THE STAND - Public Health Nova Scotia's Forgotten Frontline: NSGEU
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THE STAND
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I
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A PUBLICATION OF THE N.S. GOVERNMENT & GENERAL EMPLOYEES UNION SPRING 2021
Nova Scotia’s Forgotten Frontline:
Public Health
President’s Letter What’s Inside
CONNECT WITH US!
FEATURESAcute THE STAND
4-9 NS Forgotten Frontline: Public Health is a publication of the
We want to hear from our members. If you have 10-11 Union Campaign Saves 91 Jobs Nova Scotia Government and
Meet your union!
thoughts on this issue of The Stand, or ongoing union General Employees Union
issues, send us your feedback! You can email us at 12 Health Care Members Bargaining Update 255 John Savage Ave.
inquiry@nsgeu.ca or connect with us: Dartmouth, NS, B3B 0J3
14-15 Presentation to Health Committee LTC
facebook.com/NSGEU The membership of the Nova Scotia Government & General
16-18 Interview with NUPGE President Larry Brown Executive Officers
Employees Union is incredibly diverse
President
20-21 A Visit to the Black Loyalists Heritage Centre Jason MacLean
@NSGEU @JMACL3AN Gender Sectors 22-23 Education Calendar 2021 902-424-4063
1st Vice President
Almost 70 per cent of NSGEU's membership Our members work in a wide range of 25 Work from Home Tax Credit Sandra Mullen
occupations, which fall under four main
identify as female. Our union has a very strong
categories: Health Care (Acute), Health 26 Sister of the Year: Robin MacLean 902-841-0108
& active Women's Issues Committee to
represent these members' issues. Care (Community), Government & 2nd Vice President
Education. 29 Mental Health Resources for Members Tammy Gillis
Dear members,
She He Did not identify
Other
902-759-7530
3rd Vice President
I
2
2.576K
Melissa Marsman
n some ways, it is hard to believe that we have been at the feet of our government. I don’t say this to be NSGEU TWEETS 902-495-9010
7.101K 13609 3632 4349 10514 Secretary-Treasurer
living with COVID for an entire year now. In other political, I am simply stating a fact (see page 14 for Quenta Adams-Coward (@QuentaAC) Darren McPhee
ways, this past year has felt like an eternity — even a copy of my remarks, and a link to the video of my Passed by @NSGEU in Burnside during lunch 902-449-7778
though we are fortunate to live here in Nova Scotia, presentation). 21.907K
Health Care (Acute) Health Care (Community)
today. Pleased to see they’ve raised the Pan-African
Education Government
flag for African Heritage Month @JMACL3AN Contact NSGEU
where cases have remained low and we have been able The uncertainty and chaos that have reigned over this 902-424-4063
#BlackHistoryMonth 1-877-556-7438
to enjoy a relatively “normal” life, for the most part. past year have certainly taken a toll on us all, particularly inquiry@nsgeu.ca
I want to take a moment to express my deepest on our mental health. While mental health is certainly Ages Lara Fawthrop for Sackville-Cobequid (NDP) (@ Contributors
appreciation to all of our members: each and every one another area of our public health care system that is in Our data shows that lara_fawthrop) Holly Fraughton
of you have played such an important role in our COVID dire need of attention, there are resources available to NSGEU members range in
age from 18 to 60+ (some Just now on @infomorning @larochecbc provides a Zita Hildebrandt
response and recovery. Whether you are on the “front members: if you have access to an Employee & Family people did not disclose his analysis of Rankin’s accept/speech. This province Shannon MacIntyre
their age to us). David MacKenzie
line” of the hospitals or testing centres; working in the Assistance Program (EFAP) through your employer, does need to listen to provincial union leadership Jason MacLean
11522
709
2074
2751
5633
3683
but how far will the Liberal olive branch reach? @ Deedee Slye
labs; stationed at the border; working in home care please don’t hesitate to use it. Additionally, there are 18-25 26-30 31-35 36-44 45-59 60+
DannyNSFL @withwozney @cupenovascotia @ Lucas Wide
or long-term care facilities; or just doing your normal a few new initiatives that have been recently launched NSGEU @NanMcFadgen @JMACL3AN
duties, but under very different circumstances: this has (see page 9 for more information on these programs). Contracts The NSGEU is affiliated with
been an extremely stressful period of time. You have One of the positive aspects of this pandemic has More than 60 full-time staff at the NSGEU help negotiate and service 87 separate The Benny Hill Gong-Show (@TheGongShow76) the Canadian Labour Congress,
handled yourselves with kindness and professionalism, collective agreements on behalf of our members. the Nova Scotia Federation
actually been, for me, the way it has exposed our The students are saying thank you to front line of Labour, and the National
and done your best to protect the public, yourself and collective weaknesses. Unions have been beating this medical and long-term care workers today! Lots Union of Public and General
your loved ones. Thank you. drum for decades, but COVID has very clearly illustrated Where can you nd us? of connections to parents, grandparents, and great
grandparents!
Employees.
unionsyeah.ca
In this issue of The Stand, we are featuring the crucial why public services, such as health care, truly matter. NSGEU members live & work in communities throughout the province:
Thank you for all you do everyday!
Metro HRM, Cumberland-Colchester, Cape Breton, Pictou Antigonish
work being done by our members working in Public While neoliberal governments have been chipping Guysborough, the Valley and South Shore.
@IWKHealth @nshealth @NS_nurses @NSGEU @
Health (see page 4 for this feature). Despite the away at the strength of these services, eroding and robertstrang @giles_school
Metro 21533
important work they are charged with in creating contracting them out as time ticked on, COVID has
healthy communities, supporting families and presented an opportunity for us all to reflect on what South Shore 2056
Danny Cavanagh (@DannyNSFL)
responding to communicable diseases, Public Health really matters to us, collectively, and reprioritize. Valley 2520
Updated: Nova Scotia Health Authority scraps plan
only receives just over one per cent of our overall health But change calls for leadership and bold action. to contract U.S.-owned company for health-record
Cumberland-Colchester 2373
budget: NSGEU members who work in this area have Fortunately, we have a new Premier at the helm here keeping | SaltWire #NSFL #nslab #canlab #unions
been stretched thin for a very long time, and it has Pictou/Antigonish/Guysborough 1585 #solidarity #novascotia #workers #1u
in Nova Scotia. I am cautiously optimistic that Premier
taken a pandemic to shine a spotlight on the ways @NSGEU @CUPE
Rankin will be open to working with unions and the Cape Breton 2429
in which critical public services have been starved of workers we represent to make positive changes to
The Union Stand is proudly
produced by NSGEU with the help
support for a very long time.
.
strengthen and improve our public services. santina kerslake (@coachsantina) of members of IAMAW
Replying to @NS_Labour @NSGEU and @cupe Local 2797.
COVID has also shone a very stark spotlight on the crisis Jason MacLean, Made with
in long-term care and home care. I made a presentation This is good news because there is NO WAY they
on this issue to the legislature’s standing committee should be having this off. We need good jobs here.
on health back in January, making it very clear that the
blame for what happened at Northwood lay squarely President, NSGEU
2 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 3
Feature: Forgotten Frontline Feature: Forgotten Frontline
Nova Scotia’s Forgotten Frontline: Public Health
W
hen people think about health care, what
most often springs to mind is a visit to
the emergency department; a hospital
stay; or even an appointment with their
family doctor (if they’re lucky enough to have one). But
the members of her team manage reportable diseases,
such as suspected tuberculosis, animal bites (for
rabies investigations), Group A Strep, HIV/Hepatitis, all
sexually transmitted infections, bloodborne pathogens,
salmonella and giardia.
Lead and assisted with
reporting comprehensive
data, ensuring accurate
information was getting
to Chief Meical Offiver Dr.
“ I think we kept the public trust.
Informing clients in a timely way about
their negative COVID status built
the public trust for Nova Scotians to
continue to get tested – is one piece
All that work has been put
on hold as these members
have been redeployed to the
COVID Response Team.
Shannon was initially
there’s an entire area of the health care system that is “Every day is different!” Holly says, laughing, “You Robert Strang for those of it. I think that, to me, that was very assigned to the negative labs
”
always busily toiling behind the scenes, supporting and never really know which diseases are going to be regular updates we tune in meaningful. component, which means
protecting Nova Scotians – Public Health. coming in, and you do keep a caseload, because some for on a regular basis. she was calling clients to
-Shannon O’Neil
The NSGEU proudly represents members working in of the case management is ongoing.” “When COVID started, advise them of their negative
this area, delivering programs under Public Health Some of these cases require intense, prolonged we still only had the COVID-19 results: “That
Units like Healthy Communities; Early Years Support, follow-up, ensuring patients are well cared for. On top Communicable Disease was incredibly meaningful
Healthy Beginnings; Environmental Health; Population of this, Holly and her colleagues also coordinate routine Nurses working,” Holly work because you have
Health Assessment immunizations for high-risk recalled, “It was super to remember that at that
and Surveillance; and patients – those who are challenging, because once time, there were so many
Communicable Disease immunocompromised, have those cases started coming people that were isolated,”
Prevention and Control a chronic health condition in, we were like hen’s teeth Shannon noted, “And even
(Health Protection). such as liver disease, trying to keep up with though a negative lab result
There are a variety of or diabetes, experience them, and there was no is a quick conversation, you
occupations in this area, homelessness, use illicit way that we could be the have the opportunity to
as well. Members include drugs, or are 65 years or only ones doing the case connect with the public and
community home visitors, older. management, especially give them some really good
community outreach considering the amount news.”
This means that no two of detail that the Medical
workers, dental hygienists, days at work are ever the “I think we kept the public
public health nutritionists, Officers of Health would trust. Informing clients in
same. look at.”
health promoters, a timely way about their
administrative professionals, “It’s busy, it’s unpredictable, Other non-nursing members negative COVID status built
Licensed Practical Nurses and it’s always challenging of Public Health, like the public trust for Nova
(LPNs) and Registered me,” Holly said. Shannon O’Neill, were Scotians to continue to get
Nurses (RNs), just to name She certainly didn’t predict quickly brought in to help. tested – is one piece of it. I
a few. a global pandemic would Shannon is a Public Health think that, to me, that was
In addition to their regular turn everyone’s lives upside Dental Hygienist who has very meaningful.”
duties, public health down in 2020. worked with the NSHA for Shannon was made one of
NSGEU Public Health Dental Hygienist Shannon
members are often the first When COVID finally arrived 15 years now. She and her O’Neil the Team Leads for negative
people tapped to help in NSGEU Communicable Disease Nurse Holly Kennedy in Nova Scotia in March last colleagues normally take labs. In that role, it was to
a time of crisis. And during year, Public Health created the lead on oral health initiatives, such as the fluoride support staff who were calling clients to inform them
COVID, they’ve stepped up a a COVID Response Team. mouth rinse programs in elementary schools (fluoride is of their negative test results and they would defer more
big way. If you’re on that team, your only focus is on COVID: critical in preventing tooth decay and cavities). They also unique situations that needed a bit of extra support.
cases, follow-up, any types of requests, like exemptions, work with nutritionists and health promoters to develop They also give input for improving processes and
general information, and school follow-up. oral health messages for the public, connect with Early help edit scripts to ensure clients received consistent
ROLLING WITH THE WAVES Holly was one of the many Public Health members Years team members to develop oral health messaging
for young children and assist with content for school
messaging.
Holly Kennedy is a Communicable Disease Nurse moved out of her normal duties and onto this Shannon is no stranger to leadership roles. She is
COVID Response Team, where she acted as a Team newsletters. the Past Chair of the College of Dental Hygienists
working for Public Health in the Eastern Zone. She and
4 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 5
Feature: Forgotten Frontline Feature: Forgotten Frontline
of Nova Scotia, and in
2017, she represented the
Canadian Dental Hygienists
Association as one of four
hygienists selected to attend
“ If there was one message that I could
give to people is that this is not fake.
This is not the government trying
to control you, this is real, and your
health is important. It’s not about the
“I had this conversation
before with a couple of my
coworkers: … the ‘frontline’
designation kind of gets
lost of us, because we don’t
deniers and people who unwittingly share articles from
disreputable sources.
“If there was one message that I could give to people
is that this is not fake,” Holly said, “This is not the
government trying to control you, this is real, and your
was a close contact to a positive case and we would
give them a call to see if they had had any symptoms
develop, and if they did, we’d be booking them in for
another COVID assessment to see if now they’d become
positive.”
International Dental Hygiene percentages of people that are going have patient contact – like health is important. It’s not about the percentages of Her most recent job, however, is the most hopeful
Federation Strategy Session. to pass away … there are people who direct, hands-on contact – people that are going to pass away … there are people one: she is helping set up COVID immunization clinics,
She also helped established but yet we’re the ones that who have long-standing illnesses because of COVID … eagerly awaiting the delivery of vaccines each week.
have long-standing illnesses because of
an oral health assessment are protecting the hospitals. that never fully recover. Every single person who passes
”
COVID … that never fully recover. “Our role now is trying to get these (COVID) clinics up
clinic for Syrian newcomers We’re the ones that are away from COVID is somebody’s mom or dad or relative
on behalf of the College -Holly Kennedy protecting the people. And and running with management, so the LPNs and some
of some sort: people look at it from a very individualistic of the RNs are clinic leads at the COVID-19 clinics, so
of Dental Hygienists of I find that kind of gets lost view when, in reality, we should be looking at it from a
Nova Scotia, and spent a sometimes.” that is going on-site and working with the engineer
community lens.” to have clinic flow set up, working with the site lead
year working as a health Being part of the provincial
promoter in Public Health, with infection control, occupational health to make
COVID team has also allowed members of Public Health
“
after taking her graduate certificate in Public Health. sure these clinics meet all of the standards and then we
But being on the COVID Response Team is the first time
to work with other professionals outside of their team
and geographic area.
SHIFTING FROM get those up and going by
At our first clinic that we stood up at getting the appointments for
she’s had an opportunity to take on a Team Lead role “If there was one thing that I could say was a really RESPONSE TO Valley Regional Hospital, when we had phase zero clients,” Angie
with her employer. positive thing that I loved RECOVERY that first huddle and we realized what explained.
we were about to do, there was a lot
“So dental hygienists from this experience Shannon and other Dental
in NSHA showed up in would be getting to Angie Chasse-Naugler has of camaraderie there. There was a lot
been a Licensed Practical Hygienists have also been
leadership roles that they know everybody in health of emotion, because we thought, ‘could shifted into the immunization
hadn’t had very much protection across the Nurse (LPN) for around 20
we be actually now seeing the light at clinics, working in the
opportunity (to take on province … I really enjoyed years, and has spent 12
the end of this tunnel? recovery area to monitor
these roles before). It just my team and I really enjoyed years of her nursing career
with Public Health, where We’re all tired, but we’re all very clients once they have
never came up for those the people that I met,” Holly
”
she helps run the school excited that we’re actually finally received their dose to ensure
types of opportunities in said. they don’t have an adverse
the past, so that was really immunization program getting needles into arms.
The work hasn’t been and the enhanced vision reaction (this is standard
important to the profession, without its challenges, -Angie Chase-Naugler practice after receiving any
I think, just to demonstrate screening program for the
though. Western Region (Lunenburg vaccine, including the annual
those core competencies.” flu shot). Dental Hygienists
“The work was severely and Queens County). Her
Both Holly and Shannon frustrating and the public team oversees the planning and implementation of were a natural fit for this role because they are required
say the experience has been response and the tooth- the grade seven immunization program, immunizing to renew their health care provider CPR certification
rewarding in many ways. and-claw that you had to young Nova Scotians against meningitis (meningococcal annually.
“It feels good, on one level. fight with in order to get quadrivalent vaccine), hepatitis B, HPV, and tetanus. So, Shannon found herself working at the very first
It feels interesting to know some people to isolate or to Of course, that was pre-COVID. vaccination clinic for health care workers back in
that you’re kind of making contact trace, that stuff was December.
history, almost. You were on hard,” she added. Since the pandemic began, Angie has had her work
duties and hours changed more than a few times. Like “It was a real honour to be there at that first vaccine
the frontlines – well, second Another frustrating aspect clinic, to see the health care providers receive their
lines, I’d say! We don’t work NSGEU LPN Angie Chase-Naugler Shannon and Holly, she was initially helping with doing
of their work has been seeing negative lab calls, phoning hundreds of Nova Scotians vaccine,” Shannon recalled, “They’ve been working so
directly (with patients), but misinformation posted online hard to take care of the public during this time, that it
we’re the ones that are calling the cases, we’re the ones about COVID cases in their community, and general each day.
just felt like an honour to be there to help.”
that are listening to them cry, we’re the ones that are information about the pandemic. Health care workers “When a client went and had a swab done and they
completing their contract tracing and trying to make came back negative, we would call them and provide It’s also given some optimism to health care workers,
have to be very careful about what they post online - who are exhausted from working through a pandemic
sure it doesn’t spread throughout the province,” Holly even if it is just to correct inaccuracies. In most cases, advisement on what to do for self-monitoring, and
paused. they just have to ignore posts by anti-maskers, science things like that,” Angie explained, “That quickly moved for the past year.
into daily monitoring calls: so it could be a client that “At our first clinic that we stood up at Valley Regional
6 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 7
Feature: Forgotten Frontline Feature: Forgotten Frontline/Mental Health Resources
Hospital, when we had that first huddle and we aren’t being released from their current assignments for of the members in Public Health over the past year,
realized what we were about to do, there was a lot of months, because their area in acute care is already so hoping to alleviate some of the stresses they’ve been
camaraderie there. There was a lot of emotion, because CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS short-staffed. experiencing.
we thought, ‘could we be actually now seeing the light This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve called on our Still, members like Angie are hopeful that now that One thing is certain: heading into bargaining, COVID
at the end of this tunnel?’” Angie said. Public Health members to step into the void during a Public Health has been pushed into the spotlight has helped the union identify a variety of issues that
“We’re all tired, but we’re all very excited that we’re health emergency: they have also been on the front because of COVID, government may finally need to be addressed urgently. And we will be bringing
.
actually finally getting needles into arms.” lines during H1N1, SARS, mumps and other outbreaks. start funding this area of the health care system these issues to the bargaining table.
“You do the work that’s focused around your appropriately.
A TEAM EFFORT profession, as it relates to Public Health, but then there’s Despite the
Regardless of these struggles, Public Health members always an expectation that if there’s an outbreak or broad scope and
are quick to credit others for the important role they different work, then you move into supporting that. significance of the
have played in helping keep Nova Scotians safe during So you have to be flexible … that’s part of the way we work they do to
this time. work,” Shannon explained. keep the public
“The community has really come together and we’ve all But the severity and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic safe, Public Health
understood the importance of how we need to protect have resulted in an all-hands-on-deck response that has receives less than
one another,” Angie said. lasted for more than 12 months now, and it is taking its one per cent of the
toll on these workers. overall budget from
Because of that, Angie and her colleagues have been the Department
able to continue some of the important “normal” Holly worked in acute care, mental health & addictions, of Health and
work that they normally do. In fact, Angie points out and even did a stint in Continuing Care before coming Wellness.
that Nova Scotia was one of the only provinces in the to working for Public Health about two years ago.
country that was able to hold our school immunization While she enjoys the unpredictable and independent In fact, a paper was
clinics, because our case numbers were so low. nature of her role as a Communication Disease Nurse, recently published
she isn’t sure how much longer she will be able to stay in the Canadian
“I’m just proud that we’re all taking this seriously Journal of Public
and we’re all looking out for one another … when in this role.
Health, pointing
you’re hearing those ‘travel-related’ (cases), they are She was shifted back to her pre-COVID role back in out that the one
self-isolating and trying to keep everyone safe. I’m just November. Since then, the workload has become per cent of funding Danielle Sheaves, a registered nurse with the COVID-19 unit at the
proud to be a Nova Scotian right now – I think a lot of unbearable, and even though the employer added Public Health QEII is the first person in Nova Scotia to receive the Pfizer-BioNtech
us are.” another person to her team, four coworkers are off, receives here in COVID-19 vaccine on December 16th, 2020. LPN Jennifer Turcot
Angie attributes much of our success to the leadership either on leaves or redeployed to another area. Nova Scotia is well provided the first vaccine. (Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia)
of Dr. Strang and the work of her colleagues in Public The situation on Holly’s team is not uncommon within below the five to six
Health, who ran with the processes developed by the Public Health right now. All over the province, NSGEU per cent of health care funding that is recommended.
Chief Medical Officer, doing daily check-ins and close members who work in Public Health are reporting Furthermore, the report found the last time our Public
monitoring of people. astronomical amounts of overtime, frequent changes Health budget met the recommended funding levels
“I think just as Nova Scotians, we’ve been through so to their schedules and shifts, cancelled vacations and was in 1975.
much in the past year. I mean, we had a lot of tragedy more. It all has added up to mounting stress and “More money and resources need to be put into Public
and loss. In that, I just feel like Nova Scotia has been burnout for these workers. Health so we can continue to manage things like this,
brought closer together, so now we’re more protective There are simply not enough people to do the work. because unfortunately – we hope this never happens
and more supportive of one another, now more than As a result, sick leave and STI rates have risen drastically. again – but we can’t say for certain that it won’t, so we
ever.” need to be more prepared, absolutely,” Angie said.
All of these factors clearly demonstrate the need for an
Despite the chaos of the past year, Shannon is proud to increased capacity in the sector. “I am so thankful that NSGEU has taken on this
have been a part of Nova Scotia’s pandemic response government and taken them to task, because this
and recovery: “It’s all meaningful to me because I know While Public Health has hired 100 new nurses, plus government needs to be taken to task. We have
I’m doing my part to combat COVID-19 and protect the more administrative professionals, to help with our suffered in health care under this government, that’s
health of the public. This is my job, to brighten up the COVID response, these are temporary positions, and how I feel.”
future again.” many of the successful applicants are internal hires from
acute care within NSHA. In many cases, these members The NSGEU has already filed grievances on behalf
8 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 9
Making HIStory Making HIStory
Making HIStory: Union Campaign be competitive or that it will adequately protect
citizens’ private health information. As we know, this
government has repeatedly failed to protect personal,
staff on December 11th- ten days earlier.
“Which is it? It can’t be both,” asked MacLean.
“Members are told a decision has been made on
Saves 91 Jobs private information (see repeated FOIPOP database
failures).
December 11th and read on December 23rd that no
decision has been made. There is a lot of confusion and
On December 11th, the NSHA sent a memo to the fear and, frankly, Nova Scotia Health has really dropped
affected members, the ball. It’s up to them
U
nions fight for The NSHA was planning to formally advising them to clarify what is going
many things for eliminate these jobs and that: “Following a on because these people
our members: hand the work over to an thorough review of our deserve to know what is
better wages, American-owned private current situation and really going on with their
benefits, and working company, Iron Mountain, alternatives, a decision has jobs.”
conditions. All are as an untendered contract. been made to shift our Finally, after an agonizing
undeniably important scanning and archiving wait for the members, the
The NSGEU immediately service to an external
aspects of a contract. But informed the provincial unions received word on
at the end of the day, the vendor”, and that “As January 22nd that NSHA
government of the NSHA’s a member of our Health
most vital provision is job plan to contract out this had decided to halt their
security language. Records team, you will be plan to contract out the
work, who were unaware directly affected by this
Job security language of the health authority’s members’ work.
change.” A copy of the
effectively makes it plan, but ultimately, memo can be accessed The unions had always
difficult for an employer to government was prepared here. maintained the position
eliminate jobs by making it to allow the employer to that the work of HIS
an expensive and onerous proceed. Then, for weeks, they gave members is invaluable,
task. these members no further and it appears that the
“It was an insult to these information on the layoffs,
The NSGEU has fought health care workers who NSHA finally came to
and left them to wait in understand the important
for the best possible job have been helping to keep limbo to find out their
security language at the our health care system role they play in our health
fate. care system. This was an
bargaining table over the secure and operational
years, always with the throughout this Meanwhile, the NSGEU exercise in the strength
hope that we won’t need pandemic,” said NSGEU and CUPE were working of solidarity -- and the
to put it into use. Recently, President Jason MacLean. together to submit importance of maintaining
however, that language a response to the strong job security
It’s also worth noting government’s plan, taking language in our collective
was instrumental in saving that these layoffs were
.
jobs within our health care the opportunity to point agreements!
announced against the out its many flaws, and
system. backdrop of a global raising a number of
In late 2020, the Nova pandemic, when everyone questions the employer
Scotia Health Authority was also faced with an had failed to consider or
(NSHA), advised the union enormous amount of stress answer. A copy of the
that 91 members working and uncertainty. report we produced can
in Health Information Services (HIS), scanning and “This employer and government should be focused on be found here: A Matter of Trust – A Review of NSHA’s
archiving medical records at 24 hospitals throughout supporting workers and our communities, especially at Quiet Plan to Hand Control of Nova Scotians’ Health
the province, were facing potential layoffs. Members this uncertain time,” MacLean pointed out. Information to an American Company
working in Central and Western zones were NSGEU
members, and members working in Northern and Aside from the unions’ obvious concerns about their In response to our report and the negative media
Eastern zones were CUPE members. The majority of the members’ job security, there were also scores of other attention it garnered, the NSHA issued a public
members affected work in rural parts of the province, concerns: by failing to fairly tender a contract, the statement saying, “the decision to outsource these jobs
and 84 are women. employer could not guarantee the contract would has not yet been made, we’re merely “exploring it….”.
This statement clearly contradicted the memo sent to
10 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 11
Health Care Update Bill 148 Update
Health Care Bargaining Update Update on Bill 148 Legal Challenge
BACKGROUND ON BILL 148
T O
he collective agreement for members of our of Health Care Unions does not expect this round of n January 15 , 2021, the Court of Appeal
th
Stephen McNeil’s Liberal government proclaimed Bill
Health Care bargaining unit (which includes bargaining will be as prolonged as the previous round, released a decision in which it denied the 148 – the Public Service Sustainability Act in 2017.
members of Locals 100, 122, 195, 193 & 104) as the councils now have merged collective agreements Unions’ request to file evidence in the This piece of legislation did three things that interfere
expired on October 31st, 2020. NSGEU started in place. constitutional reference, including affidavits with your right to full, free, collective bargaining:
preparations for bargaining shortly after the expiration As a result of the new Health Authorities Act passed from the union negotiators about the impact of Bill 148
of this agreement, sending out our membership surveys on collective bargaining, expert evidence on the effect 1. It imposed a non-negotiated wage pattern on
by the provincial government in 2014, which merged the entire public sector (0%, 0%, 1.0%, 1.5% & an
in December and the nine district health that taking wages and important monetary benefits
reviewing the results off the table has on a union’s bargaining power, expert additional 0.5% on the last day of the agreement);
authorities into one, all
early in the new year. four unions (NSGEU, evidence on the protection of collective bargaining in 2. It removed long-standing articles from the Civil
The NSGEU Health Care CUPE, Unifor & NSNU) international law, expert evidence on the Province’s Service master agreement (ending the retirement
bargaining committee now must bargain in finances during the relevant time, and the Cabinet allowance/public service award as of April 1, 2015);
members then began four Councils: Health documents that show that the Province had a legislative 3. Prohibiting an arbitrator from awarding anything
drafting NSGEU’s Care, Administrative plan in place before bargaining began. above the above-noted wage pattern.
bargaining proposals Professionals, Support This is obviously very disappointing, as the Court will go
and brought these Services, and Nursing. on to decide the constitutionality of Bill 148 based only
proposals to the larger NSGEU appoints the on the evidence filed by the Province. Even before government proclaimed the Bill into
Health Care bargaining Chief Negotiator for force, the threat of legislation hobbled the unions’
However, the Unions will be asking the Supreme Court bargaining power and prevented us from being
council, which includes the Health Care Council of Canada for permission to appeal the decision of the
representatives from and has the majority of able to freely conclude the collective bargaining
Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. The “application for leave” process, because it took away the leverage of wages
CUPE and Unifor, on bargaining committee will be filed with the Supreme Court of Canada by March
February 10th. At that members (NSGEU 6, and monetary items like the service award off the
15th, 2021. table completely. After a significant amount of time
meeting, the unions CUPE 3, Unifor 1).
shared their proposals In the meantime, the Court of Appeal has set dates for with very little progress in bargaining at any major
NSGEU’s the hearing of the constitutional reference: September tables, the NSGEU announced in late summer 2017
and began deciding A few of the NSGEU Health Care bargaining unit representatives are:
which proposals we representatives: Cindy Smith, Chris Weaver & Sara Jane Arason
22nd and 23rd, 2021. that it would apply to the Labour Board to appoint
would bring forward • Chief Negotiator If the Supreme Court of Canada grants the Unions an Interest Arbitration Board to settle the Civil
to the employers (IWK and NSHA). The Council has is NSGEU Director of permission to appeal the evidentiary decision of the Court Service Master Agreement, as is our right under the
scheduled two additional meetings to finalize its Servicing and Negotiations, Shawn Fuller; of Appeal, the Unions will ask that the September hearing legislation that applied. Government proclaimed the
proposals and strategy. • Co-Chair is Allan LaPierre; dates before the Court of Appeal be adjourned pending legislation to prevent the interest arbitrator from
the hearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. awarding any monetary increases that were higher
The Council, which is led by NSGEU, began asking the • Chris Weaver; than was set out in the legislation.
employers for bargaining dates in December 2020. • Cindy Smith; It is important to note that the Supreme Court of Canada
After several further attempts to secure bargaining only grants permission to appeal in a small number of Since the legislation was passed, the NSGEU has
dates, the employer recently confirmed bargaining • Peter Perry; cases involving matters of national and public importance. been working hard alongside seven other unions
dates. The parties have agreed to exchange proposals • Uta Berthold-Brush; The Unions believe that the decision of the Court of who represent unionized workers to try and have this
on Thursday, April 15th. We have eight additional dates Appeal is a matter of national and public importance, unjust legislation overturned by the courts.
• Sara Jane Arason.
scheduled for bargaining, with the final date scheduled given that it means that the constitutionality of legislation The unions’ argument is that Bill 148 breaches
for Thursday, May 13th. The Health Care Council has also begun work on that interferes with collective bargaining can be Section 2(d) of the Charter, which guarantees
negotiating essential services agreements with determined in a reference without receiving any evidence Canadians Freedom of Association and protects the
The Executive Council of Health Care Unions, which is employer representatives from the IWK and NSHA.
.
made of the leadership of all four unions representing from the affected unions or their members. right to collective bargaining and the right to strike.
These agreements determine the number of employees
health care workers across the province, and the NSGEU who must remain at work in the event of a strike. The The unions knew pursuing legal action would be
Board of Directors both agreed to select Health Care IWK essential service agreement is complete, and the a slow process, and that has proven to be true,
as lead table in bargaining for this round. The Council especially since the government is delaying every step
.
negotiations for the NSHA agreement are ongoing.
of the way.
12 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 13
Health Committee LTC Health Committee LTC
Presentation to Health Committee on LTC
In mid-January, members of the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Health heard from five union leaders, as
well as the managing director of the Nursing Homes of Nova Scotia Association, about what happened in long-
term care facilities during COVID. NSGEU’s President, Jason MacLean, made the following presentation to the Because we still face the same systemic
committee: issues that have been raised by workers in
this sector for a very long time.
Band-aid solutions, like providing bursaries
Good afternoon. At the outset of this pandemic, when we tried to and creating a new, lower-paid position
As President of the NSGEU and 1st Vice President of raise critical concerns from frontline workers, not only in the sector, are not going to solve the
the Nova Scotia Federation Labour, I proudly represent did government ignore us, they accused us of fear- problem.
thousands of people working in the continuing care mongering and hyperbole.
In short, we need more trained and
sector. Then, 53 people died. qualified staff to work in this sector. They
Many work in long-term care facilities throughout this Systemic underfunding is the root cause of all that is need to want to work in this sector. The
province. Interestingly, we actually represent none of wrong with our long-term care sector. work they do is hard work: it is physical; it
the workers We have a is incredibly stressful; and it is certainly not
at the government glamorous. They make approximately $18
Northwood that has an hour for their efforts.
Halifax been fixated In some communities, they need to work
campus. But for eight in multiple facilities to cobble together
many of our years on enough to make a living and support their
members balancing families.
were forced their budget
to go work In other areas, they are so understaffed
at any cost. that they cannot get vacation time
there during
the first Now, we approved.
wave of can clearly The sector needs to be completely
COVID, see what reformed so we can actually keep people
when the the true in this occupation.
virus was cost of that
balanced In many ways, government’s reaction to
ravaging the long-term care during the pandemic was
facility. budget was.
simply indicative of how it views the sector
What In our report, in normal times: it is an afterthought.
happened at Neglecting
President MacLean gave a presentation to the legislature’s standing committee on Northwood, Our seniors and our workers deserve much
Northwood better.
Health. we clearly
was a
tragedy, no outline the Long-term care and home care must be
doubt, but it was a preventable tragedy. systemic problems that came to light during COVID, thought of as part of our overall public
including the fact that management from Northwood health care system.
To be clear, the staff at Northwood are not to blame for approached this government for three consecutive
what happened there. Our government needs to take full
years, asking for funding to modernize their facility to responsibility for what happened at
Government is. make it safer for residents and staff. Northwood, and invest in reforming this
For years, they have ignored the cries of workers and Those requests were denied. system, if they truly want to ensure Nova
the unions who represent them, trying to call attention Make no mistake: what happened at Northwood could Scotians are protected.
to crisis in the sector, all while cutting the long-term have happened at just about any long-term care facility
.
care budgets. in our province. It still could.
14 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 15
Interview: NUPGE President Larry Brown Interview: NUPGE President Larry Brown
An Interview with NUPGE President Larry by an overtly racist US President, demonstrations in The pandemic has exposed many holes in our public
Brown: Covid 19’s Impact on Canada solidarity with people of colour and against police
violence sprung up in cities across the US and Canada.
system and Larry sees these as potential opportunities
for us as Canadians. For example, it exposed:
This sparked people and organizations to renew their •The need for the expansion of public health care and
O
anti-racism work alongside
“
the Canada Health Act to
ur National Union (NUPGE) is a union “If you think back to when the pandemic began, we the Black Lives Matter include long-term care and
of provincial unions - from BC, Alberta, had a great number of people who were suddenly sent movement to continue to These are opportunities because we home care;
Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Ontario, New home and told they have to work from home without work towards an equitable no longer have to spend time trying to
Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland, and us in a whole bunch of rules. The same thing was happening and just world. Our own •The need to address
convince people of the problems. Now, income inequality as we
Nova Scotia. Among other things, it is where our union in every province. I mean, at that time, we didn’t NSGEU President, Jason our task is to convince them of the
goes to find out have a whole MacLean, is the Chair of saw people on the lower
”
solutions. So that is a move forward. end of the income scale
what is happening lot of guidance NUPGE’s new Anti-Racism
to members like for people who Special Committee which suffering more job loss,
ours across the were abruptly provides an opportunity more income loss, and
country. NUPGE transitioned to for all components to learn more illness during this
has been a source work from home. from one another and period of time;
of information At the same time, share knowledge. •The need to have a robust
and strength for we had a whole “The pandemic has exposed fundamental weaknesses national childcare program. When the pandemic hit,
its 11 component lot of workers who in our existing federal political/economic system here in there wasn’t a business who didn’t notice how crucially
and three affiliate were told they had Canada,” Larry continues. It has become clear to most important childcare was to their being able to function.
unions since it was to go to work. Canadians now that we need the federal government “These are opportunities because we no longer have to
formed in 1976. These are people to play a stronger role developing and tracking national spend time trying to convince people of the problems,”
NUPGE’s role like our health standards for care and he says. “Now, our task
facilitating care workers, public services in a is to convince them of
communication, correctional number of areas. the solutions. So that is a
connection and workers, liquor
“Take support for victims move forward.”
support between store workers,
long-term care, of domestic violence,” In this spirit, NUPGE is
workers across the Larry explains. “It was
and home care lobbying for a “new
country has only clear to us [NUPGE] that
workers. For them, normal” to emerge out
grown stronger domestic violence was
it was a whole of this pandemic – where
and more pressing going to increase as a
set of different people and corporations
through the result of being forced
questions about pay their fair share of
Pandemic. Larry to work from home. It
how do we do taxes and where our
Brown, President NUPGE President Larry Brown at the NSGEU 2019 Convention.
doesn’t take a rocket
our jobs well and provincial governments
of NUPGE scientist to reason that if
safely in the midst are given enough
explains, “we have you have increased stress,
of a pandemic?” Larry recalls. targeted federal dollars
always known that there is a great similarity between combined with people to maintain strong public
what a long-term care worker does, as an example, in Connecting people is one important piece of what working in confined NUPGE President Larry Brown speaks at a Bill 1 protest in services. The new normal
Sydney, Nova Scotia and in Victoria, British Columbia. NUPGE does, but NUPGE is also looking to help raise spaces and an increasing Halifax. would see public services
What we did was to bring members together more awareness and develop solutions to issues that are use of alcohol – it is a being made a priority.
often so they could share information about Personal identified in these calls. Larry says, “Our job is to come recipe that will increase
Protective Equipment (PPE); health & safety pandemic in behind and say, “Okay, given what you have shared, NUPGE is one of the ten largest Canadian unions in
domestic violence. Once we identified this as an issue, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and as such,
protocols; work-from-home conditions; and more. here is the role that NUPGE can play moving the issues we found out there was no agency we could turn to, to Larry, as President, has a seat on the Executive Council.
Prior to the pandemic, we were holding meetings with you have identified forward.” address it. There was too much of a vacuum. We had
the leadership three or four times a year. This moved In February 2021, members of the Executive met in a
One initiative was the creation of an Anti-Racism some protections for women in some provinces but no
to monthly meetings or even more frequently when pre-budget consultation with Deputy Prime Minister/
Special Committee following the murder of George systemic way to really address this looming threat across Minister of Finance, Christia Freeland. During this
required.” Floyd on May 25th, 2020, in the United States. Fanned the country.”
16 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 17
Interview: NUPGE President Larry Brown Provincial Politics
meeting, Larry spoke
to Freeland about the
need for strong federal
out of the pandemic.
“The conversation can’t New Liberal Premier Iain Rankin
be about what we are
standards of care and going to cut, but needs
federal regulations. He to be how are we going
T
points out how important to pay for what we he Nova Scotia legislature has reconvened on days of his government give the impression that he
it is that Freeland heard spent and are spending. Tuesday March 9th, 2021, one day shy of the wants to lead a more open, responsive and collaborative
from provincial unions In order to do this, we one year anniversary since Nova Scotia’s MLAs style of Government.
who represent actual have to have a discussion last gathered. Its very early in Premier
working people because about taxes,” he recalls
she will be hearing the A lot has happened over the Rankin’s tenure, but to date
saying to Freeland.
exact opposite from last year. The world has faced he has worked to change
Premiers who want to Larry was pleased that sudden changes in dealing the tone in the way he deals
hold the purse-strings. although Minister with the COVID-19 epidemic. with media and conducts
“Jason Kenny, Brian Freeland didn’t openly While Nova Scotia has fared his political discourse. Nova
Pallister, Scott Moe.. agree with him, she well during the pandemic, it is Scotians have yet to see what
all those guys. They didn’t disagree either safe to say everyone is feeling a Rankin budget will look like,
would love to maintain and came back at the the impact it has had on however, his Finance Minister
control of the money end of the meeting everyone’s life. Over the last has stated clearly that no one
NUPGE President Larry Brown speaks at a 2019 Board of to say, “Larry, I agree
and allocate it as they see Directors meeting at NSGEU. year everything has changed: should be expecting to see staff
fit. But we want national with you that income the way we live, the way we reductions, program cuts or a
standards so that people inequality is really not work and the way we relate to return to the fiscal austerity of
get the same level of care across the country.” that complicated.” each other. As well, families the McNeil government.
Although there are challenges everyday, Larry sees this across Nova Scotia have had to As union members and
Larry wants members to watch out for the term
time optimistically. “It’s a seize the moment time for us, deal with the loss of loved ones progressives, we should give
“provincial jurisdiction” and says provincial leaders
isn’t it? All of the issues we have been talking about are taken by COVID-19. a new government a chance
throw that word up when the federal government
proposes national standards, programs or strategies – so self-evident now. We will make progress coming out Politically, another big change to show us and Nova Scotians
like childcare and of this – I’ll tell you that.” that comes with the reopening how they will govern. At the
“
pharmacare. He We are stronger together of the Legislature is that same time, we all must remain
argues, “why anyone – 400,000 strong from Premier Stephen McNeil has vigilant and prepared to fight
would not accept Jason Kenny, Brian Pallister, Scott coast-to-coast. Thank you stepped down as Liberal leader against any move that would
a national standard Moe.. all those guys. They would love NUPGE, for being there to and premier. On February bring us back to the McNeil
on childcare? Why to maintain control of the money connect and support us 6th, the Hon. Iain Rankin was days.
would you not and allocate it as they see fit. But we through this pandemic. elected as the new Leader of Premier Rankin has a choice.
accept a national want national standards so that people the Nova Scotia Liberal Party He can decide to simply
If you are interested in
”
standard on health get the same level of care across the and was sworn in as Premier continue as simply a subsidiary
more information about
care or pharmacare? country. the issue of income
on February 23rd. of “McNeil’s Movers” or chart
Canadians don’t inequality among other The Nova Scotia Government & his own course as “Rankin’s
care about these campaigns, please visit: General Employees Union’s and Renovators” for the benefit of
jurisdictional https://unionsyeah.ca/fact- labour in general has faced countless attacks from the all Nova Scotians.
arguments. We all McNeil government since its coming to power in 2013.
.
.
sheets
want programs and Countless pieces of anti labour legislation and what
support.” felt like a complete disdain for public sector workers.
Labour rights, strong taxation and public programs The new Premier was first elected in 2013, when the
are three quarters of the battle on income inequality. Stephen McNeil government was first elected. Premier
During the meeting with Freeland in February, Larry Rankin was a backbencher and voted to support every
was also able to talk about fair taxation as a part of a anti-labour bill hammered through the Legislature by
conversation about reducing income inequality coming Stephen McNeil. However, Rankins Campaign and early
18 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 19Black Loyalist Heritage Centre Black Loyalist Heritage Centre
Nova Scotia history is alive at the They landed in 1783 in Birchtown, near
Shelburne. For a time, it was the largest
free Black colony in the world.
Black Loyalist Heritage Centre In reality, many Loyalists did not receive
land grants as promised. Those who
did receive them had to adhere to strict
conditions in order to keep them. Many
Loyalists could not meet these conditions
as they could not work the land because
I
f you haven’t been to the Black Loyalist Heritage at the Centre if you book ahead. You can call and visit they were too poor and were indentured
Centre in Birchtown, Nova Scotia, it is time you between 10am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Currently, and working in Shelburne. They were
visited! It is a wonderful way to spend the day the Centre is not open on the weekend, but that could constantly taken advantage of, lied to,
learning about what was for a time, the largest free change - check before you visit. and discriminated against. One of the first
Black settlement in the world. The story of the lived experience of Black Loyalists is recorded race riots was in Shelburne as
The Centre not for the faint of Black Loyalists were violently forced out of
was built to heart. Originally, town to live in poverty and isolation.
commemorate they were violently As a result of the hardship experienced in
and honour removed from their Nova Scotia, a leader in the Black Loyalist
women, men communities in community organized a way back to Africa
and families who Africa and enslaved for any Black Loyalists who could make
settled in Loyalist – forced to work as it to Halifax at a particular day and time.
communities in the house servants, or in Over 1,100 people made it to the boats
late 1780’s and manual labour in a that day – some walking all the way from
who now live in variety of ways and Birchtown. The freed Black Loyalists settled
many communities places throughout in Freeport in Sierra Leone.
across the America. All of their You can find out more about these stories
province, including work made profits and more by visiting the Black Loyalist
Shelburne, for the owners and
.
Heritage Centre.
Halifax Regional was foundational
Municipality, for the growing
New Glasgow, American economy.
Sydney, and When the American
Parrsboro. There Revolutionary War Photos at right - February 24, 2021:
is a monument (aka American War With President MacLean, 3rd VP
on the shore of NSGEU President Jason MacLean visits the Black Loyalists Heritage of Independence) Melissa Marsman and Human Rights
Shelburne Harbour Centre in Birchtown, NS. began, the British Committee Chair Sherry Dennis,
that honours the Crown promised any visit the Black Loyalist Heritage
1783 Black Loyalist slaves who fought Centre (Local 1783) in Birchtown
landings. with them freedom. When the British lost, freedom was near Shelburne. During the visit they
The Heritage Centre itself was built in 2015 after an negotiated with Americans (representatives from the 13 hears amazing stories told by NSGEU
earlier museum at the same location burned down. This colonies) for between three and four thousand Black members Braden Chetwynd and Jessie
new Centre is a lovely modern structure that takes you Loyalists. Their names were recorded in a British Naval Corrigan. Thank you for the wonderful
on a journey in time to follow the path of people who registry which became the basis for Lawrence Hill’s tour today.
were wrenched from their homes in Africa, enslaved, book: The Book of Negroes.
brought to the American colonies, then brought to As part of the agreement, the newly freed Black
Nova Scotia and finally back to Africa again. NSGEU Loyalists had to leave America and were told by the
members, historical interpreters, will give you a tour Crown they would be granted land in Nova Scotia.
20 The Stand | Spring 2021 The Stand | Spring 2021 21You can also read
