Member Update: Grande Prairie Building Lead Exposure
We recognize that the recent news about potential lead exposure at the Grande Prairie Provincial Building is deeply troubling. No member should ever be left wondering whether their workplace has compromised their health. Your safety must be a non-negotiable priority, and HSAA is here to ensure your concerns are heard, your rights are upheld, and your well-being is protected.
Although lead was found in the building’s mechanical systems, the areas where you work—such as clinical and office spaces—are considered low-risk for significant exposure. However, because some uncertainty remains due to limitations in the testing, AHS is offering voluntary blood lead testing to provide added reassurance.
We strongly encourage you to take part in this testing. Even though the risk of harm is very low, having a blood lead test and filing a Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claim— as a precaution—can help ensure you are protected if any future health issues were to arise.
This kind of situation should never have happened. The union will be working to ensure a full and transparent investigation is conducted to understand how this exposure was allowed to occur. We are committed to holding the employer accountable and ensuring strong measures are put in place to prevent this from happening to any other HSAA members at other worksites.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed by this news, please remember that you can access confidential support through your EFAP (Employee & Family Assistance Program) or your benefits plan.
If you have any questions about this situation or your rights, or if you have additional insights or information that may help us understand what occurred, we encourage you to reach out to your Labour Relations Officer or HSAA Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) directly.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
In solidarity,
Ray Geldreich, Sr. Advisor, Health, Safety and Wellness
Fenton Corey, Labour Relations Officer