is cancelled or otherwise not attended, the application will be cancelled and the member must reapply on a first-come, first-served basis.