2026 Provincial Election

Nurses know staffing shortages have put BC’s health-care system under immense strain.

Minimum nurse-to-patient ratios are a proven solution that will improve health care for nurses and patients. Evidence shows ratios also reduce preventable harm to patients and result in savings of more than twice the cost of the additional nurse staffing.

BC is the first province in Canada to establish minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. Significant progress has been made, and implementation is taking place across the province. Implementation in emergency rooms is next and will help prevent the temporary ER closures experienced by communities across BC. There is still much work to be done, and British Columbians cannot afford to wait any longer than necessary for full implementation of ratios.

Government can support ratio implementation by:

• Reducing the province’s current reliance on expensive private agency nursing
• Continuing to invest in nurse retention and recruitment
• Taking action to address workplace violence

BCNU encourages members and the public to use the Questions for Candidates resource at election-related events, such as all-candidates debates, to highlight the need for government action on these key issues.

This election, vote for a candidate who is committed to making public health care better.

Authorized by the BC Nurses' Union. Registered sponsor under the Election Act. 604-433-2268