March to protest today’s end of health accord

NEWS — MP Cathy McLeod’s office will be the scene of another protest rally today, this one against the end of the Canadian Health Accord.

The Kamloops Health Coalition, Kamloops Chapter of the Council of Canadians, Kamloops Retired Teachers and Kamloops HEU are organizing the march.

It’s part of a “day of action” coordinated by the Canadian Health Coalition in eight B.C. municipalities including Kelowna, Vancouver, Nanaimo and others, as well as dozens of other cities across the country.

Actress Shirley Douglas, the daughter of Tommy Douglas, will speak at a rally in Toronto.

The Kamloops group will meet at the Smorg deli at 3:30 p.m. and walk the three blocks to McLeod’s office to present a 1,000-signature petition calling for a renewed and improved Canadian Health Accord.

The $41-billion Canadian Health Accord was created in 2004 to top up federal transfers to the provinces. It expires today.

The Conservative government hasn’t negotiated a new agreement with the provinces but will transfer $32 million this year, increasing by six per cent annually until 2017, after which increases will be tied to the rate of economic growth and inflation.

McLeod has defended the changes, saying the new practice is a no-strings-attached approach that will allow regions to determine their own healthcare priorities.

“We’re absolutely committed to the principles of the Canada Health Act.”