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By Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone

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SOUND OFF: NDP has no new ideas to solve healthcare crisis

Sep 15, 2022 | 1:47 PM

“TALK MINUS ACTION EQUALS ZERO”

Those were the words of Ashcroft Mayor Barbara Roden, one of the many local government representatives frustrated beyond belief by Health Minister Adrian Dix’s panel event at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention (UBCM) this week.

Billed as a discussion of real solutions to B.C.’s worsening healthcare crisis, local officials were let down after Dix simply reiterated NDP talking points and offered nothing of substance — no major announcements and no reassurance this government is doing much to improve this deteriorating situation that is now claiming lives.

In his speech, the minister even referenced a number of suggestions the BC Liberals made months ago. Specifically, we came out with a 30-day action plan to address the primary care crisis wherein 1 in 5 people — 1 million British Columbians — do not have access to a family doctor. Soon after, we followed that up with additional solutions including new initiatives for internationally-trained doctors. These were tangible ideas offered by the Opposition after several months of listening to nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers who have been speaking out about the dire circumstances they are working within. Yet the NDP refuse to take meaningful action.

We also learned this week that a shortage of HR staff at the Provincial Health Services Authority prevented hundreds of new and full-time paramedic positions from being filled. This, after staff shortages have impacted patient care and the well-being of paramedics for many months. Just another delay that is costing people their health and wellness.

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Communities across B.C. are fed up with this government’s inaction on this life-or-death situation. After all, just this week the government announced it is projecting a $706 million surplus in its First Quarterly report. Why is the NDP sitting on money that could be used to relieve the pressure on healthcare workers and improve wait times and the quality of care for B.C. patients and their families? It just doesn’t make sense.

What it tells me is that this government truly doesn’t understand the pain that people are experiencing within our healthcare system. Our doctors, nurses and paramedics are stressed to the limit. Family practices continue to close, leaving more and more people unattached to a doctor. Patients are dying in ER waiting rooms or, as in the case of two residents in Mayor Roden’s community, a mere block away from an empty ambulance station and closed hospital emergency department.

As the UBCM convention in Whistler continues, local elected officials are also expecting some movement on other major issues including rising crime and a lack of supports for those living with mental health and addictions concerns. The NDP has been slow to roll out complex care housing and supports for those who badly need this specialized help. And after touting ‘creative solutions’ to curb the public safety risk posed by repeat criminal offenders, all the NDP offered up was another study on an issue we’re all aware of — a study that, by the way, has seen its release date delayed. What a surprise.

The time for NDP studies and reports is over. They can’t just sit on a surplus so that their incoming leader can make some splashy announcements and look good months from now. We simply cannot allow the crises in our healthcare system and in our justice system to get any worse.

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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.