'Unconscionable': Fake posters promise family doctors in B.C. community
Posters have been plastered across the Vancouver Island community of Esquimalt since last weekend, falsely promising residents they can sign up for a family doctor by emailing the municipal hall.
So far, more than 150 people have been duped into contacting the township.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins said the emails are from residents who are “desperate for family doctors” – and contain their personal information.
“It is a hoax that is unconscionable in my mind,” Desjardins said Wednesday.
Desjardins said it's unclear who put the posters up, or why, but said the reaction speaks to the public confusion around how to obtain a family doctor.
Some responses also highlighted frustration with B.C.’s online Health Connect Registry system, which is supposed to help people find a primary care provider in their community,
“People would respond back, ‘I've been on this list for five years, we’ve had nothing – we can’t get anywhere with it,’” said Desjardins, describing the emails the township has received..
“Whenever a new family doctor opens their practice, they’re usually overwhelmed right away with people tring to get access to them,” noted Dr. Ahmer Karimuddin, the president of Doctors of B.C.
The province’s ongoing doctor shortage was the focus of a fiery debate in the legislature Wednesday.
BC United Leader Kevin Falcon raised the tragic death of a 23-year-old Nanaimo woman, whose family said she was misdiagnosed while waiting to get a family doctor.
“For three years, Sophia languished on the NDP’s so-called Health Connect Registry waiting for a family doctor,” said Falcon.
The government touted the 708 new family doctors it attracted to B.C. last year, and said it has matched 51,000 patients with doctors through its online registry, which started in 2019 and expanded province-wide last summer.
But officials acknowledged there are still more than 200,000 people on the waiting list.
As for the fake posters, Health Minister Adrian Dix derided the person or people responsible for them.
“Real progress is being made – and I don’t think the incident in Esquimalt is anything but lousy behaviour by somebody,” Dix said Wednesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joe Biden pardons son Hunter Biden of gun, tax charges, despite promising not to
U.S. President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he pardoned his son Hunter Biden on gun, tax charges, despite previous promises that he would not do so.
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
Stellantis CEO resigns as carmaker sales continue to slump
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.