FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A primary theme of the premier’s meeting last month was the current state of Canada’s healthcare system, which is disintegrating after the COVID-19 pandemic and years of inconsistent funding.
There is a shortage of nurses, doctors, care aides, and other healthcare professionals throughout the province and the rest of the country.
Premiers called on the federal government to carry its weight and provide stable funding to provinces and territories.
The Canadian Press reported in July that the premiers sent the feds a “detailed funding proposal” and are awaiting a response, though Prime Minister contacted B.C. Premier John Horgan to inform him that Ottawa is working on the “funding situation.”
When it comes to Northern B.C., assistant professor at the University of Northern British Columbia’s School of Nursing, Dr. Raelene Marceau, says a step towards addressing the severe healthcare shortage in the Peace region is getting communities involved in healthcare recruitment efforts.
