SOUND OFF: NDP must do more to support next generation of workers

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This week, the government announced it is accepting applications from providers to double the number of $10-a-day spots. But when you consider just how many families are waiting for daycare spaces, the doubling of those spots is just a drop in the bucket. Even when fulfilled, these $10-a-day spots will only amount to a cumulative 12,500 spaces by year’s end — that’s about three per cent of total spaces in the province. That’s still very few families benefiting from this initiative. Even though other families may be eligible for other subsidies and reductions, the $10-a-day program remains inequitable and a broken promise from this government.

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For those unlucky enough to not win the $10-a-day lottery — despite the NDP’s promises, fees have never been higher. In the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region, the average cost of infant care in 2020/21 was $750 per month, with toddler and 30-month+ care hovering closer to $700 per month. Those rates swell to well over $1,000 per month in larger cities, and become even steeper when families have more than one child enrolled in care. Clearly the solutions to these challenges involve vastly accelerating the creation of the spaces needed to meet current demand; ensuring $10-a-day spaces are available to as many families as possible, much more quickly — and as a priority to those that most need the help — and addressing the shortage of early childhood educators (ECEs) with meaningful action that will result in no more empty childcare centres due to a shortage of ECEs.

The NDP has also failed to make headway on improving access to health care, which is at a crisis level across B.C. One in five British Columbians doesn’t have a family doctor, and instead of listening to physicians and addressing their concerns, the NDP is making the situation worse.

This week, we learned the government offered up lucrative contracts of more than $295,000 a year, a signing bonus of $25,000, plus medical training debt forgiveness for about 175 new family practice resident graduates. This sudden effort to entice these ‘new to practice’ graduates seemed to come out of nowhere. In media reports, Dr. Jennifer Lush called it a “PR move” by Health Minister Adrian Dix, and noted the announcement left out international graduates — something the ministry did reconsider and correct, but could have been avoided had the government consulted properly. The offer also doesn’t address any of the major concerns of family doctors who are trying to keep their operations viable, including overhead expenses and the funding model they work under, as well as the need for locum support and better integrated support with other healthcare professionals. Once again, it seems the government isn’t listening.

The NDP seems to have a problem maintaining — and, better yet — improving relationships with doctors and other healthcare workers. Nurses in Kamloops and across B.C. have been speaking out for months, saying they feel disrespected by the government. They are burned out and stressed beyond belief, with many opting to take temporary leaves if not leaving the profession entirely. They, along with paramedics, have faced the duelling health crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the toxic drug supply which have exhausted resources. They have been crying out for help, but the government hasn’t been hearing them or acting quickly enough to alleviate the immense pressure they are feeling.

This doesn’t bode well for the many young people in our community who may be considering careers in health care. With many workers leaving their profession or retiring, creating even more gaps to fill, how do we ensure we can recruit new trainees under this backdrop of stretched resources, burnout and as some have described it, a toxic work environment at Royal Inland Hospital?

Meanwhile, a new Angus Reid poll shows health care is among the top three issues British Columbians are worried about. The other two are housing affordability and the cost of living/inflation — issues which young people in particular are struggling with as the costs of home ownership, rent, fuel and groceries continue to skyrocket. It’s hard to keep our kids close to home, contributing to our local workforce and economy, if they can’t afford to be here.

No matter which path Kamloops’ latest graduates choose, it’s clear government must do more —and fast — to ensure the next generation of workers feels supported.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.