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VICTORIA – A three-year agreement has been reached for British Columbia’s midwives, Finance Minister Carole Taylor announced today.
“I would like to congratulate all of the negotiators for their dedication to reach an agreement that is both fair and affordable,” said Taylor. “The flexibility of the negotiating framework allowed us to develop an agreement that meets the needs of an important group of health-care providers.”
The Midwives Association of B.C. represents 108 midwives currently practising in British Columbia. All services provided by Registered Midwives are covered by the Medical Services Plan and funded by the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health negotiates a fee-for-service arrangement with the Midwives Association of B.C.
“Midwives provide primary care to healthy expectant mothers and to newborn babies,” said Health Minister George Abbott. “This new agreement recognizes the valuable health services and support that midwives offer to pregnant women in British Columbia.”
The Midwives Association of B.C. members will vote on ratification before the end of May.
“It is important to remember that although most public sector agreements were successfully completed last year, negotiators are still hard at work at bargaining tables today,” said Taylor. “There are several agreements remaining before the negotiating framework concludes, and I know all parties are committed to reaching fair and affordable contracts.”
To date, 141 agreements have been reached under the Province’s negotiating framework. Twenty-nine contracts that have yet to expire, covering approximately 14,838 employees, must still be negotiated.
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Communications Director 250 356-2821 |
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