Representatives from all levels of government gathered in Cranbrook on Thursday, Oct. 16, to discuss key issues facing residents across the East Kootenay.
The meeting brought together Kootenay–Rockies MLA Pete Davis, Kootenay–Columbia MP Rob Morrison, Regional District of East Kootenay Chair Rob Gay, and City of Cranbrook officials.
Health care access topped the agenda, with Davis saying residents continue to face barriers to specialized treatment.
“It’s so far to go over three mountain passes to get to Kelowna or Vancouver,” Davis said. “People in our area would greatly benefit from renewed access to Calgary and Lethbridge.”
Morrison said the issue stems from a lack of coordination between provincial and federal systems and called for more transparency in how health funding is spent.
“Every Canadian is entitled to health care,” he said.
“If the federal government gives $20 billion to the province, there needs to be accountability for where that money is actually going.”
He added that funding should follow the patient when care is provided out of province.
“If an operation is performed in Alberta, that $40,000 should come from B.C. to that Alberta hospital,” Morrison said.
“That would make it fair for people here who have family in Calgary or who can’t travel over the passes in winter.”
Gay said the region continues to deal with outdated legislation and unpredictable cost-sharing rules under the provincial Hospital Act.
“When we build a capital project, we’re expected to pay 40 per cent and the province 60 — but that’s not written anywhere in the act,” Gay said. “We’re trying to play a game with no rules.”
He added that the sudden loss of access to health services has left the East Kootenay underfunded and overlooked.
“We feel like the forgotten corner,” Gay added.
The second issue discussed was rural cleanup, including abandoned vehicles and unregulated campsites.
“We’re going to try to coordinate with local volunteers and outdoor recreation groups to get these areas cleaned up,” Davis said.
“People live here because they love the outdoors, and we need to protect that.”
Morrison said collaboration will be key.
“Local solution, local problem — let’s do it,” he said.
Davis said the group plans to meet quarterly to report back to the public.
“We’re not going in separate directions — we’re going in the same direction,” Davis said.
“Hold us accountable, because we’re all here to make this community better.”
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