BURNABY—The Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association (HSPBA) is pleased to announce the creation of a new $3-million professional development fund for members of the health care team to undertake professional development to increase specialization, improve health care service to rural and remote areas of B.C., and meet ongoing requirements for professional development.
The fund, available to health science professionals who work under the HSPBA collective agreement, was created through a contribution from the Ministry of Health. CUPE’s share of the funding for its members is approximately $115,000. Applications will be reviewed and approved by CUPE HSPBA locals and funds will be directly reimbursed to successful applicants upon production of receipts for eligible expenses.
The fund focuses on supporting professional development in three areas:
- $1 million to encourage HSPBA members to retrain for health science professions experiencing shortages in B.C.
- $1 million to enhance professional development opportunities for health science professionals working in rural or remote areas of B.C.
- $1 million to assist health science professionals across the province to meet ongoing requirements for professional development.
All health science professionals covered by the HSPBA collective agreement, which includes members of PEA, HSA, BCGEU, CUPE, and HEU, are eligible to apply for funding. Applications will be approved on a first come, first served basis, until the fund is exhausted. Members are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The guidelines, application, and frequently asked questions documents are downloadable.
- 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