Central Vancouver Regional Executive – 2023 Election Results

My name is Rebecca McTavish and I am running for the position of Communications Secretary for the Central Vancouver Region.
I have 10 years of acute care nursing experience and have spent the last 8 years of that on BMT (T15) at VGH, the last 2 of those being in the role of PCC.
I have been an active member with BCNU since the start of my BC nursing career including being a ward rep, steward and the year prior to my maternity leave on your regional council in the role of Communications Secretary. Over the past 10 years I have attended numerous conventions, bargaining conferences, steward planning days, regional meetings, education days and executive planning meetings, as well as communication secretary training. To assist me in my work with the union, I have also completed a two day "Crucial Conversations" course.
The main reason I choose to be active with BCNU is because I strongly believe in the importance of keeping our members informed. I truly enjoy planning events and educational sessions where I have the opportunity to engage with the membership. If you vote for me to be your communications secretary, I will do my absolute best to ensure our Central Vancouver members are engaged and kept up to date! 

LPN with Vancouver Coastal Health for 15 years
Currently the Communication Secretary for Central Vancouver 

As your previous Central Vancouver Mental Health Representative, I will continue to be committed to making a positive impact on the well-being of our BCNU Members. If elected, my vision is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes mental health for all. I believe that mental well-being is fundamental to overall health and productivity. As healthcare workers at the forefront of public safety, we consistently prioritize our patients above ourselves. In doing so, we forget that the daily occurrences we experience accumulate and manifest in adverse effects on our health. My goals to mitigate these effects are: 

1. Promote Awareness and Education. Organizing workshops and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and increase knowledge about Mental Health. By providing resources and information, we can empower individuals to seek help when needed.

2. Support Systems. I will strive to enhance access to Mental health resources. I will look to collaborating with the Provincial OH&S Executive and Mental Health Executive for assistance. In this way, we can develop partnerships that can provide comprehensive Mental Health supports for our members.

3. Advocate for Mental Health policies. I will work to advocate for the implementation of Mental Health policies within our Union. These policies will guide actions, provide resources, and varying supports. With this, we can create an environment that encourages open dialogue and destigmatization of Mental Health concerns.

Together we can better our union by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered while ensuring that each member feels psychologically safe at work. 

My name is Jessica Machado, I am a Registered Nurse working out of Vancouver General Hospital. I have worked for eight years as an acute medical nurse and now recently, with VGH's Complex Pain and Addictions Services. I understand the challenges that we face as nurses in regards to our health and safety, every day that we come to work. I have been directly impacted by violence at the worksite and watched many of my co-workers experience the same. I have always been outspoken about this, and for the past nine months I have worked as the occupational health and safety representative for the Central Vancouver region, because I became tired of feeling powerless and hopeless around nurse's, and all health care providers safety. I would like to continue the work that I have started, with your support.

My objectives are a continuation of the work that I have done in this position and they are focused primarily on the safety at our worksites. These are my top five priorities:

1. Holding our employers, across all worksites accountable for creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environments by bringing forward high level issues to upper management/leadership. This includes implementing a NO weapons in the workplace policy!

2. Advocating for our nurses, especially those on the front line, who are subject to violence on a regular and repetitive basis through campaigns, outreach, and direct communication with our Provincial Team, the leadership within the organization, and WorkSafeBC.

3. Focus on empowering our nurses to be involved in health and safety work through active engagement with our membership and recruitment for safety initiatives, such as membership on a joint occupational health and safety committee (JOHSC).

4. Spread the word about the JOHSC - because if you were unaware of this acronym, I want to make that a thing of the past!

5. Encourage every nurse to report every health and safety incident that occurs at their worksite and utilize this reported information to uphold the need for safer working conditions.

My goal has always been to be the voice of our collective. I am comfortable, confident, and more than willing to take your concerns all the way to the top to have them addressed. I look forward to continuing the work that I have started across all of the worksites, as well as continuing to be involved with each of you. This is work that I am passionate about and pledge to prioritize your health and safety needs in an immediate way.

Thank you! 

Professional responsibility and practice has layers of depth and presents it’s own genre of unique challenges that I continue to enjoy. Participating in the union and supporting members through the PR Process has been a rewarding endeavour over the last year, and I hope to continue serving in the role as advocate. Professional responsibility encourages an advocate to learn and be taught aspects of the profession a nurse might never discover, and for that I am grateful for the opportunity to run for this position! 

My name is Gerald Dyer and I am an RN that has been working at Vancouver General Hospital since 2003 on the General Surgery/ENT/GE Unit. I am an accomplished and dedicated nurse advocate who has served as a steward since 2007/2008 and served in the role of Full Time Steward & Regional Chair for Central Vancouver Region. With a profound commitment to member rights and welfare, I have consistently tried my best to advocate for fair treatment and ensured the representation of members' interests throughout my tenure.
I have endeavored to demonstrate an unwavering dedication and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of BCNU members. My commitment to serving as a steward and Regional Chair has been marked by my ability to navigate complex workplace issues, provide guidance, and negotiate with management on behalf of members. With a passion for promoting positive working environments, I have tried my best to actively pursued solutions to improve working conditions and uphold the rights of my nursing brothers and sisters.
In my capacity as a Regional Chair, I have taken on the responsibility of helping lead and coordinate the steward team, ensuring effective representation for all members. I have done my best to act as a crucial bridge between our members and their needs and higher levels of leadership, advocating for regional concerns and addressing workplace issues at a higher level.
I believe in the importance of displaying integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the role as a steward and Regional Chair, as well as learning and making efforts to contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. If I get elected back into the Chair role I promise to remain committed to upholding the rights and welfare of members, advocating for positive change, and making a lasting impact for the Central Vancouver Region and advancing the Strategic directions of the Union.

If elected some of my plans moving forward:

1.Continue to Support & Help Grow the Steward Team in turn providing more supports for the nurses in our Region.

2.Help Advance Training and Mentorship Programs: Establish in house training programs to provide new stewards with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their roles effectively and better support our members.

3.Establish Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly seek feedback from all our members to understand needs and challenges. Use this feedback to refine and improve structure and processes to help nurses throughout our Region.

4.Establish Open Communication: Would like to look at creating channels for members to express their concerns and provide feedback. Encourage an open-door policy, where members feel comfortable approaching stewards or designated representatives to discuss their issues.

5.Continuously monitor the effectiveness of the steward team and its growth initiatives. Assess the impact of additional support on member satisfaction, resolution of workplace issues, and overall union engagement. Adjust strategies and tactics as needed based on feedback and evaluation results.

I do not have a social media page or website but available to discuss any issues or concerns with members.

Thank you for your consideration, Gerald Dyer 

My name is Reynaldo Antonio Ortiz and mostly just known as Antonio. At present I am the CVR Lobby Coordinator. In the past I helped to have nurses included in the PTSD bill by meeting the Minister of Mental Health Judy Darcy in 2019 and the Minister of Health Adrian Dix 2018-2019-2020. Additionally, I worked with the Federal MP Don Davies to put on the floor Bill C434 in 2020. This bill was to change the criminal code across Canada to have criminally charged any one who physically attack a nurse. This bill later on become C220 and was approved as a law by Justine Trudeau.
Once I get elected as CVR Council I will work to have equity for everyone. I will work for new nurses to have better support at work, I will work to gain back the no displacement benefit given away about 10 years ago. I will work for nurses to get better health benefits and for retired nurses to get paid at least 15% of their prescription by BCNU.
But my main goal is to campaign to have the shortage of nurses reduced so we do not get stressed out nor burned out from working short. Vote for me and I will work hard for you. 

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063796905853&is_tour_dismissed=true 

Candidate Bio:

Name: Marlon Perez
Education: Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing 
Experience: 11 years in nursing
Current Role: Registered Nurse, Med/Surg

Marlon Perez is a highly skilled nursing professional with a keen interest in financial management and accounting.

Marlon’s passion for finance began during his grade school years when he took an introduction class to a personal budgeting course. He developed a fascination with financial concepts and demonstrates an understanding of complex financial principles.

While Marlon does not have formal education in finance, he has taken the initiative to enhance his knowledge through self-study. He understands and applies finance fundamentals including financial analysis and budgeting in his daily life.

Marlon possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills. His attention to detail allows him to analyze data and identify patterns. His proficiency in using financial software and tools enhances his ability to work with financial information efficiently.

Marlon is an excellent communicator and collaborator. He developed strong interpersonal skills through his work as a nurse. He participates in group projects and is able to work effectively in a team environment.

Marlon’s objective is to gain practical experience in a real-world setting. He is eager to contribute to the union’s success. Marlon is committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and making an impact within the union.

Statement of Objectives:

My objectives for the role of Regional Treasurer revolve around acquiring practical experience, expanding my skill set, and contributing to the success of the union.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development: My hope is to gain hands-on experience in financial management and develop an understanding of financial operations. I am committed to continuously improving my knowledge and skills in finance through self-study, online resources, and training opportunities.

Support and Collaboration: I am dedicated to supporting and collaborating with my colleagues to achieve common goals. I will contribute to team projects and initiatives, leveraging my analytical skills and fresh perspectives to offer creative solutions. 

Ethical and Responsible Financial Practices: I understand the importance of maintaining financial integrity and adhering to ethical standards in all aspects of my work. I will ensure accuracy and transparency in financial reporting and compliance with union regulations. 

Proactive Problem Solving: I am eager to apply my analytical and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. My objective is to proactively identify areas for improvement and recommend strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Positive Contribution: I am driven to make a positive impact through my work. I will approach each task with enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. I am open to feedback, willing to learn from colleagues, and committed to continuous personal and professional growth.

In summary, as a candidate for the Regional Treasurer role, I am confident that my strong analytical skills, dedication to continuous learning, and collaborative mindset will allow me to contribute effectively to the success of the union. 
 

RN for 29yrs
Steward and Activist for over 10yrs with commitments to JOHSC (Co-Chair), Disability Management, and Steward Liaison (currently). 
Labour Relations Officer for 2yrs

Currently in role of Steward Liaison for Central Vancouver Region

Objectives
To maintain and improve current momentum in Steward recruitment and retention, with emphasis on Onboarding and consolidation of learned Steward Education Curricula. 
Continued support of current Steward Team and Executive.