B.C. Nurses' Union president resigns

The president of the union representing nurses in B.C. has stepped down. 

A bulletin posted on the B.C. Nurses' Union (BCNU) website says Christine Sorensen resigned for "personal reasons and to pursue other opportunities."

"The BC Nurses' Union thanks Christine Sorensen for her years of dedication and service to the BCNU," the bulletin reads.

The resignation comes less than a week after the union said it did not support making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for those working in health-care facilities in B.C. 

The BCNU says it encourages staff to get vaccinated but is concerned a mandate would lead to staffing crunches in an already strained system.

Josanne Dubeau, a registered nurse who had spoken out against the union's stance, said Sorensen's departure was surprising.

Dubeau said she had received a lot of support for speaking out, but wasn't sure the vaccine stance was the reason Sorensen left.

"I'm not sure she was under pressure to resign. This pandemic has put everyone under pressure and if she has the insight and wherewithal to know that she has personal reasons that take her away from being a strong leader, then definitely, she made a wise choice," she said. 

Dubeau said she hopes Sorensen's successor would consider a different approach and focus on many of the other issues — like staffing shortages and a lack of daycare options — that are hurting nurses during a difficult time. 

"It's not the time to mix up ideology and science right now. The union has always tried to have everyone's back and I appreciate that. I think they could be speaking to so many other things."