The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home.
“If you’re looking for people to help cut through the noise and get a job done, my bet will always be on the people who call rural B.C. home,” said BC Premier David Eby. “That’s why I’m proud to have so many rural British Columbians on our government team. Together, working with community members, this vision for rural B.C. will connect people to the opportunities and services that will help them build a good life in the communities they love.”
The vision focuses on concrete actions to make life better for rural British Columbians – including delivering high-speed internet to every community, helping goods and people move, and bringing more rural expertise and perspectives to government.
“Our vision is deeply rooted in respect for place. The challenges faced by rural places are different than those in urban centres, but all B.C. communities deserve the opportunity to thrive. Unique challenges, coupled with unique local solutions, require flexible support from the province,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. “These investments are a key part of our larger strategy to building strong and diverse rural economies, because we know that when rural communities thrive, it puts us all on the path to a brighter future.”
Another key focus of the new vision is enhancing people’s access to quality health care when they need it. An initial investment of $20 million to enhance medical-travel supports provided by the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air will support more people in rural and remote areas who need to travel for cancer care. Through this investment, more people will be able to travel and get cancer treatment in one of the six BC Cancer Centres or at one of the 41 Community Oncology Network sites throughout B.C.
“The size and landscape of the province can make it challenging to deliver health care in rural communities,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “Some medical procedures are best delivered by specialists at dedicated medical centres that provide specialized care far from many communities. That’s why we’re going to help cover travel-related costs – including transportation, accommodation and meals – during a patient’s cancer treatment.”
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a thread that runs throughout the new vision. Many of the actions and investments support the Declaration Act Action Plan, a cross-government action plan that guides the Province’s work to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
Learn More:
StrongerBC for everyone – Investing in a bright future for rural communities
No comments:
Post a Comment