On March 31st, communities across Canada are holding rallies in support of Public Health Care. Princeton’s rally will begin at 11:00 am in Veteran’s Square. You can show your support by attending the rally and wearing red, carrying a red umbrella, or waving a Canadian flag.
There are 36 rallies being held in BC, organized by the Hospital Employees Union and local support groups such as SOHC. The following information is provided by the HEU, outlining their concerns and issues.
Taking Back Public Health Care
By Bonnie Pearson, HEU Secretary-Business Manager
It’s time for Canadians to take back the public health care agenda. For far too long, forces have been chipping away at our most cherished social program. To get a glimpse of the future facing public health care today, just follow the money.
This March 31 marks the first anniversary of a decade-long $36 billion cut to health care transfers to the provinces by Ottawa. B.C.’s share of that historic ten-year long reduction totals $5 billion. I think we can all agree that less money for health care is not what is needed for our province. In fact, a Conference Board of Canada report released last August determined Victoria must invest $1.8 billion more than budgeted for health care between 2014 and 2017 just to maintain current service levels. Continue reading