Nurses’ Votes Count in the 2021 Federal Election

August 27, 2021

BCNU members entitled to time off to vote

BCNU is reminding all members covered by the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) provincial collective agreement that they are entitled to four consecutive hours free from work during the hours the polls are open to cast their vote in the upcoming federal election. Other members are advised to check their collective agreements.

Article 36 (Leave – Elections)

"Employees who are eligible to vote in a federal or provincial election or referendum shall be entitled to four (4) consecutive hours free from work during the hours the polls are open to cast their vote. If in order to satisfy this provision an employee must absent themselves from work, they shall suffer no loss of salary for the scheduled hours away from work."

When to vote

According to the Canada Elections Act, employers are allowed to decide when on polling day to make the time available for employees to vote. General voting day is September 20, however other options are available.

In person:

At any Elections Canada office before 1800 on Tuesday, September 14.
In your riding at your assigned advance polling station from Friday, September 10 to Monday, September 13, 0900 – 2100.
In your riding at your assigned polling station on election day, Monday, September 20, 0700 – 1900.

NOTE: Rules for voting on both advanced polling days and the general election day differ from those of some provincial elections: you must vote at your assigned polling station. To find out your assigned polling station, check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service.

By mail:

If you prefer, you can vote by mail, however early deadlines apply. For more information, visit the elections.ca website.

Act now to protect your voting rights

Consult now with your manager for the pre-arranged four hours off duty.
Replacement staff should be booked in advance to maintain safe levels of care.
Employers may set the required time off as best suits care needs.

Remember to bring the proper identification to the polls

In order to vote, the Canada Elections Act requires you bring one piece of government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or two pieces of identification, both containing your name and one containing your address. If you are not already registered to vote, you will be able to register at your polling place or call Elections Canada toll-free at 1-800-463-6868.

You must be a Canadian citizen to vote.