Elected Officials Unite to Tackle Health Care and Waste Issues

Elected officials from various levels of government convened on October 16, 2023, in Cranbrook to address pressing community issues, primarily focusing on inter-provincial health care access and the growing problem of illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles. The meeting brought together key figures including Cranbrook city councillors Ron Popoff and Wes Graham, Rob Gay, chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), Pete Davis, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kootenay-Rockies, and Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament (MP) for Columbia-Kootenay-Southern Rockies.

During the session, the participants sought to find common ground on two significant action items that could help navigate the cross-jurisdictional challenges faced by their communities. Davis emphasized the necessity for ongoing collaboration, stating, “This is something we want to start doing on a quarterly basis.” Each official presented three local issues, and they collectively narrowed the focus to two priorities for the next four to six months, which they believe will bring tangible benefits to residents.

Health Care Access Challenges

A long-standing concern for residents of the East Kootenay region is the difficulty in accessing health care services in nearby Alberta, specifically in cities like Calgary and Lethbridge. Many locals find these locations to be more accessible than facilities in Kelowna or Vancouver. The issue has been complicated by various factors, including political dynamics and billing disputes.

Former British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix previously indicated that the problem is rooted in Alberta’s internal policies, while others point to challenges in the billing process. Currently, Alberta health care facilities that treat British Columbia patients do not receive direct compensation; instead, the funds are funneled into Alberta’s general revenue. The federal Canada Health Act aims to ensure reasonable access to health services for all Canadians, raising questions about the federal government’s role in resolving these inter-provincial obstacles.

MP Rob Morrison expressed the need for collaboration, suggesting that both provinces must work together to ensure proper funding for health services. “I did have access to a previous Alberta health minister and was told basically we need both B.C. and Alberta to get together and make sure that that funding goes back to whomever did the work,” Morrison explained. His comments highlight the urgency of addressing these health care access issues as they impact the well-being of residents.

Addressing Illegal Dumping and Vehicle Abandonment

In addition to health care, the meeting participants identified illegal dumping, vehicle abandonment, and garbage cleanup in rural areas as another pressing concern. The officials expressed a commitment to overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate waste management and environmental cleanup efforts.

Davis announced plans to establish a committee that would engage community members in efforts to address these issues. “We’re going to ask for support from the community, and we’re going to work on getting some structure to create a proper society to be able to go out and target these areas and start helping out with some cleanup,” he stated. This initiative aims to streamline the collaboration between various levels of government to secure funding and resources for effective clean-up operations.

All elected officials present agreed to meet quarterly to evaluate progress, reassess priorities, and advocate for further action on these vital issues. As they move forward, the collective determination of these leaders may pave the way for impactful changes that benefit the residents of Cranbrook and the broader East Kootenay region.