HSABC urges members: 'Elect a Public Health Care Defender!'

'Municipal governments play an important role in protecting public health services in their communities.'

Vancouver (31 Oct. 2008) - The Health Sciences Association of B.C. (HSABC/NUPGE), a key member of the British Columbia Health Coalition (BCHC), is urging members to 'Elect a Public Health Care Defender!' when municipal elections are held across the province on Nov. 15.

The coalition is calling on all municipal candidates to declare themselves public health care defenders before voters go to the polls. (Click here for a list of candidates who have taken the pledge to date.)

The BCHC believes that municipal governments play an important role in protecting public health services in their communities. This includes lobbying for new hospitals or health care facilities that are publicly financed and administered and using their authority over zoning to promote the development of public, not-for-profit facilities.

"Public health care supporters are encouraged to raise questions and demand action from candidates during the current municipal elections," the union adds. NUPGE