Executive Director
The Executive Director of HSAS is accountable for the administration of the Union and represents the interests of HSAS at all times.
The Executive Director provides leadership and management in the planning, development and delivery of all strategic initiatives and programs.
Reporting to the Executive Council, the Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership and direction in all matters including policy, risk, quality monitoring, human resources, program evaluation, financial monitoring and reporting.
Working with the Executive Council, the Executive Director, plays the lead role in the development and delivery of strategic initiatives and programs and acts as a liaison with community and government agencies.
The Executive Director, in consultation with the Associate Executive Director -Labour Relations, leads and/or determines the Chief Negotiator for all collective bargaining.
Al Boutin
Position: Executive Director
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Executive Director
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Prior to his appointment to the Executive Director role with HSAS, Al provided two decades of labour relations leadership in the Saskatchewan public sector in both management and labour leadership roles.
Al is honoured to provide leadership and advocacy for and with the HSAS membership.
Al recognizes that innovative and positive solutions can be arrived at through a collaborative spirit, curiosity and flexibility.
As a relationship builder in, across and outside of HSAS, he is a firm believer that strong, effective member advocacy and desired outcomes for our province’s health care, are supported by developing and building positive, productive and purposeful relationships.
Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations
The Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations provides leadership, guidance, and direction and acts as an expert resource in labour relations to Labour Relations Officers and members. The Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations is responsible for the management of the labour relations services provided to the membership, the supervision of the Labour Relations Officers, and, in consultation with the Executive Director, leads or supports all collective bargaining.
Kim Canning
Position: Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Economic and Policy Research Manager
Dustin McNichol, PhD.
Position: Manager, Economic and Policy Research
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Manager, Economic and Policy Research
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Dustin joined HSAS in 2023, bringing over 11 years of experience in research and teaching in academia and labour relations. His involvement with the Saskatchewan labour movement began in 2014 when he helped lead a successful organizing campaign for teaching and research assistants at the University of Saskatchewan. Dustin has also worked as a negotiator and lead researcher for collective bargaining and labour relations at the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), representing over 13,000 teachers in the province. His work at STF led to major advances in collective bargaining that helped enhance teachers’ professional status and working conditions.
Dustin is also a published writer and historian. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Saskatchewan and has taught Canadian history, political science, and political philosophy at two universities in Western Canada. At HSAS his research focuses primarily on leveraging labour economics and public policy data to support the professional work of HSAS members as well as a strong, universally-accessible public healthcare system.
Communications/Membership Benefits Manager
Natalie Horejda
Position: Communications/ Membership Benefits Manager
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Communications/ Membership Benefits Manager
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Natalie’s path to her current role as Manager of Communications and Membership Benefits began in the mid-90s. At that time, Natalie, in her role as a physical therapist became involved with the union certification of Wascana Home Care Allied Home Care professionals and Client Assessment Services (CAS) by the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan (HSAS).
Upon becoming an HSAS member, Natalie was elected to the Executive Council first representing Home Care/CAS and later representing Physical Therapists, Exercise and Conditioning Therapists, Prosthetists, and Orthotists. Her time on Executive Council also involved serving as Vice-President, President and Board of Governor for 20 years, as well as serving on several Negotiating Committees and Governance Committees. From 2011 to 2019 while Board of Governor, Natalie also served as Chair of the HSAS Communications Committee.
In 2019, Natalie retired from her career as a physical therapist and accepted an HSAS staff position as Manager of Communications and Membership Benefits for HSAS.
Manager of Finance & Operations
Manager of Finance & Operations of HSAS manages the administrative business affairs of the Union, and leads the planning, organizing and managing of the offices and participates in the overall planning of the Union. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance Committee the Office Manager proposes an annual budget for office operations, and guides the organization to meet its financial goals.
Mark Jagoe
Position: Manager of Finance & Operations
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Manager of Finance & Operations
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Mark Jagoe started at HSAS in June, 2014. Previously Mark worked at the University of Saskatchewan for 20 years; 14 years as a Manager and 2 years as a Director.
Mark holds a B.A. Public Administration from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently working towards the Canadian Certified Human Resource Professional designation.
Assistant Manager of Finance & Operations
The Assistant Manager of Finance & Operations provides administrative and executive supports to the Executive Director, Manager of Finance & Operations, Executive Council and related committees.
Holly Bratt
Position: Assistant Manager of Finance & Operations
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Assistant Manager of Finance & Operations
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Prior to joining the team at HSAS Holly worked as an Administrative Assistant for a local real estate company in Regina, which lead to her obtaining her real estate license in 2008. She continued to practice in the real estate industry for 10 years.
Holly brings excellent customer service experience as well as a strong understanding of contracts and confidentiality. She likes to stay active and busy in every way possible. In fact, she has participated in many volunteer groups such as Regina Open Door Society where she taught English to newcomers and refugees, Canadian Blood Services by encouraging individuals to donate blood. She has also volunteered for Dress for Success where she helped women to learn how dress for an interview and work placement while, providing encouragement and confidence.
Labour Relations Officers
Located in Regina and Saskatoon and reporting to the Associate Executive Director – Labour Relations, Labour Relations Officers (LROs) are responsible for providing labour relations services and general advocacy for the Union’s Membership.
When members seek the help of Labour Relations Services, our LROs advocate on behalf of those members; resolving issues can lead to positive changes in a member’s workplace.
LRO Duties include:
- Answering member questions about the Collective Agreement
- Advise on workplace situations (return to work programs, accommodation, conflict, etc.)
- Support during harassment complaints, investigations, and conflict resolution processes
- Solving workplace issues between members and management
- Where necessary managing the grievance process up to and including arbitration
Jesse Payne
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Jesse joined HSAS in 2017, bringing with him 20 years as a union activist and 16 years as a union representative in the university sector. During this time, he has been a member of the CAW, OSSTF, CUPE 1281, CUPE 3903, COPE and USW. Most recently, Jesse served as a Member Services Officer and Organizer at the University of Regina Faculty Association, where he helped organize the sessional faculty into a new bargaining unit and negotiated two collective agreements at First Nations University of Canada.
Prior to arriving in Saskatchewan, Jesse served the Canadian Union of Public Employees in Ontario, where he worked as Staff Representative for CUPE Locals 3902 (University of Toronto), 3903 (York University) and 3906 (McMaster University). In 2006/7, Jesse was seconded by CUPE National to assist with a successful drive to organize Research Assistants at York University.
Jesse has been proud to represent approximately 16,000 members within 18 bargaining units. He has participated in 5 certification drives, 5 strikes, and has negotiated 20 collective agreements, including the first contract for Post-Doctoral Fellows in Canada.
Jesse is a certified public school teacher, having completed his B.Ed at University of Toronto in 2007, following upon a BA and MA in Political Science from York University.
In his time with HSAS, Jesse has been very impressed with the compassionate and dedicated members of HSAS, and he looks forward to working with the membership, leadership and staff in the challenging years ahead.
Jason Pacheco
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Kristina Andersen
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
More Info
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
In the summer of 2022, Kristina Andersen joined the HSAS team as a Saskatoon based LRO. Prior to joining the HSAS, Kristina had represented the interests of Canadian North’s Flight Attendant group, as the AOSH representative in Calgary, base Vice-President (Calgary) and as Executive Vice-President
In the past, Kristina worked as a flight attendant for WestJet, Flair and Canadian North. In 2018, two of the largest airlines that serve Canada’s northern most communities, Canadian North (CUPE 4053) and First Air (CUPE 4058); announced that they were merging. As part of a team tasked with merging two very different CBAs, Kristina was an active participant in working on the first collective bargaining agreement for the newly united Canadian North (CUPE 8111). In her various roles, Kristina has continually strived to improve working conditions for Flight Attendants across the Canadian North network, and sought out creative solutions to the complex problems and situations facing Cabin Crews.
Prior to arriving in Saskatchewan with her family, Kristina lived and worked in Calgary, AB. As a lifelong learner, in 2019, Kristina returned to the University of Athabasca to complete her Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations degree.
Since joining the HSAS, Kristina has enjoyed working with a Labour Relations team that has an enviable amount of knowledge and experience in interpreting CBAs, employer practices, labour law and employment legislation. A self-professed trivia nerd and diehard Beatles fan, Kristina enjoys learning about the specific challenges facing the Health Care industry and advocating on behalf of HSAS members.
Isabella Thomas
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Isabella Thomas commenced employment with HSAS in August of 2022. Isabella has 6 years of experience in a Human Resources Advisor and Manager role for a retail firm. Recently, she worked as a Human Resources Business Advisor for the academia sector for 2 years. Isabella holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Saskatchewan with a major in Human Resources.
Isabella has lived in Saskatchewan for majority of her life and currently resides in Saskatoon with her husband. She is excited to be part of HSAS and working towards supporting its members.
Brina Surkan
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Brina has worked in labour relations since 2012 but her passion for LR started long before that. Growing up with a unionist mother, she spent her youth sitting at bargaining tables and handing out coffee on picket lines. Watching the passion her mom and fellow members displayed while fighting for better work environments showed Brina the amazing work that unions do. This inspired Brina as she pursued her B.Comm at the University of Saskatchewan. Graduating in 2012, she quickly found a job working in labour relations and has been blessed to follow her passion every day since.
Prior to joining the HSAS team, Brina worked for the CLR Construction Labour Relations Association of Saskatchewan, an organization that represents unionized contractors in the province. While she may come from an employer background, Brina is a firm believer in unions and is excited to get back to where it all began.
Brina is a lifelong Saskatchewan resident and lives in Regina with her husband, son, and two dogs. She is a fan of all things Christmas, the Vancouver Canucks, and crafting. She is looking forward to meeting the membership and supporting them in any way she can.
Vacant
Position: Labour Relations Officer
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Braden White
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
More Info
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Braden was first employed as an LRO with HSAS in 2019 after spending 5 years as an elected member of Executive Council. He previously worked in Regina as an Advanced Care Paramedic for over 10 years, and was also an HSAS member. Braden holds diplomas as a Primary Care Paramedic and an Advanced Care Paramedic, as well as recently completing a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.
Braden has lived in Saskatchewan his entire life, and currently resides in Regina with his wife and 2 children. He enjoys working for HSAS and supporting the valued members he represents.
Ryan Sullivan
Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Labour Relations Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Ryan Sullivan started at HSAS in March 2023. Previously Ryan has worked both in the public & private enterprises, primarily as a management representative in both the provinces of Saskatchewan & British Columbia.
Ryan has lived in Saskatchewan for the majority of his life and currently resides in Moose Jaw. He is excited to be part of HSAS, working towards supporting its members & improving healthcare in Saskatchewan.
Communications Officers
Communications Officers work directly with the HSAS Communications Committee. This role is responsible for delivering key Union messages to the membership and the public. Communications Officers are also responsible for the overall brand and visual identity of the Union.
Dawn Brown
Position: Communications Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
More Info
Position: Communications Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Dawn Brown joined HSAS in 2014. She has 15+ years of strategic marketing and communications experience. Before joining HSAS, she worked and consulted with Saskatchewan non-profit organizations and worked in the television and film industry for several years. Her education includes broadcasting, production management and marketing.
Jess Grant
Position: Communications Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Communications Officer
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Jess Grant joined HSAS in October 2020 and works at the Regina office.
Jess attended the University of Regina, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, and a Public Relations Certification in 2016.
Before coming to HSAS, Jess worked for the Brandt Group of Companies in Digital Marketing and Communications for five years. Prior to that, Jess worked for FCC and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Jess has lived in Saskatchewan her entire life and grew up on a ranch in a small town in the Southwest corner of the province. She has lived in Regina for the last 12 years.
Administrative Staff
The Administrative Staff of HSAS provides reception, administrative and secretarial support to the Office Manager, Executive Director, Labour Relations staff, Executive Council and various Committees of the Union.
Kelly Sluth
Position: Membership Records Coordinator
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Membership Records Coordinator
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
In April of 2016 Kelly joined the HSAS team as an Administrative Assistant. In April 2019 she was promoted to Membership Records Coordinator for HSAS. Previously Kelly worked at Western Surety Company for 10 years in the clerical and fiduciary bonding departments.
Kelly holds a Certificate in Office & Administration Education.
Robyn Selinger
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Brandi Kinzel
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Brandi Kinzel received her Business Office Specialist Diploma from Saskatoon Business College in December of 2012 and began working for the Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan at the end of January of 2013. Since starting at HSAS Brandi has learned what it means both to be part of a union and to serve the union. She has also had the opportunity to be able to plan and/or attend events such as our Annual Convention and MLA Holiday Reception during her time with HSAS.
Heather Hails
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Saskatoon Office
PH: 306-955-3399
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Judy Dodman
Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
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Position: Administrative Assistant
Office: Regina Office
PH: 306-585-7751
TF: 1-888-565-3399
Bio:
Judy Dodman joined HSAS at the end of November 2022. Prior to starting work at the Regina office, Judy spent a number of years working as a Legal Assistant, starting out in Family Law and ending up primarily working on Corporate/Civil Litigation Cases. She is utilizing the knowledge and experience acquired through these years in her role as a member of the HSAS Administrative team.
Judy moved from southern Alberta to Regina in 2008, where she currently resides with her husband and two kids.