A tentative agreement has been reached with British Columbia nurses within the government's co-operative gains mandate, Health Minister Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid announced today.

"This agreement offers solutions that benefit B.C.'s health system and help ensure future sustainability, while keeping patient's needs at the forefront," said MacDiarmid. "I would like to thank both parties for working collaboratively to reach an agreement that is both good for families and fiscally responsible."

The two-year agreement provides for modest improvements to compensation, as well as the addition of new nurses to the system.

"This is a good first step in the collective bargaining process," said Finance Minister Michael de Jong. "This tentative agreement meets the terms of the co-operative gains mandate established at the outset of negotiations. It provides for modest improvements without adding costs for taxpayers and without sacrificing services to British Columbians."

No additional details of the agreement will be available until ratification.

Media contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)