The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE), a vital provider of trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual violence, is facing service reductions after losing a $1.8 million provincial grant that had dramatically reduced counselling wait times from 18 months to three. Despite the Alberta government maintaining that base funding remains stable, SACE reports receiving less than expected and has begun laying off staff, putting survivors at risk of delayed access to care.
For community health nurses, these cuts mean longer waitlists, heavier caseloads, and greater emotional strain as they support survivors without adequate community resources.
The Local newsletter was sent via MailChimp with updated member contact information from the Provincial UNA Office. It was sent to personal email addresses only. Please update your contact information in UNA’s DMS system if you have not received our newsletter.
While Canada Post complains of its dire financial condition, its subsidiary Purolator found the means to purchase Livingston International, Canada’s “largest customs brokerage firm,” for an undisclosed sum.
Cuts won’t help solve Canada Post’s financial problems. According to a recent report from the Universal Postal Union, aggressive cost-cutting measures like closing post offices “backfire economically.” In fact, “closing post offices to cut costs actually worsens” operators’ financial performance.
How can you show support?
1. Join a Picket!
CUPW Pickets
Delton Depot, 12725 82nd St, 6 am – 6 pm, M-F
Edmonton Mail Processing Plant, 12135 149 St, 24/7
South Corporate Retail Outlet, 7506 Gateway Blvd, 6 am – 6 pm, M-F.
Sherwood Park Depot, 26 Cranford Way, 9 am – 3 pm, M-F.
2. Reach out to your MP
“Hands Off My Postal Office” Campaign. Go to theCUPW website for more information
Do you want more information on why the Canadian Postal Workers are on Strike? Go to the CUPW website and click on “Did You Know?”.
The death of Joyce Echaquan is not just a tragedy — it is a mirror held up to health care. As a mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and grandmother, Joyce entered a hospital seeking care but instead encountered racism, neglect, and humiliation. Her final act, recording the racist words directed at her, revealed to all of Canada what Indigenous patients have long known: systemic racism in health care can have life-limiting consequences.
For nurses, remembering Joyce is both an ethical and professional obligation. This spotlight calls on Alberta’s community nurses to embrace decolonization in practice and education, moving beyond Western biomedical dominance to honour Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, and resilience. It highlights the seven elements of colonization and how they continue to shape health outcomes, underscoring that racism is not just historical but ongoing, with devastating effects.
Ginetta Salvalaggio is a practicing Edmonton family physician, Professor with the University of Alberta Department of Family Medicine, and Associate Scientific Director with the Inner City Health and Wellness Program. She received her degree in Medicine from the University of Alberta and completed a family practice residency in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Initially practicing as a rural locum, she eventually returned to Edmonton to establish a maternity care and family practice. She has also completed a Master’s of Science in Population Health through the University of Alberta School of Public Health.
She co-leads a community-based program of research with structurally vulnerable people who use drugs. Her academic interests include social accountability, co-design in healthcare, and partnered advocacy.
If you have registered and can no longer attend, please cancel your registration in DMS or email Local196Education@una.cabefore the registration deadline.
The Local newsletter was sent via MailChimp with updated member contact information from the Provincial UNA Office. It was sent to personal email addresses only. Please update your contact information in UNA’s DMS system if you have not received our newsletter.
Click HERE to listen to the newest podcast episode.
In this episode, Geri Ruston sits down with Dr. Bob Barnetson to examine the state of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) in Canadian workplaces, with a focus on Alberta and the realities faced by nurses.
Dr. Bob Barnetson is a Professor of Labour Relations at Athabasca University, whose academic and professional work centers on the political economy of workplace regulation in Alberta. His experience includes prior roles with the Alberta Labour Relations Board, Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, and Alberta Employment and Immigration, giving him both policy and institutional insight into OH&S and workers’ rights.
The conversation covers:
The true number of workplace injuries each year—likely double the official statistics—and why underreporting is so common.
The role of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and why some employers may discourage workers from filing claims.
The impact of Bill 47 and how it has reshaped workers’ rights to refuse unsafe work.
The gender bias in how “dangerous work” is perceived, and why hazards faced by nurses and care workers are often minimized.
Why increased reporting in unionized workplaces makes it appear that more injuries occur there, when in fact it reflects a culture of transparency and protection.
1. Does the reimbursement apply to both the CRNA license and the CNPS insurance?
Yes. In 2025, Employees who achieve the total 684.6 hours required for reimbursement will be reimbursed the full cost of their professional fees to CRNA or CRPNA, as well as the cost of professional liability protection required by the Health Professions Act.
Starting in 2026, Employees will be able to combine hours worked at more than one Employer covered by this Collective Agreement to achieve the total 684.6 hours required for reimbursement.
2. Will the reimbursement be taxed?
If your employer reimburses you for your nursing licence or registration fees, this reimbursement is considered taxable income. You cannot claim that portion of the expense as a deduction if you’ve already been reimbursed for it. CRA generally disallows claiming a cost that’s already been covered through taxable income or employer reimbursement.
3. Will the entire amount be reimbursed in the first pay period in October?
Nothing has changed with the process this year regarding CRNA reimbursement, other than the amount. Those who meet the minimum number of hours will have the entire cost amount reimbursed on their pay cheque. This is typically the first full pay period in October, so it should be the Oct 29th pay cheque, but that has not been confirmed.
Any members wishing to attend the UNA Provincial AGM (October 28-30, 2025,Edmonton Expo Centre) as a delegate or an observer – a nomination formmust be completed and emailed back to local196exec@una.ca before the September 18, 2025, deadline.
Your LOA or time off must be approved before submitting your nomination form. There have been issues in the past with individuals being nominated to attend and then not being able to get the time off after the fact. We now require that time be pre-approved.
Elections for delegates and observers will be held at the September 25, 2025, local meeting. You can register for the September meeting in DMS
Local 196 Conference Funding for 2026
Two Office Rep/Committee members and two general members will be drawn at the September 25, 2025, local meeting to attend a labour-affiliated conference up to a maximum of $5000.00.
To be eligible, Office Reps/Committee members/general members must have attended at least 2 Local meetings in the previous 12 months.
Attendees for eligible conferences shall be drawn from ballots received before the September 18, 2025, draw deadline in DMS
United Nurses of Alberta, Local 196 
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