Gandhi questions cost of sending cancer patients to the U.S.
VANCOUVER B.C. – The B.C. Green Party is calling for a full explanation of the costs associated with the B.C. NDP’s recently-announced plan to send some breast- and prostate- cancer patients to the U.S. for radiation therapy. On top of the distressing reality that cancer patients will be sent out of the country for treatment, the figures provided by the Minister of Health appear to significantly underestimate the total costs (see attached). This money would have been far better spent by proactively investing in our own healthcare system, given that the government was warned of a likely increase in the number of cancer patients as many as 11 years ago.
Political will urgently needed as unregulated drug deaths continue to rise in B.C.
VICTORIA, B.C - Today, the BC Coroners Service reported 206 suspected unregulated drug deaths in April. Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley, has issued the following statement:
“Our province remains entrenched in an ongoing health emergency that continues to claim the lives of British Columbians. The magnitude of this crisis is profound, causing immense loss and devastation for families and communities.
“Nearly seven people are dying every day - an increase over previous months. Despite political narratives, people are continuing to die from unregulated toxic drugs and a lack of concrete actions to prevent these deaths.
Furstenau responds to cancer care announcement
VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley has issued the following statement in response to British Columbia sending cancer patients to the United States for treatment:
“It is shocking that the Minister of Health is applauding sending B.C. cancer patients across the border for radiation treatment. B.C. used to be a leader in cancer care in Canada, today’s announcement shows that the system we currently have is failing to meet people’s needs.
B.C. Greens focus on forward-looking actions
VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus focused on forward-looking actions during the Spring Legislative Session, putting the well-being of the people of British Columbia at the heart of their efforts.
In the 11-week session, the Greens made 21 calls for government action and tabled seven private members’ bills or amendments. The hardworking B.C. Green MLAs were able to make a significant impact.
“The Green Caucus focused on providing solutions this session. We were intentional in calling for actions that improve the well-being of British Columbians,“ said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley.
Transit strike exposes need for public operations of public services
VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to put an end to the outsourcing of essential public operations to for-profit corporations, and ensure that public workers in B.C. receive a living wage.
“The ongoing transit strike in the Fraser Valley highlights the urgent need for the government to put an end to the outsourcing of essential public services to for-profit corporations,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley. “For seven weeks, thousands of people have been unable to use public transit to get to work or school, causing widespread frustration among Fraser Valley residents.”