BCPS Employees for Freedom

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom On October 5, 2021 Lori Wanamaker announced the end of medical privacy and bodily autonomy for employees. Despite her claim of creating "a BC Public Service where every employee feels they belong, where every employee feels they have a voice", the results from a Freedom of Information request show there is no such thing for hundreds of BC Public Servants. Meanwhile, employers across Canada continue dropping the mandates. Music by Defekt_Maschine from Pixabay

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom James has worked as a Correctional Officer at a corrections centre in the Okanagan for more than 2 years. He has had a rewarding experience working in corrections and was planning to retire with the B.C. Public Service. Since the mandate came to effect, James and a number of his coworkers were put on leave without pay. He has learned about negative comments made about him and his coworkers in the workplace. “They’re saying we’re not to be taken seriously because we refused to comply and that’s our own fault that we’re losing our jobs.” This situation has had major impacts on his mental health, particularly with depression, which he has suffered for several years. Some of the people he has worked with are respectful of his decision. “They respected me for standing up for what I believe in”. James is still not allowed to go back to work. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Angela has been a B.C. public servant for 25 years, recently serving with the Public Guardian and Trustee in Vancouver. In her role as a paralegal, Angela worked to protect the interests of B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens. During the past 2 years, she was able to do most of her work from home. Angela did not feel comfortable disclosing her private medical information to her employer. Her family immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong 35 years ago looking for a new life. She feels the situation she now finds herself in is surreal and has brought back the concerns that made her family emigrate in the first place. Angela believes a medical procedure should be an individual’s choice and is disappointed with her union (the BCGEU) for not standing up for her rights. Angela expects to be terminated at any moment. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Ana María has been a B.C. public servant since 2012 and is a Registered Forest Technologist based in the Chilliwack natural resource district. She came to Canada 22 years ago from her native Colombia, seeking a better life. A survivor together with her family of the Delta variant, Ana María was taken aback by the BC Public Service mandate for employees when it was announced. “Coming from a country where for many decades there has been more than a struggle – a human challenge – with political forces,” she questioned where this policy was going. A single mother of three sons, Ana María now works in the Service Deli Department at Costco. “The first two days I kind of felt like I went back 22 years.” She doesn’t know if she will work as a B.C. public servant again. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Philip has been with the BC Public Service for 14 years and has worked for several ministries in various policy roles. Most recently he has served as Director, Policy and Stakeholder Relations, with StudentAid BC in the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Philip helps government develop policy and implement it. Currently his work focuses on student financial assistance policy and helping British Columbians access, afford and complete post-secondary education and training. When the mandate was brought in, Philip didn’t feel comfortable being required to disclose his personal medical information in order to keep working. He had worked primarily from home since the pandemic began. Philip is concerned about the fear, division and worry that has come with the pandemic and the mandate. “I just hope for more love, empathy and courage because we’re going to need that to heal from this as a society.” Philip has been on leave without pay for four months and expects to be terminated at any moment. Filming credits to Todd Harris: https://matadorfilms.ca/ Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Christopher joined the BC Public Service in 2019 to work with the Liquor Distribution Branch in a BC Cannabis Store, initially in Parksville and more recently in Nanaimo. In his role as a cannabis consultant, Christopher offers customer support and helps inform clients about the use of certain products for different needs. Getting this job made him feel like he was finally on the path to achieving his life goals. When the mandate came into effect, Christopher went through a lot of stress and symptoms he had experienced after a serious motor vehicle accident returned, including appetite loss, nausea and depression. “Everything in life just kind of got put on hold. I just felt like I needed to step up and hold true to my values”. Christopher would like everybody to understand the division that has been put in place and hopes we can find a peaceful loving way to come together. Christopher has been put on unpaid leave for three months and expects to be terminated at any moment. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Guy has been with the BC Public Service for four and a half years. As a Data Network Analyst with the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, he works with clients from across government to resolve Tier 2 core network communication issues. He is able to do 100% of his work from home, but enjoys the face-to-face communication and camaraderie of working in the office. When the mandate came out, Guy studied the information made available about the required new medication but felt it wasn’t sufficient for him to make an informed decision. “The science, as it’s coming out now, is way different than what we expected even a year ago.” Guy has a lot of questions and just wants clear answers. “Mandates don’t unify anything – they divide.” Guy is on leave without pay and expects to be terminated at any moment. Filming credits to Todd Harris: https://matadorfilms.ca/ Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Original CTV News Vancouver Island report "Victoria, CRD lifting vaccine mandate", broadcast Friday, March 18, 2022. Clip available at https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2405601. Umar Sheikh of Crease Harman LLP, an attorney for B.C. public servants facing termination over their employer's proof of vaccination mandate, and Philip Davidson, a B.C. public servant, are interviewed. Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ D. (name withheld) has been with BC Public Service for 7 years and lives in Central B.C. In her role with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, she helps B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens access income assistance. When the mandate came in, she experienced confusion and anxiety. “I just knew in my heart this wasn’t right for me”. It wasn’t easy for D. to make the decision she felt forced to make. “I went and got my vaccines for one reason and one reason only and that was to keep my job, to keep my family in our home”. She continues working in her role today. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Florence has been a B.C. public servant for 4 years, working as a correctional officer for the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in the Lower Mainland. During her time with the BC Public Service and the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), Florence feels she has made a difference in the lives of the people she works with. She also got along well with her co-workers and felt respected by management. However, since the mandate was introduced, her experience has changed. “I feel like I’m being treated like a second-class citizen.” Her mental health has been negatively impacted and she has felt forced to consider an unexpected career shift. “I would like everybody to know I am healthy, I am eager to work, ready to work.” Florence, a mother of young children, has been put on unpaid leave for three months and expects to be terminated at any moment. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://go.rallyup.com/bcps4freedom/Campaign/Details Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Cheryl has worked with the Ministry of Citizen’s Services for 8 years. As the only person performing her role in her office, she knows being placed on unpaid leave has had a big impact. “I've always been health-minded and always looked at alternative things and never would… had I ever thought that this would be a requirement”. Her husband, also a public servant, felt forced to follow the mandate so they could survive. Cheryl has been on unpaid leave for three months and expects to be terminated at any moment. Music: bensound.com

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Diana has been with BC Public Service for over 27 years, and for the last 18 has worked for the BC Wildfire Service in Penticton. In her role as Operations Assistant, Diana prepares the zone for the upcoming fire season, including hiring heavy equipment and making sure the necessary fire crews are in place and ready. She plays an integral role working side-by-side with the Zone Wildfire Coordination Officer during intense wildfire fighting operations. She thinks the mandate will have a significant impact on B.C.’s ability to fight wildfires because of the number of contractors who choose to be vaccine-free. “What BC Wildfire Service employees do for the public is above and beyond. I can’t even describe everything that they do.” Diana has been put on unpaid leave for three months, coinciding with the beginning of fire season, and has been told she will be terminated without severance after her leave ends. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Kasey has worked for the BC Public Service for a year and a half. In her role as a Probation Officer with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Kasey has helped clients while on bail, making sure they were meeting their conditions and receiving support in the community. She is passionate about her job. “It made me feel like I had a purpose and a reason, and I was helping people”. After having worked through the pandemic, she feels it’s a shame to let employees go because of their personal choice to not share their private medical information. “I think it’s a step backwards for inclusivity”. Kasey has been on leave without pay for three months and is expecting termination. Music: https://www.bensound.com/

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Michelle is a 14-year BC Public Service employee living in Horsefly, B.C., near Williams Lake. Beginning her career as a correctional officer, Michelle later transitioned to working as an Employment & Assistance Worker with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Her work has focused on health and specialized services for clients attending treatment programs at short- and long-term care facilities. “I would think that the services have been hugely impacted by the number of people that have been put on leave,” she says, speaking about the mandatory proof of vaccination policy. “We were already running quite short staffed. There [were] offers for overtime before so I can’t imagine how much more it’s impacted B.C.’s most vulnerable people.” Michelle, a three-time cancer survivor and mother, is currently on leave without pay.

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://go.rallyup.com/bcps4freedom/Campaign/Details Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ M. (name withheld) has been with the BC Public Service for 13 years. In her role working with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in Vancouver, M. supports victims of violent crime, domestic and sexual abuse survivors, those struggling with mental illness and suicidal ideation, and families who have lost loved ones. Being placed on leave without pay has had an impact on her co-workers and clients. “None of them wanted to see me go. They knew I fought hard for these victims. None of my colleagues, none of the management team wanted to see me go. For the first two months of my leave without pay, my caseload sat largely untouched. These victims waited a lot longer for help than they should have had to.” M., a mother of two, expects to be terminated from the BC Public Service on February 24, 2022.

Website: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/ Donate: https://bcpsforfreedom.com/donate/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bcpsef Librti: https://librti.com/page/view-group-profile?id=187 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcpublicservantsforfreedom/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/bcpsemployeesforfreedom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAhNyayur6Qxg-bC_sPEEQ Zoran, a Registered Professional Forester and Senior Manager with the Mountain Resorts Branch in the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, currently based in Kamloops, has worked in the BC Public Service for almost 26 years. He, his wife and daughter came to Canada in 1994 seeking a new life after civil war and ethnic strife tore apart their native Bosnia. Zoran has been proud to serve the people of B.C. for more than a quarter century. He originally found the BC Public Service values to be close to his own personal values. Now he is concerned about a shift he has seen in how people treat each other. “I want the public not to judge people based on vaccination status and accept the decision about medical treatments that are deeply private, personal choices,” he says. “That would be my message to the public of British Columbia.” Zoran and his wife, also a B.C. public servant, are currently on leave without pay and expect to be terminated in April.