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The exceptionally close results mean it’s hard to predict what will happen in the longer term, but the governing agreement between the NDP and the Greens holds significant promise for health care and community social services in B.C.
Vancouver (21 June 2017) — Following the B.C. election on May 9, the Health Sciences Association of B.C., took the opportunity in its most recent issue of the HSA Report magazine, to update members on the new political situation in the province.
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Nobody can remember a provincial election like this one. Most election results can be called about an hour after the polls close on election day. This one left people guessing for weeks. And while the exceptionally close results mean it’s hard to predict what will happen in the longer term, the governing agreement between the NDP and the Greens holds significant promise for health care and community social services in B.C. Both parties share a number of important goals. The NDP and the Greens have pledged to make mental health treatment a priority by establishing a ministry responsible for mental health and addictions, and both have promised greater focus on early intervention services. Other shared goals include action on the opioid crisis, improvements to seniors care, expanded community care, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, reducing wait times and investing in early childhood education. While the NDP-Green agreement aims for 4 years of government, they have but a single vote’s advantage over the BC Liberals. That makes for a particularly fragile situation that could precipitate an election well in advance of that. HSABC’s strategy for government relations and contract negotiations will shift accordingly, and seek the best outcome for members and the people we care for — no matter what happens next. |