Once again "there is no hope" beyond Hope, only this time the entire province is affected.
As many of you know, there was a petition initiative through Elections B.C. to classify the paramedics as essential services in B.C.
As a volunteer I learned that 95 per cent of those we spoke with thought they were already classified as essential because they were first responders. With many volunteer hours by paramedics on their off days and public help, the north got the required 10 per cent of the electoral vote (in fact more than the required numbers were obtained.) Thank you for your support.
However, the Lower Mainland did not get their numbers. This may have been because of the lack of staff, due to volunteer hours as there has been such an increase in calls and overtime work.
As I see it, the government is not living up to their definition of what essential services are, and I quote: "Essential services are those related to health, safety or welfare of the B.C. residents. One issue that needs to be considered is the necessary staffing levels required by various services."
It is my understanding that the staffing levels are not being met in many areas, thus not the service that we as taxpayers and residents are entitled to.
There is an election coming up very soon, maybe we should make this part of the election issue?
Check with your local MLA and see where they stand. The population is getting older, maybe we should hold our government accountable, as paramedics are part of the health care system in my opinion.
Thanks to all who supported us and took time to sign.
We in the north really are an important part of the province, so let's make our vote count.
Doreen McFarlane
Prince George
