BC NDP says promised medical school in Surrey moving forward, even as opening pushed back
The BC NDP is announcing an interim dean is now in place to lead the development of a new medical school at Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus. The announcement comes more than two years after the party campaigned on opening a new school.
Premier David Eby unveiled the new hire Monday, alongside several cabinet ministers as the province deals with a health-care crisis of burnt-out workers, a shortage of family doctors, and long waits at emergency departments.
“That’s why are taking action to train, recruit and retain family doctors now – and taking these steps with Simon Fraser University to train the health workforce we’ll need in the future," said Eby.
The province is announcing nearly $5 million to help with the preparatory work before the school can take students. That includes hiring staff, developing curricula, and accreditation.
The work will be led by interim dean, Dr. Roger Strasser. A government news release says he was the founding dean and CEO of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and is a recognized leader in the development of health professional education.
For months, the opposition BC Liberals have slammed the government for "dragging its feet" on the new medical school - claiming much more work could've been done by now.
Opposition leader Kevin Falcon told reporters he wished Eby spent more time in his office, "so that we can get some real results instead of spending all the time and effort doing nothing but making announcements."
The BC NDP promised a second medical school for British Columbia during the 2020 provincial election, and had subsequently said it would open in 2023-24. The government now says the new school will start taking students in 2026 with the first graduating class expected eight years from now.
Asked about the delay, Eby pointed to the "considerable logistics" involved with setting up a school.
"This medical school, is not going to solve the urgent issues with the public health-care system," Eby added. "It's a long term investment."
The premier said other work, including measures to speed up credentialing of internaltionally edicated doctors and changing how family physicians are paid, is part of the immediate relief.
The BC Greens say the province also needs to focus on the large number of kids dealing with respiratory viruses and spending hours waiting in emergency rooms.
Party leader Sonia Furstenau called on the government to reveal how many kids are home sick from school with viruses, and to provide a better picture of how busy hospitals are.
"We need to see a clear and direct response from this government on what is happening in hospitals," Furstenau added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.