Health care workers rally to defend patient care from Liberal cuts

Nurses, health science professionals and other health care providers from Vancouver General Hospital, G.F. Strong, UBC Hospital and the Cancer Agency will lead a protest march and rally through the streets of downtown Vancouver tomorrow, February 2.

Workers from these facilities are angry with the Liberal government for the passage of Bill 29 that will slash the delivery of patient care while gutting their collective agreements. They know this bill will pave the way for hospital closures, for the privatization of health care and for deep cuts in the province’s health care services if allowed to stand.

The marchers will proceed from the Stadium Skytrain station to the Vancouver Art Gallery, where speakers will include HEU president Fred Muzin; B.C. Nurses’ Union president Debra McPherson; Kathleen Troger, HSA chief steward at VGH; B.C. Government Employees’ Union president George Heyman; John Fitzpatrick, president of the Vancouver and District Labour Council and David Cadman, president of the Committee for Progressive Electors.

Members of the public are encouraged to add their voice to this protest. Marchers will assemble at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Stadium Skytrain station and walk to the art gallery.

For more information, contact: Dale Fuller, HEU communications officer, 604/818-5105 (cell)