British Columbia's MLA's return to work today, their two week break from work in the Legislature coming to an end and as they settle in for the rest of the final session before an election call.
And it could be that a topic close to the hearts of Prince Rupert area residents may shape some of the narrative for the week.
While the MLA's were on their break, Prince Rupert's Emergency Room closures jumped into the spotlight across the province.
That as night after night of Closures for the emergency facility were announced since March 16th, the most recent one and the tenth of the run coming last night.
The issue of Prince Rupert's situation has caught the eye of the BC United opposition party and in particular the Health Care critic for the party Shirley Bond.
With the Prince George area MLA raising the issue early on in the closure cycle.
On March 22nd, Ms. Bond observed for CFTK TV that North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who is the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health needs to be more engaged towards the issue on a regular basis.
"The First thing that needs to happen is for people in the Northwest is that the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health needs to stand up and speak up about this issue on a regular basis"
Something which might suggest that Ms. Rice may feel a bit of heat when it comes to her duties with her rural health portfolio with the NDP government as Question Period gets underway this afternoon.
The Live feed for the Monday session can be followed here.
More notes on the current health challenges for Prince Rupert can be reviewed through our archive page.
The opposition will bypass MLA Rice and go after the Health Minister.
ReplyDeleteThe Minister will have no choice but to shuffle MLA Rice off the health file to a new position.
Parliamentary Secretary for Watershed Restoration sounds like a new position she can be passionate about.
Ministers don't 'shuffle' (or appoint) parliamentary secretaries. That the premier's prerogative.
DeleteWell, after looking at the mandate letter for the position of Parliamentary Secretary For Rural Health. A change is inevitable.
Deletehttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/premier-cabinet-mlas/minister-letter/hlth_-_rural_health_-_rice.pdf
I doubt it. The minister makes and is responsible for all decisions, not the parliamentary secretary, that is very clear from the mandate letter.
DeleteDelivering results is clearly stated in the mandate letter.
DeleteGovernment will make the change.
It is no different than when a team is on a losing streak, there is a coaching change.
The coach may be passionate about hockey, but results matter.
A parliamentary secretary is not a coach or in charge of a team. As the letter explains, they advise, support, and engage with stakeholders, while "all key decisions" are made by the minister, who furthermore is "responsible and accountable". If concerns are expressed, a parliamentary secretary passes them on.
DeleteThe letter also explains,
Delete"deliver results in very real ways – ways that people can see, feel, and
touch, and that change their lives for the better."
Results matter
If you feel the MLA is delivering healthcare related results by advising, supporting, and engaging with stakeholders.
That is fine, others expect more and have higher standards.
You are expecting more from the parliamentary secretary than the mandate letter provides for. A parliamentary secretary is not the minister and does not run the ministry. You might consider communicating your concerns to the MLA, because receiving concerns is within the role of a parliamentary secretary.
DeleteYou are not expecting enough and might consider raising your standards.
DeleteMe and my high standards and expectations will be communicating at the ballot box in October.
What I will consider doing is actually talking to the parliamentary secretary, well before October. My experience is that she is a good listener.
DeleteShe’s a good listener but is she a good parliamentary secretary for rural health?
DeleteNine years ago as health critic, our MLA was on offense. Listening to rural health related issues across the province. And raising those issues in the house, demanding answers.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/LBt-0jvuliA?si=YDp_hcS20nxryttM
Now as Parliamentary Secretary of Rural Health. Rural health services appear to be deteriorating.
These results are not acceptable.