Day: March 6, 2026

A&E Committee Spotlight

Mar 2026

 

Bill 11 and the Future of Public Health Care in Alberta

The passage of the Health Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 11) marks a significant shift in the direction of public health care in Alberta. The legislation introduces “dual physician practice,” allowing doctors to work in both the publicly funded health system and a private-pay market at the same time. Supporters say the changes could improve efficiency and help address wait times, but many health policy experts warn that the bill opens the door to a two-tier system where access to care may increasingly depend on a patient’s ability to pay.

Critics also raise concerns that expanding private payment for medically necessary services could actually increase wait times in the public system. Research from other jurisdictions suggests that when private options grow, health professionals and resources may shift toward private facilities, leaving fewer resources available in public hospitals and clinics.

The changes have sparked debate about the future of Canada’s publicly funded health care model and how the legislation aligns with the principles of the Canada Health Act, which emphasizes universality and accessibility.

Click HERE for the new spotlight on Bill 11: Two-Tier Healthcare

March 6th, 2026 Comments Off on A&E Committee Spotlight local196una

A&E Committee Spotlight

Jan 2026

Violence is not part of your job!

Violence against nurses and health care workers in Alberta is rising, and it is having serious consequences for both worker safety and patient care. United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) reports that four in ten nurses experienced physical violence at work in 2025, while six in ten faced non-physical violence such as threats and verbal abuse. These incidents are widely underreported and are often the result of systemic failures, including chronic understaffing, overcrowded hospitals, long wait times, and insufficient community-based care. Recent assaults on health care workers underscore the urgency of the problem and highlight the need for immediate action to ensure nurses can provide care in safe, respectful environments.

Across Canada, nurses’ unions are demanding stronger protections and accountability. Organizations in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia have launched public campaigns and advocacy efforts to make it clear that violence is not “part of the job.” Nationally, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions has called violence against nurses a public safety crisis requiring coordinated government action. In Alberta, UNA continues to press the provincial government and employers to invest in prevention, enforce occupational health and safety laws, improve staffing levels, and install violence-prevention infrastructure. Protecting nurses is essential to protecting patients and sustaining a safe, effective public health care system.

Click HERE for the new spotlight on Violence Against Nurses

January 6th, 2026 Comments Off on A&E Committee Spotlight local196una

Remembrance Day 2025

Remembrance Day 2025

Here are several Remembrance Day ceremonies and gatherings:

November 6th, 2025 Comments Off on Remembrance Day 2025 local196una

A&E Committee Spotlight

June 2025

Here’s Why It Matters

Alberta has the highest rate of household food insecurity among Canadian provinces, with 30.9% of households experiencing food insecurity. This surpasses the national average, highlighting a significant public health concern.

Community health nurses play a unique and trusted role in Canada’s healthcare system, providing direct insight into how poverty and food insecurity impact individuals and families. Through their daily work in homes, clinics, and community settings, nurses regularly witness how hunger undermines health, whether it’s a child struggling in school due to poor nutrition or a senior forced to choose between medication and groceries. Because of this frontline perspective, nurses are well-positioned not only to treat the consequences of food insecurity but also to advocate for long-term, structural solutions.

Click HERE for the new spotlight on Hungry for Change: Food Insecurity in Alberta . 

June 6th, 2025 Comments Off on A&E Committee Spotlight local196una

Dec 3, 2024

UNA responds to transfer of nurses from AHS to Primary Care Alberta

United Nurses of Alberta has been informed that nurses represented by the union working in Health Link 811, Primary Care Networks, Provincial Midwifery Services, select primary care clinics, Facilitated Access to Surgical Treatment (FAST) program, Virtual Care, Access and Navigation (V-CAN) and the Primary Health Care provincial program will be transferred from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to the new Primary Care Alberta (PCA) agency. The government has announced that the staff transfer from AHS to PCA is effective February 1, 2025.

While UNA remains deeply concerned about the chaos caused by this restructuring on nurses and their ability to deliver the best patient care possible within the public health care system, a Letter of Understanding signed by United Nurses of Alberta and AHS on May 31, 2024, retains and expands the rights of Employees affected by the creation of new Provincial Health Agencies.

Under the LOU, Employees can transfer to the new Employer or remain employed with AHS, with full rights to displace or fill a vacant position under Article 15 of the Provincial Collective Agreement. Indirectly affected Employees displaced by affected Employees will have, in addition to full Article 15 rights, the right to select a vacant position at PCA. All affected Employees transferred from AHS to PCA will initially be treated as a part of a single bargaining unit to administer the current Provincial Collective Agreement. This will last until the payroll transfer date. UNA does not yet know when this payroll transfer date will take place.

A tiered system for hiring and downsizing will also take effect, meaning that PCA Employees will no longer be treated as internal candidates when applying for vacant positions within AHS. Still, they will be considered ahead of other external applicants not employed by a Provincial Health Agency. In the event of downsizing, PCA employees can displace other positions within PCA or apply for vacant positions within AHS. A PCA Employee can be recalled to AHS if laid off. The LOU also applies to casual Employees who pick up additional shifts and includes provisions for Employees on Leaves of Absence, Workers’ Compensation, and Disability.

UNA is preparing a Frequently Asked Questions document for members impacted by this change, which will be posted soon. This page will be updated, and the union will share more information at www.una.ca as we receive it.

Documents for impacted members:
Explaining the transition from AHS to Primary Care Alberta (FAQ)
Letter of Understanding re: Transition of Employees pursuant to Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024: For more information about this LOU, read UNA’s statement from May 31, 2024.
UNA Layoff & Recall FAQ
Employer/UNA Joint Layoff & Recall Statements

December 6th, 2024 Comments Off on Dec 3, 2024 local196una

December 6, 2024

On December 6, the United Nurses of Alberta Local 196 joins in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, marking the tragic events of December 6, 1989, when 14 women were killed at the École Polytechnique in Montreal simply because they were women. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence that women continue to face in our society.

For Local 196, this day is not only a time to honour the lives lost but also to reflect on the progress made in raising awareness around violence against women. Over the years, public understanding of this violence has evolved, with increasing attention given to issues like domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harassment. Thanks to the tireless work of advocates, survivors, and organizations, the reporting of such incidents has grown, and many women now feel more empowered to speak out and seek support.

Yet, despite these advancements, much work remains. We must continue to advocate for systemic change, stronger protections, and comprehensive support systems for all those affected by violence. By coming together on this day, we not only remember the victims but also reaffirm our commitment to fighting for a future where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated and where women can live without fear of violence in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

As we reflect on the progress made, we also recognize our responsibility to create a culture of respect, support, and accountability. Together, we can continue to take action and work toward a world where all women are free from violence.

 

December 6th, 2024 Comments Off on December 6, 2024 local196una

Important!!!

 You must complete and submit a TD1 form before any expense can be approved or paid through UNA.

Complete both the Provincial and Federal forms linked below and save them to your computer. Ensure your Social Insurance Number is completed and you have signed both pages. The total should be 0.

  1. Federal form: TD1
  2. Provincial form: TD1AB

Attach the completed and saved PDF documents from a personal email account to nurses@una.ca

October 6th, 2024 Comments Off on Important!!! local196una

A&E Committee Spotlight

March 2024

By Rachel Scheffelmiar

Click HERE for the new spotlight on Domestic Violence at Work. This spotlight and previous spotlights are also located under the A&E tab on this website.

A video on Domestic Violence in the Workplace was created by participants of the 2024 AFL Winter School. Click HERE.

March 6th, 2024 Comments Off on A&E Committee Spotlight local196una

REMINDER – March EI Dinner

 

UNA Local 196 Welcomes Carolyn Olson and Richard West!

Richard West is a long serving Labour Relations Officer with UNA. He has been a Trustee on the Local Authorities Pension Plan for 25 of the last 30 years.In addition, Richard provides support to UNA members on LAPP matters.

Carolyn Olson is also a long serving Labour Relations Officer with UNA. In addition to her member servicing assignment, Carolyn has expanded her expertise into the Pension area. Her coursework and enthusiasm for pensions is preparing her for a future role on the LAPP Board. Carolyn provides direct support to members on LAPP matters.

In this presentation, Richard and Carolyn’s goal is to assist members in making informed decisions about their LAPP Pension and benefits overall.

This session will cover retirement planning re: LAPP and RRSP, information on benefits (ex. ARTA), short term and long term disability

PAPER OR E-TICKET REQUIRED FOR ENTRY.

March 13th, 2023- Fantasyland Hotel: 17700 87 Ave.

Doors @ 17:30

Dinner @ 18:00

Speaker @ 19:00

This event is open to members & duespayers of Local 196 only.

TICKETS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

Registration must be completed using a non-AHS email.

Registration Deadline is March 6th at 2359h

Questions/Dietary requests? Please email Local196Education@una.ca

If you have registered and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or email Local196Education@una.ca prior to the registration deadline.

Cancellation instructions and waitlist instructions are on the local website: https://local196una.ca/education-dinners/

March 6th, 2023 Comments Off on REMINDER – March EI Dinner local196una

Newsletter Draw

June 6th, 2022 Comments Off on Newsletter Draw local196una

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