Conservatives’ $5 billion fiscal gap puts health-care investments at risk

Oliver –A re-elected BC NDP government will bring a new Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) to Oliver, expanding access to primary care for people in the South Okanagan.

“People in Boundary-Similkameen are still struggling to access primary care. I am committed to working with the community to help get them the healthcare support they need in the way that works best for them," said Roly Russell, BC NDP candidate for Boundary-Similkameen. “More health-care options that meet the needs of our community and walk-in primary care options like a UPCC will expand access to primary health care closer to home, and help improve healthcare outcomes across the South Okanagan.”

UPCCs attach people and families to team-based, primary care, as well as providing same-day care for non-emergency health concerns that require prompt attention. Since the province’s first UPCC opened in 2018, more than five million visits have been provided to British Columbians.

David Eby’s plan to deliver better health care builds on the 48 UPCCs already opened across B.C. and includes tripling successful recruitment of health-care workers from the United States, as well as adding more MRI and CT scanners to help people get the care they need sooner.

The Conservative Party’s plan to aggressively reduce the deficit puts these investments at risk. Their fiscal plan has a $5 billion gap and they have said healthcare would “take the brunt” of their cuts.