BC Liberal MLA must explain why rural BC was ignored in Throne Speech
VICTORIA — While Tuesday's Throne Speech by the Campbell government dropped veiled hints at the privatization of health care it also neglected the heart of this province, rural British Columbia, West Kootenay-Boundary MLA Katrine Conroy said today.
"The Throne Speech raised some very serious questions for British Columbians and the Kootenay area MLA should answer to them all," said Conroy. "Mr. Bennett sits on the BC Liberal side of the house and he needs to explain his government's actions and inactions to the people of the Kootenays."
"Not only did the Throne Speech not mention rural BC, but it didn't outline the government's plans when it comes to issues that impact the very livelihood of these communities," Conroy said. "Another serious issue is the Campbell government's vision of for profit health care."
The Throne Speech has raised concerns about the future of BC's health care system. Conroy today is issuing questions that are pointed, and demand honest answers.
How far are Mr. Bennett's Liberal colleagues in government willing to go and will British Columbians see an introduction of huge user fees for basic medical services Conroy questions?
"The Liberal's stealth privatization has lead to longer wait lists, sub-standard food services, overcrowded emergency rooms, inadequate beds for long term care, and list goes on and on," Conroy concluded. "BC Liberal stealth privatization has failed, and the question for the Kootenay area MLA is quite simple: Can British Columbians expect more of the same mismanagement that has crippled the health care system over the past five years?"
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