Bill 18 that unites all nurses in the NBA passes third reading in provincial legislature

Bill 18 passed third reading in the provincial legislature on Thursday, March 14 with the support of the BC government and most independent members of the British Columbia Legislature. For Bill 18 to become law it must now be enacted through an Order-in-Council by the provincial Cabinet.

Bill 18 amends the Health Authorities Act by broadening the definition of "nurse" to include Licensed Practical Nurses. Bill 18 will also transfer LPNs who are covered by the Facilities Subsector and Community Subsector collective agreements into the Nurses' Bargaining Association. Bill 18 does not change any nurse's union membership.

The government and independent members of the legislature have listened carefully to nurses' opinions on Bill 18 as thousands of nurses emailed and called legislators to encourage their support for this important legislation. Nurses should continue to contact legislators and urge the provincial cabinet to pass an Order-in-Council that makes Bill 18 law.

Once enacted, Bill 18 will help improve practice conditions for nurses though increased professional collaboration, common education and supporting nurses to work to their full scope of practice.

Bill 18 will also help drive efficiencies in the public healthcare system. By working towards one contract for all nurses, health authorities can reduce costs through common procedures for items like shift scheduling, dispute resolution, employee education and mentoring, vacation scheduling, career laddering and health and safety initiatives.

The government is currently consulting with other unions and health employers on Bill 18.

Stay tuned for more information and how you can help unite all nurses in the NBA.