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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.