100 Mile House seeks backing about increased support, training for nurses

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of 100 Mile House is seeking support from municipalities across the province for a resolution to increase support, training and services for medical professionals. 

According to the letter, written by Mayor Maureen Pinkney of the District of 100 Mile House, the district was seeking support and advocacy for a resolution being brought to the North Central Local Government Association’s annual meeting regarding improving access to healthcare in rural and remote northeast B.C. communities. 

“Communities throughout the South Cariboo and the broader NCLGA area continue to face significant healthcare professional shortages,” Pinkney said.

“Current restrictions on nurse practitioner service hours are limiting access to primary care and increasing pressure on local emergency departments. Greater flexibility and sustained support for expanded nurse practitioner services would provide a practical, community-driven solution to help address these gaps.”

The resolution, included in the letter, calls on the province to increase sustainable support for the expansion of nurse practitioner services as “a mean to address healthcare service gaps and better meet the needs of rural British Columbians.” 

The letter also included a second resolution asking for support for medical professional services, advocating for increased training seats in university programs and a reduction in barriers and more incentives to fill said expanded seats. 

The council briefly discussed the letter and agreed to voice their opinions on it at the upcoming NCLGA convention from May 20th to 22nd in Prince George, rather than declare support for the resolution before it reaches the convention floor for further consideration and discussion. 

The NCLGA is a non-profit, non-partisan association comprised of elected officials across north central British Columbia.

Members can present resolutions at the annual convention which will be debated and voted upon, with supported resolutions elevated to the relevant provincial ministers.