Making Members' Voices Heard
We know that despite gains over the past few years, health care is stretched and British Columbians continue to worry it might not be there when they need it.
At the same time, a renewed U.S.–Canada trade war is impacting government and political decision‑making – adding risk and uncertainty to provincial and national finances. As a result, senior levels of government are looking for ways to protect frontline services while reducing public spending, in the face of strong Conservative opposition in both legislatures calling for deeper cuts.
HEU and the tens of thousands of members we represent across the health system cannot ignore these significant political and economic challenges. The work we embark on together now will be critical to the future of your work and public health care itself.
That’s why we have HEU Votes – an ongoing campaign of the union to get HEU locals connected with their labour councils, engage members in political issues that affect them, and hold governments accountable for their promises.
Over the years, we’ve achieved many victories for health care workers as a union, like pay equity, reversing privatization, wage levelling and investments in health care. We’ve done it all through collective action. But we make progress when we can work with senior levels of governments that listen to workers.
That's why using our collective strength and getting involved in elections, at all levels, is the best way to support public health care, and make progress on the issues that matter most for HEU members.
Starting in the spring of 2026, HEU Votes will once again provide a series of workshops across the province for members to learn more about why politics matters and the history of HEU.
In the fall, HEU will be working with the Canadian Labour Congress to support local government and school board trustees endorsed by local labour councils.