Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Despite growing calls for an independent audit of Interior Health, the government is sticking with its Provincial Health Services review. In a brief phone interview with B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne, Castanet News asked if the ministry would conduct an independent audit of the health authority. “Right now, we are undertaking reviews of all of the regional health authorities, and we're really looking to administrative savings that can be applied to the front lines,” said Osborne ... ... Healthcare in the Interior has recently come under major scrutiny as the pediatrics ward in Kelowna General Hospital announced a six-week closure. In Vernon, nurses recently spoke to Castanet, calling the hospital a "disaster waiting to happen" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

I want to thank everyone who has shown me support in preparation for this Fall's critical provincial election. As a candidate, my only goal has always been to remove the dangerous Eby NDP from Victoria, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for the people of BC. This has not changed, and I am excited to now have the opportunity to deepen my ties in the riding of Vernon - Lumby as their representative for the Conservative Party of BC. I wish nothing but a Blue Wave to wash over Kamloops - Centre and Kamloops - North Thompson. I know know the team will excel going into October. Thank you everyone; and to Ward and Peter ... I'll see you in Victoria. For information on the campaign for Vernon - Lumby, and Dennis Giesbrecht, CLICK HERE From the Armchair Mayor: Giesbrecht moves into vacant Vernon spot for Conservatives

. . . . Banman held meetings in several Interior communities and he said there are consistent concerns being expressed. “The No. 1 concern people have is that health care is no longer working,” Banman said after a town hall meeting at the Schubert Centre. Banman said one in five BC residents do not have a family doctor and 1.5 million people can not get in to see a specialist. “We are watching emergency rooms being shut down randomly. It's a huge concern,” he said. Banman also questioned the ruling NDP's handling of the toxic drug situation in the province ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Opinion: High housing costs and a stagnant economy are causing a large number of Canadians to "vote with their feet," says economist. ... the intra-provincial shift away to places like Vernon, Courtenay and Kamloops from BC’s biggest cities is just one migration trend. A large number of people are now also moving out of BC to other provinces — and from Canada to other countries ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The leader of the BC United Party says a breakdown in communication is one reason that Vernon’s last walk-in clinic is set to close its doors for good on Wednesday. Kevin Falcon was in Vernon Tuesday, Nov. 14, meeting with newly-chosen candidate Kevin Acton, the long-time mayor of Lumby, and with local party officials and supporters. The doctors that operate the Sterling Centre walk-in clinic on 25th Avenue say their inability to secure support staff is why they can no longer keep the clinic open ... CLICK HERE for the full story

... After over a decade in local government, Acton felt it was time to shake things up a bit and address certain issues he's powerless to address as mayor. “Being in local government for 16 years you just sit there and see what you think can be fixed in provincial government…The challenges around the medical system and seeing our last walk-in clinic close in Vernon and I haven’t even seen a comment from the provincial government on it,” Acton says. “Having fruitful relationships with the past government as opposed to this one where we don’t feel like we’re ever consulted or talked to, it’s been challenging to be in there the last few years so either I wasn’t going to do it again or go up and take a shot at provincial politics" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The only walk-in health clinic in Campbell River will stop seeing new patients, while a clinic in Vernon is closing for good.  The operators of both facilities blame a lack of staff CLICK HERE for the full story

  A long-time local politician is the first candidate for BC United in the newly-named provincial riding of Vernon-Lumby.   Kevin Acton, mayor of Lumby since 2009, and the current chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan board of directors, announced his plans on social media.   “Today, I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the nomination for the BC United Party for Vernon-Lumby. Together we can forge change through hard work to Revitalize, Reclaim and Rise!,” Acton said on Facebook.   Acton, who is also a massage therapist at Bloom Wellness Centre in Lumby, spoke to Vernon Matters about his decision to run for BC United ... CLICK HERE to read the full story

So sayeth the government .... People living in Vernon now have better access to team-based everyday health care, with the opening of an urgent and primary care centre . “ The new urgent and primary care centre will help connect more people in Vernon and the surrounding communities with the health care they need, when they need it ,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “ By increasing the number of publicly funded health-care professionals in the community, thousands of people who currently lack a primary care provider will benefit from increased access to same-day appointments for urgent needs, ongoing primary care and better longitudinal care into the future .” The Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Centre will recruit general practitioners, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and mental health and substance use clinicians to treat patients in Vernon. BUT ... what happens when there are not enough medical people to staff these...

Manning Park Many of my summer days have been spent in a British Columbia Park . I loved the familiar sound rolling through the trees of the “Two-Wheelers” a ramshackle gang of pre-teens on bicycles thrown together by chance for a few days under the shade of a grove of Coastal Douglas fir, cedar, maple and arbutus.  Manning Park was a family favourite, as was Kalmalka Lake near Vernon. These were the days where we were playing carefree from dawn till dusk. The third Saturday of July was Parks Day and my family just happened to be camping at Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville. This was another target destination for my family as we explored 1980’s SuperNatural British Columbia in our tent trailer. The Elder's Council I have a semi-regular meeting with a group who call themselves “The Elder’s Council”. More organized than the “Two-Wheelers”, they are retired public servants who worked in B.C. Parks throughout their careers and who want to see the ...