New Westminster – Today Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Premier John Horgan announced important new funding for seniors in British Columbia. The government is increasing the budget for staffing, retention, and training by $240 million dollars in the next three years, with $50 million in this calendar year. 

BCGEU President Stephanie Smith reflected on today's announcement: "More money for staffing means more front-line services and more care hours. That translates to better quality of life for seniors in this province, who have been struggling for years due to understaffing." 

The Ministry of Health has set a target plan to increase resident care hours to 3.36 by 2021. Already in this year the additional $50 million spent has meant that there has been an increase of 1 million care hours across the province by over 300 new employees in the field.

"If we want more front-line staff we need to be creating incentives for new workers to enter the profession, and to transition part time and casual workers into a full-time career. That is what we are hearing from the government, so it is encouraging news for seniors and workers alike" said Smith.

The BCGEU represents over 16,000 workers in various health sectors, including home care and residential care homes across the province.

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