Closed Doors Equal Tight Lips

Special to Rural BC Health Watch

by Darrell Dobie, SOS

IHA came to Princeton with a team of Community Engagement Specialists. The last round of stalled talks was initiated by concerned industry, business, and grassroots organizations regarding accelerated ER closures. IHA scheduled an 'in camera' session with Town Council. RDOS (regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen) was not initially invited, after numerous community phone calls, RDOS was added into the meeting. 


Business and industry, SOS (Save Our Similkameen) and SOHC (Save Our Hospital Coalition) were not notified, or invited, therefore, a rally took place outside the Library with a band playing "Oh, Canada" to remind parties behind closed doors that public health care is the cornerstone of the Canada Health Act. Neither parties in negotiations have released any formal statements keeping the region guessing as to the future viability of their community.