Adrian Dix at UBCM (image credit - Global)

By Michael Reeve

UBCM 2022

Despite no new announcements at UBCM, mayors are optimistic about healthcare crisis fixes

Sep 14, 2022 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix sat on a panel at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) annual convention to discuss the challenges in health care around the province on Tuesday (Sept 13).

“Really just want to be part of the solution here,” said Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell.

Places like Clearwater have been hit hard but the latest healthcare challenges in British Columbia. Earlier this summer, the emergency department was closed for 24 consecutive nights. That’s led Mayor Blackwell to head the push for change.

“We really kind of want to work two ways, one with governments as an advocacy force, and problem-solving. Primarily as a problem-solver working with the health authority directly, but we need that access from government,” said Blackwell.

“This is not the responsibility of COVID or the opioid crisis, those public health emergencies just highlighted the fact that we have a healthcare system which is virtually on life-support,” added Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.

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Dix stated that the death of Queen Elizabeth II, resulted in him delaying an announcement on paramedics. While no new announcements were made by Minister Dix at the convention, there is hope that there could soon be movement on the crisis.

“There were things that he definitely couldn’t talk about because of the death of the queen and how that rolled out. But, for sure there was frustration in the room, I feel it, I understand it. We’ll see where this goes from here,” said Blackwell.

“I’m optimistic that there will be some substantive announcements in the coming weeks. Particularly around foreign trained health professionals and their licensing in British Columbia,” stated Christian. “I think issues related to recruitment and retention of nurses, but also of primary care physicians.”

Through pushing government and improving communication, Blackwell feels municipalities can begin to help themselves.

“We can help ourselves a lot as communities if we talk about this in a focused way and maybe not rely so much on the minister of health and the health authorities,” added Blackwell.

Blackwell was well received during his time at the podium, noting his story resonating well with elected officials from every corner of British Columbia.

“A more united front, but it’s a united front to help, a united front to solve problems. It’s not a united front to criticize,” concluded Blackwell.