South Islands
OHS Representative
Preet Cheema
My name is Preet, I have been working for Island health approx.17years in various jobs and designations. I started my career as a HCA, LPN and RN Plus ICU training through BCIT. I am always keen learner and always like to challenge myself. have been very active with BCNU for last few years. I am nominating my self for OH&S rep position; I feel I am the best candidate for this job. I have been MSIP coach and currently I am a JOSHC rep at VGH. I am very passionate for safe working site and encouraging and teaching colleagues to do worksafe incident reports. I have done JOSHC training, Crucial communication education. I have been looking for this opportunity where I can use my experience and knowledge and make BCNU strong and safe work environment.
Brooke Ripka
My name is Brooke Ripka and I have been an LPN for over 11 years. Throughout my career as a nurse, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of healthcare settings. But it’s not just my clinical experience that I bring to the table—it’s my passion for the union and my active involvement in it.
I jumped in wherever there have been opportunities to contribute, whether it's bridging the gap in temp roles, vacation relief as a steward or ratio initiatives and the rep for South Island Young Nurses Network.
These experiences have given me perspectives from many lenses of how crucial it is for us to have a strong, unified voice and collective action. It would be an honour to advocate for all of you as the South Islands OHS Rep.
Cameron Westhead
As a Registered Nurse of 20 years, I have been awe struck by the dedication and passion of my colleagues towards their patients. But this often comes at the cost of the nurse's own health and safety. This is not only limited to the physical realm, but also to their mental wellbeing and psychological safety.
As 2nd Vice President with United Nurses of Alberta, and as MLA in the Alberta government, one of my priorities was to strengthen OHS protections. I did this through helping to update Alberta's OHS laws, by lobbying for presumptive WCB coverage for nurses, and by promoting psychological safety within UNA.
My objective is to continue this important work with my BCNU colleagues and allied workers in South Island region and beyond.