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| New election rules: Bad for democracy. Bad for public health care |
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Last year, the BC Government passed sweeping amendments to the Provincial Election Act. These changes have effectively muzzled any individual or organization who may, "take a position on an issue with which a registered political party or candidate is associated*" during the 88 days prior to an election date.
Although the BC Health Coalition is strongly non-partisan - Public Health Care is certainly an election issue.
As a result, the BCHC along with numerous other organizations and individuals have been required to register as third-party advertisers with Elections BC in order to get the message of "Vote Public Health Care" out to members, supporters and the general public between Feb 13, 2009 and Election Day, May 12, 2009.
You will be hearing more about Bill 42 from us - and we hope you can help us spread the word! In the meantime...
Visit "Just Shut Up BC" and send a message to Attorney-General Wally Oppal voicing your opposition to the attack on free speech contained in Bill 42.
Read a story about a small non-partisan tenants-rights groups who have been fined under Bill 42.
* Click here To read the text of Bill 42.
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| BCHC calls on province to protect patients from profit-driven private clinics |
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The BC Health Coalition is calling on the provincial government to take a strong stand in defending provincial health legislation from a legal challenge by private for-profit clinic operators in B.C.
The Canadian Independent Medical Clinic Association has argued that British Columbians should be able to buy private insurance to pay for their medically necessary services. The move is the latest step in the for-profit surgical clinic industry's aggressive campaign to capture a larger share of the health care "market" from non-profit public hospitals.
The action is less about the rights of patients and more about the interests of investors who will benefit from the clinics' revenues Ð generated by charging patients user fees and extra-billing for services already covered by Medicare.
It is now more important than ever that the provincial government listen to British Columbian's clear desire for positive public solutions to strengthen health care. It's time they took proactive steps to enforce their own rules and protect patients from out-of pocket expenses and two-tier, private insurance that undermines public health care for all of us.
Click here to send an e-mail to Health Services Minister George Abbott demanding that he protect Medicare and put an end to the charging of user fees and extra-billing by for-profit clinics.
Click here to send a message to the Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and call on her to investigate suspected violations of the Canada Health Act by B.C. for-profit clinics.
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| Independent seniors' advocate needed now |
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Seniors' health care in B.C. is facing serious issues and, some would say, reaching a state of crisis. That's why the BC Health Coalition is joining the call on our provincial government to immediately establish an independent seniors' advocate.
With reduced care levels, increased wait times, extra fees and the elimination of public, non-profit facilities, there is little public oversight on basic health standards for seniors.
British Columbians need an independent officer of the legislature to advocate for seniors, and ensure that their rights and the health needs are not compromised.
The call of is one of the key demand of the BCHC's "Broken Promises" Seniors' Campaign. Click here to find out more.
Take action now and send a letter to the provincial government demanding that it make critical changes to improve the lives of BC seniors and people with disabilities.
The Provincial Ombudsman is conducting an investigation to examine various aspects of seniors' care, including access to services, standards of care in facilities, and monitoring and enforcement of those standards. If you have a complaint about care you or a family member has received Click here to send your message to the Ombudsman's office.
Seniors' Resources Available: Want to learn more about seniors' issues and long-term care? Our website's seniors'resources section has been updated with many excellent reports and studies. Read more...
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