B. C. NDP Leader David Eby launched a strong campaign on Monday, expressing concerns that a B. C. Conservative government would lead to health-care privatization.
Eby promised to uphold a completely public system and indicated that a Conservative government might follow Alberta’s example, which recently permitted some doctors to work in both public and private sectors.
According to Eby, this approach allows individuals to pay extra for faster service while taking medical professionals away from the public system.
“It’s unfair. I say it’s anti-Canadian,” Eby said.
“If we have a challenge in our health-care system right now, it’s a shortage of health-care workers – now can you imagine what that would look like with even fewer health-care workers for you and your family?”
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In Alberta’s model, doctors need to work a certain number of hours in the public sector before they can practice privately, but critics argue it opens the door for a two-tiered system and could increase wait times for those depending on public care.
The B. C. Conservatives had no one available for comment on Monday. However, they quickly responded to Eby’s remarks by labeling them as “fearmongering.”
“[B. C. Conservative Leader Lorne Dickson has] committed to protecting health-care funding and keeping B. C.’s system universal and publicly funded,” the party said in a statement.
“British Columbians will never need anything more than their health card.”
The party claimed that Eby’s accusations showed the NDP was “increasingly desperate,” attempting to divert attention from the government’s record which includes numerous ER closures and an ongoing shortage of family doctors.
asked the party whether it would rule out allowing people to pay for medically necessary treatment or prevent doctors from practicing in a private setting but has yet to receive an answer.
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During the 2024 election campaign under former leader John Rustad, the B. C. Conservative Party stated it would enhance the use of private medical clinics in order to reduce wait times for treatments covered under the Medical Services Plan.
Meanwhile, the B. C. Green Party expressed that they believe NDP lacks credibility on this issue, pointing out that it had spent millions on private agency nurses while serving in government.
“Why should we trust Eby on health care?” Green Leader Emily Lowan said.
“He sent nurses to picket lines; he canceled seven long-term care facilities and funneled public money into private health contractors.”
The NDP announced Monday it plans to phase out agency nurses over three years.
Centre BC also opposes private healthcare but believes NDP is not suited to resolve current issues given its track record.
“It’s clear that NDP have not prioritized multiple ER closures across British Columbia,” Leader Elenore Sturko said.
British Columbians will head to polls in less than two weeks, on Saturday, Oct. 24.
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