Letter to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement regarding changes to BC's Medical Services Plan premiums (update)

Updated March 15, 2018: We have recieved a response from Public Services and Procurement Canada, it is attached below.

Jamey Mills has written to Minister Qaltrough regarding upcoming changes to MSP in British Columbia. When we get a response, we will be sure to share with members in BC.

November 20, 2017 - via email

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Centre Block, Room 540-N
111 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K0A 0A6

Re: Medical Services Plan

Dear Minister Qualtrough,

I am writing on behalf of over 14,000 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada in British Columbia, including 400 in your riding, that are paid by the Phoenix pay system.

I would like to remind you and officials at Public Services and Procurement Canada that, effective January 1, 2018, current rates for Medical Services Premiums will be reduced by 50 per cent for all British Columbians.

PSAC members in British Columbia have not yet received any communication from the pay center about the changes to MSP and are concerned that the appropriate code changes will not be entered into the pay system in a timely manner.

This is a separate issue, but I cannot help but note that Treasury Board has not been able to meet the implementation deadline for the PA, SV, TC and EB collective agreements.

Federal public servants continually worry about whether or not they will be paid properly and on-time. The uncertainty around Medical Services Premiums is causing them further stress.

I would like your assurance that PSPC is aware of this issue and plans to implement the changes in January.

I look forward to your response,

Jamey Mills

Regional Executive Vice-President, Public Service Alliance of Canada, BC Region

CC: Robyn Benson, National President, Public Service Alliance of Canada