Wildfires in the interior of B.C. are putting communities at risk and creating significant staffing shortages in health care sites that are already stretched to the limit.
In response, the Ministry of Health has re-opened the Emergency Health Provider Registry and is inviting health authority employees to register themselves for possible voluntary deployment to communities that require urgent staffing assistance because of the wildfire emergency.
Interested members can voluntarily sign up by registering online. (This link was updated July 2022)
Members do not require a supervisor's approval to register, but are encouraged to speak with their supervisor in advance. However, in the event that a member is called, the supervisor must approve the duty. The employer will arrange the assignment, including travel, accommodation and compensation.
Signing up for the registry does not obligate you to accept a deployment.
The guiding principles for deployment are that deployed staff will go to a position that is substantially the same/similar to their base position, and that compensation and benefits continue with no interruption.
The Ministry of Health has taken steps to ensure that your personal information will be securely managed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
During an emergency, the registry will periodically email you to see if your availability or information has changed.
You will probably have additional questions about the conditions of deployment including information on compensation, seniority, travel costs and accommodation. The Ministry of Health has produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document as well as other information about the registry that will answer many of these questions.