Union is especially pleased about big increase in long-term care spending.
B.C.’s largest health care union congratulated the provincial government on today’s announcement that it will increase health care funding by 6.9 per cent. That will mean an infusion of $478 million extra dollars over the next year. By way of comparison, last year’s budget increased health care spending by 3.3 per cent — $228 million.
Chris Allnutt, secretary-business manager for the Hospital Employees’ Union, was pleased with the government’s continued commitment to the province’s health care system. “This is the 8th consecutive increase in health care spending by this provincial government. It’s a sign of the value that British Columbians place on protecting and strengthening our public Medicare system,” he said.
The union is especially gratified to see that there will be a significant increase in funding for long-term care. “HEU gives full credit to this government for recognizing the need for more long-term care services,” said Allnutt. “Our members have been saying for a long time that there needs to be much more attention paid to this area.”