Coastal Mountain Regional Executive – 2023 Election Results

I am running in this election hoping to be re-elected for the Coastal Mountain Communications Secretary position. Since 2018, as the Coastal Mountain Communications Secretary I have had the opportunity & pleasure to help support, advocate for, & serve the Coastal Mountain region & it’s members. I have been an active steward since 2013, when I became a worksite steward coordinator. During the recent BCNU bargaining round I also served as an elected member on the Provincial Job Action Committee.

I have a great deal of skills, knowledge, & experience which are necessary to be effective & efficient in both this position & as a member of the regional executive team. I am a team player, reliable, organized, committed, have strong communication skills & abilities, & also strong computer & technology skills & knowledge, among many other things. I also have strong knowledge, understanding, & experience of our collective agreement & language, BCNU’s constitution & bylaws, & the policies & procedures.

I have been a registered nurse for nearly 20 years & have experience working in a variety of areas/wards in both large & rural area hospitals. From this experience I am able to understand the many issues & other things that nurses face & deal with & the many ways that some things can differ in smaller rural worksites to larger city worksites.

If re-elected as the Coastal Mountain Communications Secretary I commit to working effectively together with the other regional executive team members to create a stronger more effective & efficient regional team. With a stronger regional team that works well together we will be able to provide members better & increased support, representation, information, education, & effective communication.

Coastal Mountain Lobbyist
I have been an active steward since 2004 and held the CM regional OH&S position for 2 years before becoming the CM regional chair for the last 15 years. As I transition into retirement, I would treasure the opportunity to advocate for all CM nurses including student nurses and retired nurses. I have lobbied every MLA and local community politicians in eleven of the Coastal communities regarding nursing issues. I would love to work with an efficient executive team, that will support the membership and be dedicated to their executive roles. I believe I have the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Commitment to be an energetic Lobbyist and with a new team, will improve the union presence in our Region.
The new CM exec team will need to ensure the newly negotiated contract is adhered to by the employer and the government. Coastal Mountain desperately needs a strong and fearless team with excellent steward skills to address our memberships concerns. Together, our team will also need to lobby the provincial and city governments to provide affordable housing, daycare, universal pharmacare and homelessness, to help nurses and our communities thrive. 
An efficient regional executive team must:
• Have a strong understanding of nurse patient ratios and a powerful voice when advocating for appropriate staffing levels. 
• Be a strong team that works well together: to inform, support, represent and educate you on your rights as a union member. 
• Be experienced stewards.
That new team would include: 
Angela Crawford – chair; 
Kath-Ann Terrett – Lobbyist; 
Marilia Cordeiro – steward liaison; 
Genevieve Dallimore – Occupational Health and Safety; 
Peggy Mitchell – Mental Health; 
Canan Duru – Professional Practice Advocate; 
Shawntel Hildebrandt - Secretary 
Together we will work as a team to create safer worksites, so you will be able to continue provide excellent nursing care. 

My name is Genevieve Dallimore (she/her)- I am a Public Health Nurse with almost 20 years of front-line experience, and have been a Steward for the Coastal Mountain Region since 2012. I live and work on the beautiful unceded homelands of the xʷmәθkʷәy̓әm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil Waututh) First Nations. I am a mother to two human people and two fur-babies; in my spare time (what is that?), my family and I enjoy exploring our local community together.

I am seeking your vote for the role of Occupational Health and Safety Regional Executive. I have a Master’s Degree in Nursing, with a focus on Nursing Education- I bring my learned experience to my leadership and preceptorship practices, striving to be a supportive mentor to new colleagues and students alike.

During my tenure as a Union Activist, I have had experience as a Full-Time Steward for Lions Gate Hospital, and was acclaimed into the Professional Responsibility Advocate role for two-and-a-half years with the Coastal Mountain Region. I have successfully argued numerous grievances for Union members, including seeing cases through to Arbitration. I am a staunch advocate for nurses’ rights, safe provision of care, and specifically, nurses’ health and safety. I have been previously nominated for the BCNU Leadership and Advocacy Award, which was an honor.

In addition to my steward work, I identify with the ‘Workers with Disabilities’ caucus, am the Coastal Mountain WWD representative, and currently sit on the local Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for Public Health. As a front-line clinician, I have successfully fought for workplace inspections of public health clinical areas to determine that airflow standards have been met; I am an outspoken advocate for improved working conditions, nursing workloads, and the importance of psychologically safe work environments. I am aware of the Enhanced Disability Management Process, and will work closely with the EDMP Representatives in supporting members through both EDMP and returning to the worksite via Duty-to-Accommodate procedures.

It is my mission to ensure that member interests are served in accordance to BCNU’s vision and values. I will be accountable to members, the region, and as a member of the Regional Executive, I endeavor to be an active participant in the planning and decision making for Coastal Mountain- bringing your front-line voice to the center of our work as it relates to Occupational Health and Safety, working closely with the Provincial OH&S Department and local OH&S worksite stewards to support JOHS committees and mentor new committee members.

Thank you for your consideration.

LGH OHS steward since June 11,2013
Elected as Regional OHS Representative of CM Sept.1,2020
Attended and been a delegate many times in the Bargaining Conference and BCNU Conventions 
Selected to attend the coming CFNU Conference in Prince Edwards Island this coming June5-9,2023

OBJECTIVES:
1.Takes the leads on OHS matters and collaborated with the Provincial OHS , Regional Mental Health Reps and worksites JOHSC on health and safety issues to make the worksite and members safe
2. Actively participates in planning and decision making for the region by actively participating in the meetings and conferences
3. Collaborates with Worksafe BC and EDMP for members issues regarding health and safety 

My name is Canan (Janan) Duru. I’m an LPN working in Lions Gate Hospital Evergreen House 2 North since 2019 February. I’ve worked in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority since January 2018 and have been a worksite steward since 2021 for Coastal Mountain. 

I work live and play on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

I was in the update magazine for spring 2022 edition for the steward selection “Helping Hands” title, for the steward elections of 2022.

    •    WHO HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS? 
The responsibility for ensuring the Professional Standards are adhered to rests with nurses themselves, employers and BCCNM. 
 Employers have the responsibility to provide essential support systems, including human and material resources, which allow nurses to meet their Professional Standards. 

As Nurses we have, in addition to BCCNM, our four main principles for guiding the PR process. 
1. The Professional Responsibility (PR) process is about quality improvement and employee engagement.
2. Respectful and genuine dialogue between nurses and their managers is the foundation of the PR process.
3. All parties have responsibility and accountability to the PR process.
4. The most effective approach to resolution of the practice problems should be at the local level whenever possible.
With the new NBA contract we will make sure it will be applicable for employers as well. 

I would like to be your voice in the executive team as Professional Responsibility Advocate. I have a strong and determined personality. I have been an tenacious advocate for my colleagues and for my patients/residents. Vote for me to be in your regional executive team as Professional Responsibility Advocate.

Regards, 

Janan 

I am a registered nurse working on 4 East medical unit as a direct patient care nurse. I have been working on 4 East medical unit for the last 16 years.

I qualified as a registered nurse from Middlesex University in North London, England and worked as a staff nurse at the Whittington hospital, Barnet hospital and Royal Free hospital for four years before immigrating to British Columbia.

I have been a BCNU steward and held the regional executive position for OHS representative in the recent past. I have been a delegate to BCNU conventions and Provincial bargaining conferences and have attended the BCNU human rights and equity conferences. I have a good grasp of the NBA collective agreement and BCNU policy and procedure manual.

I was appointed as the regional Professional Responsibility Advocate on March 8, 2023. Since then, I have taken the BCNU online course Professional responsibility process module to refresh my knowledge of the PR process. I have had an onboarding meeting with the BCNU Professional practice officer for our region. I had filed PRF in the past under the Article 59 language which was replaced by Appendix KK during the term of the last collective and is active during the term of the recently voted collective agreement.

I would like to continue in the PR advocate position with your votes and continue to assist you to advocate for safe patient, resident, and client care, and promote positive changes in your workplace. And I will continue to uphold the BCNU constitution and bylaws and member policies.

I’m Angela Crawford (she/her), I respectfully acknowledge I work live and play on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. I am a fierce advocate for nurses, an experienced steward, and strong candidate for Coastal Mountain Regional Council Member. 

I started my nursing and lifelong learning journey in 1981. A career that’s been rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging. I qualified as an Enrolled Nurse (LPN equivalent) in 1983, progressed to Registered Nurse, and completed the Registered Sick Children’s Nurse certificate in Scotland, and subsequently worked in various nursing positions. 

I immigrated to BC in 2005 and jumped through ‘burning hoops of fire’ to achieve my RN registration in 2009. Since then, I’ve worked in Community Health in North Vancouver, in various positions, and returned to studying and achieved my BSN online through UVic, and the Canadian Nurse Palliative & Hospice Care Certificate. In 2012 was the recipient of the ‘Workplace Inspiration’ award. For family reasons in 2016 I returned to Scotland for 2 years. Whilst working full-time, I studied and achieved a Post Grad Diploma in Advanced Practice District (Community) Nursing. 

When I returned to my position in North Vancouver Community in 2018, I was appalled to see the deterioration in the work environment; the increase in complexity and severity of the clients, lack of staff and ‘just do it’ mentality which has contributed to a toxic and unsafe work environment, that is not unique to community nursing. 

Having always been a strong advocating ‘voice’ for nurses, colleagues, and safe patient care, I embarked on my BCNU journey. In 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, I became a workplace BCNU Steward, the start of a huge learning curve. I also became a JOHSC member rep, started Union Management Meetings in four areas within NS Community Health Units, have filed over 20 grievances, and empowered nurses to safely stand up for their rights. I’ve attended BCNU Conventions, regional and provincial Bargaining Conferences, and regional meetings. At times I’ve covered the Lionsgate full-time steward and recently covered interim CM Regional Council Member positions. 

I am cognizant I do not have a historic relationship with BCNU; however, I am committed to asking questions and ensuring I find the right support and directions to support BCNU members. I have a curious mind, I’m a critical thinker with strong problem-solving abilities and work collaboratively with others to build positive, productive relationships. I can both lead and follow direction. I have developed a respectful relationship with the employer whilst advocating and supporting BCNU members. 

If I am successful in becoming Coastal Mountain Regional Council Member, I commit to working collaboratively with Provincial leadership and CM Regional Executive members to become a stronger team, that advocates and supports CM BCNU members. 

I believe I have a lot to give back to the nursing profession and this position would allow me a stronger voice to advocate for all BCNU members, the health care profession, and safe patient care. 

VOTE FOR ANGELA CRAWFORD FOR COASTAL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL CHAIR. 

Thank you for reading my bio and considering me for the CM Regional Council Member.

I am a Internationally Educated Nurse from the Philippines, I have been working as a Registered Nurse in Long term Care
for Vancouver Coastal Health in North Vancouver for more than 20 years.
I started my nursing career and worked at a time when there are limited supply and resources for nurses.

I have been a a steward since 2016, I used to be a JOHS representative for Evergreen House.
In 2020 I ran for the Lobbyist role in and I was acclaimed. My advocacy for nurses continues in the community and the government.

I stand for Safe workplace for nurses, Equality, Diversity, Transparency, Public funded health care and Transformational leadership.

All these things that I have done and accomplished in my stewardship and Lobbyist role, will not happen without the help from present and past stewards who believes in working together, and who gives you a hand that lifts you up. 

It is the time for all nurses to be united and work together.

I have been an RN since 1991 and here in Canada since 2007 and have worked in acute, community and long term care settings. I have served as the treasurer for the last three terms. I continue to learn and i strive to share what i learn with my colleagues both in the worksites and during union meetings. No union is perfect and our contract is always improving. I have learnt what resources we have to take our concerns to and how to support each other when our contract is not being followed by the employer
I like what my treasurer role does to help our colleagues and especially to account for members dues and am humbly submitting my name to continue serving my worthy colleagues in this role. Thankyou 
 

I am Marilia Cordeiro and I am running for the Steward Liaison position in Coastal Mountain. I work as a 6th floor RN at LGH that is on the unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples.

Becoming an active BCNU Steward has changed how I see the workplace, with agency and the skills to create change in the workplace. When I stepped forward to support my unit as a steward, I was given the support and tools to change my workplace and my unit has radically changed due to my involvement in the BCNU, as a steward working collaboratively with both my nursing team and steward team. I know we need more stewards and as Steward Liaison, I will put the skills I’ve learned to recruit and actively mentor new stewards to become agents of change in their units. 

I became engaged in advocacy when I was a young mother, in Secondary School, where I found my voice in advocating for myself and my daughter and the other young mothers. I fought not just for myself and the young women I was cohorted with, but for the future of my daughter. During this time, I looked towards nursing as a potential career, where I could exercise the skills I had in advocating for vulnerable peoples and also have the security of a unionized workplace that would protect my rights as a new worker. 

I completed my BSN in 2020 and graduated with Honours from Langara College. This tested me, as it has many others, where I balanced my work as a mom and my work as a student nurse. After working at Lions Gate Hospital, on a hectic Med-Surg ward for over a year, I stepped forward when my unit was asked for a volunteer to support change and protect nurses’ rights in the workplace. As I began my steward work, I was, and still am, heavily motivated to make change on my unit where support and guidance are desperately needed. Change continues to happen, turning my unit from a place of chaos where most of the nurses were young nurses, to one where nurses are wanting to work in again. After nearly a year in this role, where I was encouraged to expand my skills by working alongside our Fulltime Steward and our Regional Professional Responsibility Executive, learning the arts and science of successful grievance work, attending events, mentoring new stewards, and providing coverage for the LGH FT Steward position, I was recently honoured to receive the BCNU NU Leader Award for 2023, in recognition of my contributions and hard work on my home unit. This was an honour I never expected and I am humbled to receive it.

I believe in the strength of the BCNU Steward, as it was the work of BCNU stewards that was the driving force that created positive change in my unit. My goal is to provide support and mentorship to other nurses as the Steward Liaison to accomplish what most might believe is impossible. When I’m elected, I plan to recruit, support, and mentor other stewards to assist in this mission of advocacy all throughout the Coastal Mountain Region. I believe that the role of Coastal Mountain Steward Liaison is one of utmost responsibility, as it is the stewards who do the vital work of the Union. I have the skills, the passion, and motivation to actively fulfill the responsibilities of CM Steward Liaison, building the bridges that are necessary to further the work of the Union.

I believe that we can change both the nursing world and healthcare as a whole, one Steward at a time. 
 

Amelita (Amy) Orodio

Internationally educated nurse from the Philippines, with a High-Acuity Diploma from BCIT, a Leadership Certificate from Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. Nominated in the leadership category of the 16th Annual North Shore Health Care Awards, sponsored by Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Currently working at Lions Gate Hospital in the Neuroscience/Neurocritical Care Unit for the past 18 years. Also have years of experience in the Long Term Care. Preceptor to students and new graduates. Mobilized Members in the successful 2012 Grievalanche which resulted in financial gains to our affected Members. Assisted members with Notice of Complaints Form and Walkabouts during the Ratification Process.

Representing members in Long Term Care Facilities in North and West Vancouver and Lions Gate Hospital that need UNION representation. Helped organize and encourage Members to attend the Multicultural Dinner and Long Term Care Dinner that spoke about diversity and networking. Organized Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Monitoring Clinics in past years as a BCNU community outreach activity that increased public awareness of health problem prevention as well as of what nursing is all about.

PRF Author and Presenter to the Senior Review Committee. An active practising bedside nurse, supporting my fellow nurses to protect our rights to a safe and healthy workplace environment. Proud mother to 3 beautiful children aged 11-17 who continue to inspire me to be the best person that I could ever be. Thank you all for your continued support throughout the years, and I look forward to working with all of you again.

Objectives:
- Foster and support all BCNU Members to be actively engaged in BCNU initiatives and educational opportunities.
- Advocate for safe staffing and safe patient care.
- I look forward to working with all of you again with honesty and integrity as your Steward Liaison.