BCNU Questions ARNBC Fee Increase

BCNU President Gayle Duteil is calling on the Association of Registered Nurses of BC (ARNBC) to explain their member consultation process prior to setting not only their initial annual fees, but also to increasing their 2017 fee.

Their current bylaws require them to consult the membership when determining the annual membership fee. Duteil has also written to the College of Registered Nurses of BC (CRNBC), requesting that they suspend the collection of ARNBC membership fees from CRNBC registrants, until the issue has been conclusively resolved.

Letter to Zak Matieschyn, President of ARNBC

Letter to Cynthia Johansen, Registrar and CEO of CRNBC

This comes after an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) held by the ARNBC earlier this month where members defeated a motion that would have allowed ARNBC to increase fees without member consultation. The current bylaw (Bylaw 2.7 - Dues) remains in effect, which prevents the ARNBC from raising fees without member consultation.

Duteil has requested proof of consultation from the ARNBC no later than December 31, 2016; registration and renewal with the CRNBC begins January 3.

As announced during ratification of the NBA PCA, BCNU will be reimbursing RN members a portion of their CRNBC fees; this partial payment will NOT include the fees re-directed to the ARNBC. BCNU believes the nurses of this province should not be burdened with additional fees. BCNU is steadfast in its support for all members who continue to call on the ARNBC to be accountable, democratic and transparent in their governance.