Nurses look forward to meeting, working collaboratively with new health minister
They expect Kevin Falcon will follow through on government commitments to protect public healthcare and to improve nurses' working conditions to help keep them in BC
BC's nurses look forward to an early meeting with Kevin Falcon, the province's new Minister of Health.
"We welcome Mr. Falcon to the health portfolio," says BC Nurses' Union president Debra McPherson. "We're especially pleased the premier has chosen to appoint an experienced, senior minister to head the department that is so crucial to the well-being of the people of the province."
"We expect the new minister will make good on the government's commitments to protect and improve our public health care system."
McPherson says despite economic weakness and a budget deficit, now is no time to cut health care services.
"On the contrary, to help British Columbians struggling with the strains of tough times, now is an opportunity to build increased support for families experiencing difficulties that affect their health and well-being. It's time to put in place the infrastructure and services needed for a vibrant public care system in hospitals, long term care and in the community."
McPherson is confident Mr. Falcon will follow through on the government's commitments to nursing flowing from the collective agreement negotiated shortly before the recent election. "We look forward to continuing discussions we began with the previous minister, and working collaboratively on ways to improve the working lives of nurses to keep as many nurses as possible in BC."
For more information contact:
| Debra McPherson, President |
604-209-4253 |
| Art Moses, Communications Coordinator |
604-868-4259 |
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