“The Spotlight” by Local 196

Rachel

As community nurses we are seldom stationary.  We spend numerous hours on the road listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Our local Advocacy and Engagement committee created this podcast to bring important (and hopefully entertaining) information to our members. 

  1. 10/09/2025

    Politics, Compassion, and the Cost of Alberta’s Drug Crisis

    In this episode, Gerri Logan—member of United Nurses of Alberta Local 196’s Advocacy & Engagement Committee—sits down with Janet Eremenko, Alberta’s NDP Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addiction, to unpack the politics and human impact behind Alberta’s growing opioid crisis. From the ongoing debate around decriminalization to the intersection between housing, stigma, and public health, Gerri and Janet explore why overdose deaths continue to rise. At the same time, political will to act remains stagnant. They discuss the toxic drug supply and the real-life consequences of government cuts to prevention and early intervention programs. With a harm reduction lens, this conversation challenges listeners to ask: What’s the political cost of compassion? And why isn’t the opioid crisis covered—or treated—like any other public health emergency? Janet Eremenko is a Canadian politician and member of the Alberta New Democratic Party. She serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Currie. A lifelong Calgarian, Janet holds a degree in International Development and has more than a decade of experience in social policy and community development. Before her election, she worked in fund development with a national charity that supports newcomers, helping them bridge foreign credentials and rebuild their careers in Canada. Her priorities include advocating for affordable living for families, strong and reliable healthcare, equity in health, justice, and education systems, and meaningful support for vulnerable populations. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    37 min

  2. 09/04/2025

    “Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces” with guest Dr. Bob Barnetson

    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. 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.Dr. Barnetson provides critical insights into how legislation, policy, and workplace culture intersect—and why empowering workers to report hazards is essential to building safer workplaces. 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. Notable Publications & Contributions:  To the Breaking Point: The UCP Government's Cheapening of Labour (2023) Why is Alberta Making Workplaces Less Safe? Alberta Undermines Internal Responsibility System with New Rules (2021) Estimating Under-Claiming of Compensable Workplace Injuries in Alberta, Canada (2018) Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces (2016; co-authored with Jason Foster) A Dirty Business: The Exclusion of Alberta Farm Workers From Injury Compensation (2015) Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    28 min

  3. 05/09/2025 · BONUS

    Nurses' Week Special Episode - The Fiery Mary "Mother" Jones

    Rachel, Gerri, and Geri take listeners on an unforgettable journey through the life and legacy of Mary “Mother” Jones — the labour organizer once dubbed “the most dangerous woman in America.” From famine-stricken Ireland to the sweatshops and coalfields of the United States, the podcast traces how grief and injustice forged her into a tireless champion for worker safety and dignity. But this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a call to action. The episode draws parallels between the brutal conditions Jones fought against and the occupational hazards faced by Alberta nurses today, from violence and burnout to unsafe staffing ratios and systemic neglect. The legacy of Mary Jones reminds us that the struggle for safe and just workplaces is far from over — and that every nurse who dares to speak out is walking in the footsteps of giants. This episode was inspired by the OH&S article in the Spring 2025 UNA Bulletin, which highlighted Mary "Mother" Jones—many thanks to UNA OH&S Advisor Dewey Funk for bringing this figure to our attention.  Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    15 min

  4. 04/10/2025

    Organizing for Change: Cori Longo on Activism and the Alberta Federation of Labour

    In this episode of The Spotlight, we’re joined by Cori Longo, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), for an engaging and inspiring conversation about the power of activism and the importance of labour solidarity in Alberta. Cori takes us through her unique journey—from her first unionized job as a teenager to her time as a postal worker and registered nurse, and eventually into leadership roles within the Canadian Labour Congress and the AFL. Drawing on over two decades of union experience, Cori shares how her frontline work shaped her commitment to workers’ rights and why political engagement is not just important but essential for protecting public services, workplace conditions, and the future of healthcare in Alberta. She offers a compelling case for why nurses should see themselves as caregivers, advocates, and changemakers. Throughout the episode, Cori explains the role of the AFL in supporting workers across all sectors and provides practical, empowering advice on how nurses and other workers can get involved—whether through policy advocacy, union participation, or grassroots organizing. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a rallying cry. Cori’s message is clear: when workers raise their voices, they can shift policy, protect their professions, and create lasting change. Whether you’re a seasoned union member or just starting to explore labour activism, this episode offers the insight and motivation to take that next step. The episode was recorded on March 14, 2025.  Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    30 min

  5. 03/12/2025

    Presumptive Legislation Round table - The Fight for Presumptive Legislation with Guests Katrina Stephenson and Heather Murray

    In this episode, hosts Rachel Steel and Gerri Logan explore the urgent need for presumptive legislation to protect nurses from psychological injuries such as PTSD and burnout. They are joined by Heather Murray and Katrina Stephenson, two passionate advocates fighting for policy changes recognizing mental health struggles as a workplace hazard for nurses. The discussion begins with a breakdown of presumptive legislation, explaining how it would shift the burden of proof away from nurses, automatically recognizing PTSD and psychological distress as work-related conditions—similar to protections already granted to first responders. The guests share personal stories that highlight the emotional and mental toll of nursing, emphasizing how current systems fail to provide adequate support.  The episode underscores the broader implications of inaction, warning that without proper mental health support, nurses will continue to leave the profession at alarming rates, worsening the ongoing healthcare crisis. The hosts and guests emphasize collective action, urging nurses to unite in advocating for policy changes that recognize and address these mental health challenges. **Trigger warning** The discussion includes mention of suicide as it relates to job-related mental health injuries.   About the Guests: Heather Murray Heather Murray is a registered nurse with over 10 years of experience in emergency and critical care. A longtime advocate for nurse mental health, she has worked closely with professional associations and policymakers to push for presumptive PTSD legislation. Having personally experienced the emotional toll of frontline nursing, Heather is committed to ensuring that future generations of nurses receive better protections and access to mental health resources. Katrina Stephenson Katrina Stephenson is a nurse educator and mental health specialist who has spent the last decade supporting nurses dealing with trauma and burnout. Katrina is a CAF Mental Health & Wellness Nurse & Nurse Leader with Nurse 2 Nurse Peer Support. Katrina believes we need to approach each other with compassion and understanding around mental health and substance use challenges in such a way to reduce stigma and discrimination. She has been instrumental in bringing awareness to psychological injuries in nursing, speaking at conferences and lobbying for legislative reforms.  Partially through recording this episode, we were surprised by the news that the United Nurses of Alberta reached a Tentative Agreement on a Collective Agreement. UNA received a letter signed by Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones stating a proposal will be taken to cabinet no later than June 30, 2025, to extend presumptive coverage by the Workers’ Compensation Board to RNs and RPNs for psychological injuries related to post-traumatic stress disorder and other traumatic mental health injuries.  Listen for our reactions! We extend our sincerest gratitude to the United Nurses and the negotiation committee.  Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    50 min

  6. 02/24/2025

    "Negotiating in Crisis: Alberta's Labour Disputes and the Fight for Fairness" with guest Rick Brick

    In this episode of The Spotlight, host Geri Ruston dives deep into the ongoing labour disputes in Alberta, where public sector unions like UNA are negotiating new collective agreements amidst increasing challenges. Joined by Rick Brick, Associate Executive Professor at the University of Alberta with over 30 years in HR and management, the discussion explores the complexities of labour negotiations, including the impact of government interference, cases like Safeway's wage rollback, and the shrinking presence of Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) in bargaining. The episode also touches on the struggles facing healthcare workers, the tactics used by employers, and the importance of union solidarity. Tune in for insights into Alberta's workforce's challenges and how workers can make a difference in these critical negotiations. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    37 min

  7. 02/16/2025

    Episode 7: Interview with Karen Kuprys, UNA 2nd Vice President

    In this insightful episode, Local 196 A&E Committee member Gerri Logan sat down with the 2nd Vice President of the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), Karen Kuprys, for an in-depth discussion about her career journey, focusing on her previous role as Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) from 2021 to 2024 and how it shaped her current position at UNA. She delved into the connections between her past work in the AFL and the ongoing struggles within the healthcare sector, especially highlighting the similarities between the political climate surrounding the 1988 healthcare strike and today’s negotiations. Karen also discussed the pressing issue of healthcare privatization and its implications on the work of UNA and Alberta’s nurses. Karen explained why UNA maintains strong relationships with key organizations like the Alberta Federation of Labour, the Canadian Labour Congress, Friends of Medicare, Parkland Institute, and Public Interest Alberta. These alliances, she stressed, are essential for building collective power, as standing united within the House of Labour gives the movement more strength and influence than when these groups stand apart. This episode provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare workers, the importance of solidarity, and the ongoing fight against privatization. Tune in for a closer look at how UNA continues to fight for the rights of nurses and the future of healthcare in Alberta. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    37 min

  8. 12/18/2024

    Episode 6: Government Interference with Public Sector Bargaining with Guest Jason Foster

    This episode features an interview between Geri Ruston and Jason Foster. Jason Foster is a director, researcher and policy analyst with the Parkland Institute. With a focus on labour rights and public sector issues, Foster has contributed to several reports examining government interference in public sector bargaining. His recent work addresses Alberta’s Bill 5 (PSEA), legislation that limits workers' rights to bargain and strike collectively, which we will discuss in this podcast. The report highlights five key legislative interventions restricting union power, including back-to-work orders, essential services mandates, and right-to-strike limitations. Foster’s analysis also explores strategies unions can employ to challenge these restrictions, such as increasing bargaining coordination, adopting sectoral bargaining, and addressing the role of the Provincial Bargaining and Compensation Office (PBCO) in negotiations. Through his work, Foster emphasizes the importance of unions organizing effectively and leveraging public support, particularly after the pandemic underscored the value of public sector workers. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta. If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca and/or leave a comment. We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/

    31 min
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About

As community nurses we are seldom stationary.  We spend numerous hours on the road listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Our local Advocacy and Engagement committee created this podcast to bring important (and hopefully entertaining) information to our members. 

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