James

Like all Canadians, British Columbians cherish
their public health care and want it protected.
While not perfect – as nothing ever is – it has
served us well over the years, providing a sense
of comfort and security: when we are sick or
injured, we know we can receive quality public
health care. And everyone is treated fairly, no
matter how well off or poor.
Gordon Campbell’s record over the past four
years shows just how out of touch he is with
the rest of British Columbia on health care.
His record has become one of dirty, crowded
hospitals and increasing waitlists.
The Liberal government is putting patient
care at risk by shutting down hospitals, closing
emergency rooms and cutting long-term care for
seniors. And by opening up more of health care to
privatized services, Gordon Campbell is moving
BC closer to a two-tiered system where those
who can afford it are able to buy their way to
the front of the line.
The Campbell Liberals have embarked on a
massive health care advertising campaign that
had nothing to do with promoting better health
and everything to do with furthering their
electoral fortunes. Add to that the money that’s
Gordon Campbell’s
health care record:
Spiraling waitlists. Dirty,
overcrowded hospitals.
Privatized surgeries.
• Increased waitlists a staggering 31%
despite his promise to reduce the
number of people waiting for surgery.
• Privatized health care services, creating
dirty hospitals and poor-quality food.
• Dished out more taxpayer dollars in
lucrative contracts to for-profit clinics.
• Broke his promise to seniors to open
5,000 new long-term care beds.
• Closed hospitals and reduced services
in communities around the province.
• Wasted millions on thinly-disguised
partisan health care advertising –
despite promising not to – at the same
time he was closing hospitals and making
people wait longer for surgery.
• Punished BC’s most vulnerable by
cutting home care and home support
services that help people live
independently and out of hospitals.
gone to pay the salaries – and severance packages – of the various CEOs who have come and
gone in the new regional health authorities.
This is a time for anticipating future health needs and challenges, and working together on
long-term solutions that will keep up with growing demand and improve the level of care
for all British Columbians.
Carole James will move British Columbia’s health care system forward, developing and
delivering innovation in quality public health care. Her solutions lie in prevention rather than
privatization. In strengthening hospitals, not closing them. And in listening to community
needs, not making arbitrary decisions behind closed doors.
By focusing on innovative ways to reduce waitlists and expand long-term care, communitybased
prevention and support services, the New Democrat health plan will help people live
healthier, get the care they need in their communities, and reduce our reliance on hospital care.
BCNDP Platform 2005 5