Nursing Deal Ratified In B.C.

The new three-year collective agreement increases wages, introduces workplace reforms, improves working conditions, and strengthens patient care throughout the province.

“Almost every person in B.C. will benefit from the care, knowledge and support nurses provide at some point, and I want to thank B.C.’s nurses for their heroic efforts,” said Premier David Eby.

“This agreement is part of our commitment to continue supporting nurses and strengthening B.C.’s health-care system, ensuring every single person in B.C. gets the care they need, when they need it.”

The contract is retroactive to April 2022, and includes general wage increases, improved on call rates, responsibility pay, premiums, expanded mentorship positions, and initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and Indigenous-specific anti-racism.

Additionally, the province says it is separately investing about $750 million over three years to implement a new first-in-Canada nurse-to-patient staffing model.

The model will allow nurses to spend more time with patients and provide better, more person-focused services.

The contract covers approximately 51,500 registered, psychiatric, and licensed practical nurses in B.C., represented by the BC Nurses' Union, Health Sciences Association, Union of Psychiatric Nurses, Hospital Employees' Union, and British Columbia General Employees' Union.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.