The British Columbia 2024 Election Campaign

1. If elected, how will your government provide the explicit inclusion of essential cancer care in future waves COVID-19 and in all crisis and pandemic planning in the future?

David Eby and the NDP are taking action to make sure people with cancer get quality health care when and where they need it – and that includes making sure their lived experience is included in future pandemic preparedness.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we made sure that people who were clinically extremely vulnerable were prioritized for vaccination, and when Paxlovid became available in 2022 we made sure cancer patients were eligible for the medication. We will continue to take this approach, to protect the most vulnerable including cancer patients, in the face of any future pandemic or health crisis.

Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer, did an incredible job leading us through the pandemic. The role of the Provincial Health Officer continues today, even with the recent declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, and part of the mandate of that role is around future pandemic preparedness. A re-elected BC NDP government will support Dr. Henry so that she and her colleagues can continue making our province as prepared as it can be, especially for the sake of our cancer patients. That means strengthening the full spectrum of patient-centered care from primary providers to cancer treatment, integrated into both pandemic response as well as regular planning throughout the health care system.

John Rustad and his BC Conservatives are taking a different approach. They continue to spread weird conspiracy theories, like vaccine cause AIDS. Additionally, John Rustad has claimed he regrets being vaccinated and that he would fire Dr. Henry. It’s clear he doesn’t believe in following public health advice. If given the chance, Rustad would pose a massive risk to our preparedness for future pandemics, and would leave people more vulnerable, especially people who are immunocompromised, including cancer patients.

We’ll continue to follow public health advice, including taking action on preparing for the next pandemic and ensuring cancer patients can receive the care they need.

2. If elected, will your government promote equitable and accessible care by increasing the number of local hospitals and community clinics that offer supplemental breast screening to women with Category C or D density?

The BC NDP are committed to strengthening our breast screening programs in BC. BC was the first province in Canada to include breast density information with all screening mammogram results sent to BC women and their care providers. We’ve heard from people that the current MSP fee structure has made it difficult for some providers to offer screening breast ultrasound for dense breasts. We are committed to looking at those fee codes to make sure that doctors have the right incentives to offer this service to their patients.

Additionally, our BC 10 Year Cancer Action Plan will expand best practice screening programs like the Breast Cancer Screening Program. We are introducing personalized screening invitations for this program for high risk and underserved populations increasing equitable and accessible preventative care. Detecting cancer at the earliest stages improves treatment potential and reduces the burden of cancer treatment, and people deserve access to that no matter who they are or where they live.

We’re also building and expanding cancer care centers across the province, including four new cancer centres in Surrey, Burnaby, Nanaimo and Kamloops to get people care close to home.

John Rustad is promising to cut $4.1 billion in healthcare funding, which would put our progress on cancer care at risk, particularly for individuals in more rural communities.

People with cancer are already facing incredible challenges. We need to keep improving their care, not cutting the support they rely on.

We’ll continue building a health-care system that includes cancer care people can count on.

3. If elected, will your government commit to increase public funding of new, life-changing medicines in British Columbia so medical treatment in British Columbia is equitable to all other provinces in Canada?

David Eby and the BC NDP are taking action through our 10-year Cancer Action Plan to ensure people have access to the most up-to-date and life-changing treatment options possible.

Since January 2024, cancer patients affected by certain advanced leukemias and lymphomas are accessing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) therapy closer to home. Previously, eligible patients living in B.C. had to be referred to out-of-province/country cancer clinics to undergo CAR-T therapy. Providing standard-of-care CAR-T therapy in this province will help increase access to this life saving treatment, and is part of David Eby’s Action Plan for You to ensure patients can receive the care they need in B.C.

Additionally, the BC NDP government is investing in biosimilar initiatives. This allows significant cost savings, which are reinvested into BC PharmaCare to further improve access to drug coverage, including drugs for cancer patients. Over the first five years of the initiative, the Province saved $732 million, thanks to people transitioning from reference biologics to their cost-effective biosimilars, where appropriate.

We and key partners across our province are launching a first-of-its-kind new BC Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing Strategy, BC is contributing $75 million toward AbCellera, a Vancouver-based biotechnology company, so they can help deliver more results for patients and their families. We will continue to take action to ensure cancer patients in our province have access to innovative therapies through clinical trials, while creating hundreds of good jobs and local training.

4. If elected:

4a. What steps will your government take to uphold initiatives to advance precision oncology, more specifically, expanding patient access to biomarkers and testing Capabilities?

David Eby and the BC NDP are taking action to grow our Life Sciences sector right here in B.C. – moving forward innovations on nanoparticles, mRNA, antibodies, radiopharmaceuticals, genomics and precision medicine, including precision oncology. We’ll continue to invest in the full lifecycle from research to cancer care, to keep improving treatment options for people here in B.C.

As part of our 10 year Cancer Action Plan, we’re providing a $170 million grant to the BC Cancer Foundation to support cancer research and attract the skilled cancer-care providers needed to provide specialized treatments including:

• Delivering clinical trials across all cancer centres in the province, allowing for greater access for patients living outside of large city centres to participate in clinical trials.
• Increasing radiation oncology trials that study treatment approaches, which require fewer visits, and precision radiotherapy research to enhance efficacy while reducing toxicity from radiation treatments.

Our testing capabilities continue to grow in the province, namely with the expansion of at-home HPV and cervical cancer screening. Because of this, David Eby and the BC NDP are committed to eliminating cervical cancer in our province in 10 years.

People in B.C. deserve cancer care they can count on and that means we’ll keep taking action on patient access to biomarkers and testing capabilities.

4b. What action will your government take to implement practical improvements to current oncology care pathways so patients can access genetic tests, results and a searchable database of clinical trials available to them in a timely manner?

David Eby and the BC NDP is taking action, as part of our 10 Year Cancer Action Plan, to ensure we’re utilizing the best technology, including infrastructure technology, to improve patient wait-times, access to care and knowledge of treatments available.

This includes creating continuously improved health information management and information technology (IMIT) and capital plans. We know that cancer care requires significant technology and capital infrastructure to deliver diagnosis and treatment and that people in BC want their government to be leaders in this area. That’s why we’re developing a comprehensive strategy to implement the required capital and IMIT infrastructure over the next 10-years – a strategy that will be developed in partnership with our provincial partners.

At the same time, we’re taking short-term actions right now on our IMIT needs. By streamlining and coordinating remote patient monitoring throughout B.C., we know we can deliver better quality and efficiency of patient care. Real time monitoring and alerting of patient symptom self-reporting through virtual means and patient portals, for example, has been demonstrated to substantially improve overall survival of patients with advanced cancer to the same degree as the introduction of new drugs, and the time for us to act is now.

While the BC Conservatives are promising to cut $4.1 billion in healthcare funding, we’re focused on delivering the action people in BC need to improve cancer care.

4c. What measures will your government take to accelerate the education of precision oncology to medical experts and patients?

Jurisdictions around the world are facing a global shortage of healthcare specialists and professionals – what’s different here in BC is how we are tackling the challenge. We’re growing the healthcare workforce with innovative recruitment and retention incentives, and positioning BC’s health care system to continue growing the talent we need.

Our investments to make BC a leader in healthcare research, including in the LifeSciences Sector but also with the opening of the new Clinical Research Science Centre connected to the new St. Paul’s Hospital, will accelerate and bolster our ability to educate medical experts and patients on precision oncology. We will continue to take action so that patients who need precision oncological treatment in order to have the best care outcomes have access to it wherever they are.

While the BC Conservatives tout conspiracy theories about climate change, COVID- 19 and vaccines, David Eby and the BC NDP will always listen to the best science and evidence so that our cancer patients and their families, at a time of immense anxiety, can rest assured that their healthcare system is looking out for them.

Dear Jackie:

 

Thank you for your email regarding cancer care. The advocacy and support you provide on behalf of people with cancer is important work.

I understand that you have received a response from David Eby to your four questions. The BCNDP are committed to giving people the access to health care when they need it and having a public health care system, with hospitals that are close to home and enough nurses, doctors and health workers to take care of you when you have cancer.

When John Rustad was in government a decade ago, doctors warned them that a major investment in cancer care was needed to keep up with the demand for services. He refused to act. We can’t risk him doing the same thing again. People with cancer are already facing incredible challenges. We need to keep improving their care, not cutting the support they rely on. David Eby and the NDP are expanding cancer services in BC so that people can get care closer to home.

You can see our full platform here: https://www.bcndp.ca/actionplan

Megan Dykeman

BCNDP candidate for Langley-Walnut Grove

Hi Jackie,

Thank you for your email regarding cancer care and its costs.  Healthcare is one of our most pressing concerns.  And, I’m sure you will agree that the state of our province needs serious improvement in other areas as well as healthcare.  We as a party and the individual candidates want to focus on our Common Sense Plan to deal with the following issues first.

• Health Care
• Housing prices/affordability
• Jobs unemployment
• Drug use/addictions/opioid crisis
• Street crime/public safety

When we have accomplished the above, or at a minimum, put solutions in motion, we will start looking at our constituents' individual concerns.  To that end, will you please send me links to more information on the medical, emotional, financial and social costs of cancer and how we in British Columbia might improve this if we form government?

For more information on our Common Sense Plans go to:

https://www.conservativebc.ca/ideas and

https://www.conservativebc.ca/busch

You may also be interested in:  https://www.conservativebc.ca/patients_first

Again, thank you for stepping up to provide input on your concerns so that we can make BC better and more prosperous.

Regards

Deid Reimer email coordinator

David Busch Campaign

778-405-1265

Jackie,

Thank you for reaching out and for sharing the concerns of cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors in British Columbia. I appreciate the opportunity to address these critical issues, and I fully recognize the importance of ensuring equitable, timely, and effective cancer care across the province.

If elected, I am committed to advocating for improvements in cancer care that align with the BC Greens' vision for an equitable, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system. In response to your specific questions:

1. Ensuring Cancer Care Continues During Crises

I agree that cancer care must be considered essential and prioritized in all future crisis and pandemic planning. Health services must not be disrupted, and I will advocate for policies that guarantee continuity of care, including cancer diagnosis, testing, and treatment, during any public health crisis. We must ensure that public health emergencies do not prevent British Columbians from receiving life-saving cancer care.

2. Promoting Equitable and Accessible Breast Cancer Screening

I support increasing access to supplemental breast screening for women with dense breast tissue, particularly in local hospitals and community clinics. Early detection saves lives, and it is vital that all women, regardless of their location or income, have access to the tools needed for accurate diagnosis. I will advocate for expanding access to ultrasound screening and other supplemental methods in underserved areas of British Columbia to ensure that all women receive equitable cancer care.

3. Expanding Public Funding for Life-Changing Medicines

I recognize the gap in public funding for new, life-saving medications in British Columbia compared to other provinces. This disparity must be addressed to ensure that British Columbians have the same access to effective cancer treatments as patients in Ontario, Alberta, and elsewhere in Canada. I will work to increase public funding for biomarker-informed precision medicines and other cutting-edge therapies, ensuring that medical treatment is equitable and accessible for all patients in BC.

4. Advancing Precision Oncology and Biomarker Testing

4a. Expanding Access to Biomarker Testing

I support expanding access to biomarker testing and will advocate for the necessary infrastructure and resources to make timely biomarker testing widely available to all cancer patients in British Columbia. Biomarker testing is key to delivering personalized cancer care, and it is essential that all patients have access to these advanced diagnostics, regardless of where they live.

4b. Improving Oncology Care Pathways

I am committed to improving oncology care pathways to ensure that cancer patients can access genetic testing, receive timely results, and have access to a searchable database of clinical trials. I will work to streamline the process for patients to receive information about their treatment options quickly and efficiently, removing barriers that delay access to care.

4c. Educating Medical Experts and Patients on Precision Oncology

To advance precision oncology, it is crucial that both medical professionals and patients are educated on the latest developments in genomic profiling and biomarker testing. I will advocate for increased educational resources and training for healthcare providers, as well as comprehensive patient education to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

I share your belief that we must do more to support cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors in British Columbia. I am committed to ensuring that cancer care remains a priority in our healthcare system, with a focus on equity, access to cutting-edge treatments, and continuity of care during crises.

Thank you again for your advocacy, and I look forward to working with organizations like the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network to improve cancer care across our province.

 

Sincerely,

Jed Wiebe

BC Green Party Candidate

Thank you for taking the time to reach out regarding cancer research and best practices, Jackie.  I recognize that this is an issue that is important to you, and I have relayed that to Rob. As you can imagine, with such limited time until the election, it is impossible for Rob to respond to all inquiries in detail.

We have now launched our 2024 platform; you can access it here: https://bcgreens2024.ca/2024-platform/

As BC Greens, we know that healthy people and a healthy planet need to be at the heart of everything we do—and wellbeing must be the standard by which we measure our success as a province. We have developed a fully costed and practical plan to ensure everyone has a home, a doctor, and a healthy environment. I encourage you to explore it.

Starting on Page 9, we outline our proposals to improve healthcare.

We recognize that the plan may not cover your issue. We can assure that that is not because it isn’t important. The original version is over 300 pages, and covers a lot more. If you haven’t found the answers, we encourage you to visit Rob’s website, and to look at upcoming opportunities to meet him (scroll down to the event button).

As your future MLA Rob will continue the approach of Adam Olsen, of having an open and welcoming community office. Rob’s approach during his 25 years representing First Nations, Local Governments and other clients has been to ensure that  all key stakeholders come together to collaboratively discuss an issue, and identify an action plan that  enjoys broad based support. Rob will work tirelessly to implement the platform, and bring your voice to the legislature.

Rob would welcome an opportunity to meet and discuss these issues when he is MLA, and he hopes he can count on her support.

Thank you again for reaching out.

Robyn Ross (she/her)

Volunteer Coordinator & Liaison,

Rob Botterell, Saanich North and the Islands

Campaign Office Open 9:00-5:00 Mon-Fri and 10:00-4:00 Sat-Sun

104-10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney, BC V8L3G4

778-351-1514

Hi Jackie – thank you for letting me know about this worthy organization. I lost my husband in 2016 to cancer 3 months before he retired so I am very sympathetic to these needs. If elected I will support this work.

Eden Haythornthwaite

Independent Socialist in the Cowichan Valley.

Hi Jackie!

Thank you so much for your email...and questions.

I absolutely agree with you, in terms of covid turning the world completely upside down and having a huge negative impact on everyone's life but, most notably and tragically, the most vulnerable...including, of course, those with cancer (in the past, presently and/or in the future)...especially, if I may be so bold, children.

I notice that all of your 4 (technically, 6) questions mention "your government".  As you probably know, I'm running as an INDEPENDENT candidate and, as such, I am NOT a party politician.  In my humble opinion, ALL of the main$tream partie$ (NDP, Liberal/United, Conservative and Green, in BC) are CORRUPT...and are much more concerned about serving their corporate puppet-ma$ter$ than their constituents.

That said, the governments of both the Northwest Territories and Nunanut are 100% INDEPENDENT MLAs (there are NO PARTIE$)...and, while the 15 to 20 of us REAL INDEPENDENT candidates (I'm happy to discuss the distinction between REAL INDEPENDENTS and fake independents, if you're interested) currently running throughout BC could not form government this time around, I would suggest that those of us who do get elected will do more to address your concerns than any/all of the CORRUPT PARTIE$, COMBINED!

I will also tell you that I've been a very high-profile anti-tobacco activist for more than half a century (along with a colleague, I played a huge role in lobbying the [very reluctant] WCB, in the late '90s/early '00s, to ban smoking in virtually all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, etc) ...tobacco, as you well know, being a huge factor in/cause of cancer.  Please visit www.airspace.bc.ca and www.tobaccofreeworld.ca . However, I digress...

To answer your questions, I have to be brutally honest and say that, at the moment, I know little or nothing about the various specific issues/treatments/other concerns you mention in your email (supplemental breast screening/ultrasound, biomarkers, other treatments, etc)...or the extent to which covid impacted them.  That said, it is my opinion that the provincial government response to covid was extremely heavy-handed and way over the top...and had much more to do with government overreach and control than health.  If elected, I would absolutely oppose such draconian measures, if/WHEN the next plandemic occurs.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity.

Errol E. Povah

INDEPENDENT MLA candidate

Richmond - Queensborough

778 899-4832

BC Health Coalition - I Vote For Public Health Care