Citizens Press
PAOV- Code of Conduct - Citizens Press is an open platform for expression on all the issues that concerns the People’s Assembly of Victoria and the global occupy movements, it is the responsibility of the contributors to uphold the code of conduct.
Our values are inclusivity, empowerment, awareness, creativity, community, diversity and respect.
We will remove posts that have been reported and determined as are derogatory, intolerant, racist, sexist, intentionally malicious, bigotry and overtly counterproductive.
Removed posts will be given the opportunity to edit, resubmit and meet our code of conduct.
No one should worry about the cost of care
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- Published on Monday, 27 October 2025 17:23
- Written by editor
Dear Paov ,
When the unexpected happens — an accident, an illness, or a loved one who suddenly needs care — the last thing any of us should worry about is how we’ll pay for it.
By becoming a monthly donor you can help us double down on our mandate to ensure accessible care for all. Your steady support allows us to plan ahead, take on big campaigns, and respond quickly when public health care is under threat.
Even $5 a month — about the cost of a cup of coffee — makes a difference. Together, we can make sure no one in BC has to worry about the cost of medical attention when they’re worrying about their health.
Make a...Postal strike and Health Care
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- Published on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 14:56
- Written by editor
Hi Paov,
When the mail stopped moving last month, it didn’t just slow deliveries — it slowed down the fight for public health care.
We stand in solidarity with postal workers — everyone deserves fair pay and safe working conditions.
But when the mail stopped moving, a vital source of funding for our work defending public health care stopped too. Envelopes filled with hope — and cheques meant to support our campaigns — sat in sorting stations, unopened and undelivered.
The result? A setback right when we need to be strongest. With privatization deepening, family doctors disappearing, and for-profit clinics expanding, we need to ensure our members’ voices are heard in shaping BC’s health-care future — especially as the Ministry of Health moves ahead with major primary-care reforms.
That’s why we’re asking you to donate online today — to help us recover lost ground and ramp up public engagement in this critical moment.
Read more: Postal strike and Health CareIntroduction to new Social Justice Studies Program director
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- Published on Friday, 17 October 2025 10:21
- Written by editor
As we settle into the fall 2025, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself. While I have met some of you, I haven’t had the pleasure of connecting with most of you. My name is Tamara Humphrey
and I am the new director of the Social Justice Studies Program! I am an associate professor in the department of Sociology at the University of Victoria, and a community-engaged researcher whose current work focuses on barriers to re-entry for people exiting
prison. I teach in the area of sociology of crime, law, and critical quantitative research methods. Much of my work to date has focused on systems that criminalize people and my scholarly and social justice advocacy work seeks to draw attention to the pains
of imprisonment, and the barriers to re-entry that are erected by community supervision processes. This work centers collaboration, relationships, and capacity building with current and formerly incarcerated people, and focuses on lived experience in order
to enact sustainable social change for communities and individuals impacted by crime and incarceration. I am also a dedicated advocate for open and equitable access to education and am excited to be a part of...
Read more: Introduction to new Social Justice Studies Program director
BCHC September 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Wednesday, 01 October 2025 20:05
- Written by editor
Your October 2025 monthly update from the
BC
Health Coalition
ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATES
On September 11, the BC Health Coalition held its Annual General Meeting—three months earlier than usual—marking a time of transition and renewal.
We bid farewell to long-serving leaders who helped shape the Coalition and welcomed a dynamic, diverse group of new Steering Committee members. As we move forward, a newly adopted Strategic Plan will guide our next 24 months.
Together, we’re ready to face the major challenges in health care and empower members to take action in the fight for strong, equitable, public health care in BC.
Carney and your MP
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- Published on Wednesday, 07 May 2025 14:50
- Written by editor
Hi Paov
The election is over — and now the real work begins. Our new federal government has big decisions ahead, and as someone who cares deeply about public health care, your voice is essential.
Will you take just 2 minutes to sign a letter to your newly elected MP and Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling on them to protect Medicare and uphold the Canada Health Act?
Send a messageThe Canada Health Act — which ensures our health care is public, accessible, and based on need, not ability to pay — is under threat from growing privatization.
Private, for-profit clinics are drawing health care workers away from public hospitals, increasing wait times and burdening family doctors. In the public system, a family doctor typically sees around 1,200 patients. In contrast, a for-profit clinic recently told Dr. Rita McCracken,...
April 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 17:52
- Written by editor
Your April 2025 monthly update from the
BC
Health Coalition
ANALYSIS
Impact of the 2025 Canadian Federal Election on Public Health Care
The results of Canada’s 2025 federal election are expected to have profound consequences for the country’s public health care system. For now, Prime Minister Carney’s approach to health care remains largely undefined. How he navigates the balance between public principles and fiscal priorities will be a key test of his leadership — and a defining issue for many Canadians. You can read more analysis here.
Watch the Canadian Health Coalition’s Federal Election Post Mortem
Find the Parties platforms on Health Care here.
ACTIONS & EVENTS
Celebrating YOU on Earth Day
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- Published on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 08:04
- Written by editor
You make Earth Day matter
Dear Paov,
As Earth Day turns 55 and the Wilderness Committee celebrates 45 years of bold action, we want to celebrate people like you who take action to make real change possible.
Thank you for using your power to protect nature and the planet — not just today, but every day.
Your commitment fuels our work. In a movement driven almost entirely by individuals, it’s your generosity and action that help safeguard the wild spaces and life-giving biodiversity we all depend on.
Open Letter Calls on BC Government to Fully Bring LifeLabs into the Public System
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- Published on Wednesday, 16 April 2025 08:34
- Written by editor
Open Letter Calls on BC Government to Fully Bring LifeLabs into the Public System
April 16, 2025
This morning, we issued an open letter calling on the provincial government to end its contract with U.S.-owned Quest Diagnostics, which now controls LifeLabs—B.C.’s primary provider of outpatient laboratory services.
“We are asking David Eby to follow through on the directive issued last week and review and cancel the contract with Quest Diagnostics,” said Ayendri, Director of Policy and Campaigns with the BC Health Coalition
Read more: Open Letter Calls on BC Government to Fully Bring LifeLabs into the Public System
Reminder: LifeLabs solidarity Event Tomorrow!
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- Published on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 15:00
- Written by editor
Hi again Paov --
The public is outraged about the American takeover of LifeLabs, resulting in hundreds of millions of our public health care dollars ending up south of the border.
Please join us to support LifeLabs workers, who have been without a contract for a year!
RSVPWe’re joining with the BCGEU to demand action from Quest Diagnostics, the U.S.-based owner of LifeLabs. Our critical diagnostics workers deserve fair pay and better working conditions, and it’s up to us to demonstrate our strong support.
The BC Health Coalition is only as strong as its members - YOU! We look forward to having you with us tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.. Please RSVP for the details!
RSVPIn solidarity,
Cheryl
Lead Organizer
BC Health Coalition
https://www.bchealthcoalition.ca/
Solidarity! Lifelabs Victoria Action April 16
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- Published on Friday, 11 April 2025 09:02
- Written by editor
Hello Paov,
When we get sick, doctors rely on the results of diagnostics tests to prescribe treatment. And in B.C., the majority of that testing is done by LifeLabs.
Quest, a U.S.-based corporation, took over the vast majority of diagnostics testing in B.C. by purchasing LifeLabs in August, 2024. Since then, working conditions have drastically deteriorated as Quest has prioritized profit over patient care. With Quest’s purchase of LifeLabs, $300 million in public funds is now going directly to an American corporation.
The BC Health Coalition stands in solidarity with LifeLabs workers in their job action. We are supporting a series of actions across the province, with a focus on making the one in Victoria the largest yet.
What: Solidarity March and Media Event at the Legislature
When: Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Meet at the corner of Government and View Streets
Read more: Solidarity! Lifelabs Victoria Action April 16
LifeLab stories?
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- Published on Thursday, 10 April 2025 12:22
- Written by editor
Hi Paov
Since August 2024, LifeLabs—B.C.’s primary diagnostic testing provider—has been under the control of Quest Diagnostics, a U.S.-based corporation. This shift has prioritized corporate profits over patient care and working conditions, with real consequences for both workers and patients.
Reports of worsening services are growing. Patients are facing longer wait times for crucial tests. Concerns are rising about the overall quality of care. We need to hear from you.
Have you experienced long wait times at LifeLabs? Have delays in testing impacted your health or treatment? Your story can help expose the consequences of this corporate takeover and push for change.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEWe will keep your personal information confidential and never share your story without your explicit consent.
Your voice matters. By speaking out, you can help protect patient care, support LifeLabs workers, and ensure our diagnostic...
Solidarity! Lifelabs Victoria Action April 16
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- Published on Wednesday, 09 April 2025 13:55
- Written by editor
Hi Paov ,
It was wonderful to get to know those of you who could join our organizing call this morning! The group shared knowledge and concerns about our health care system, and discussed the dire situation for LifeLabs workers, who need our support.
The LifeLabs Solidarity event in Victoria is the final one in a series across the province, and we're working to make it the biggest one yet!
What: Solidarity March and Media Event at the Legislature
When: Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Meet at the corner of Government and View Streets
Who: You! and any friends and neighbours who support Canadian public healthcare
RSVP herePlease look for my coworker, Ayendri Riddell, who will be wearing a turquoise-blue BC Health Coalition T-shirt. Ayendri will have large-sized shirts for you to pull on over your coat. Our mandate is to be as visible...
Rescheduled: BC Health Coalition Victoria Regional Meeting
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- Published on Tuesday, 08 April 2025 11:28
- Written by editor
Hello again Paov !
My apologies to all who RSVP'ed for our call today! I made an error and as such you did not receive the correct zoom link.
I hope you can meet tomorrow instead, same time?
Here's the link to our planning meeting, tomorrow, Wednesday April 9 at 11:00 A.M.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84594212450?pwd=rMybCKKgmH6mD0aGJuAtnCqPo7mu5T.1
The situation at LifeLabs is dire. It's been heartening to see the outpouring of support for LifeLabs workers in other parts of the province. I look forward to discussing this, and other pressing health care issues with you tomorrow.
With apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused you!
Cheryl
BC Health Coalition
https://www.bchealthcoalition.ca/
British Columbia Health Coalition · 3102 Main St, 302,
Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territories, BC V5T 3G7, Canada
This email was sent to s43. To stop receiving
r46. ...
Read more: Rescheduled: BC Health Coalition Victoria Regional Meeting
BC Health Coalition: LifeLabs needs our support
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- Published on Wednesday, 02 April 2025 10:38
- Written by editor
Hi Paov,
My name is Cheryl Cameron, the Lead Organizer at the Coalition. If we have not yet had a chance to meet, I really hope you'll join us on a call next week so we can get acquainted!
We're working to engage people on issues affecting public health care, and I'm looking to you to share your wisdom and experience. In particular, there's an upcoming action in Victoria I'd love you to participate in. If you haven't heard about the situation at LifeLabs, I hope you'll join us to learn about what's happening.
Canadian regulations regarding mergers and acquisitions have been weakened over time via trade deals, so much so that we've allowed a U.S.-based multinational to take over the vast majority of diagnostics testing in B.C..
Quest Diagnostics, the multi billion-dollar U.S. corporation, took over LifeLabs in August, giving control of what should be a publicly funded and monitored resource to a profit seeking multinational. Working conditions for staff have drastically deteriorated. Quest is...
Check out the latest episode of Whateve
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- Published on Sunday, 30 March 2025 08:18
- Written by editor
Let's dig into park mining in Manitoba
Hi Paov,
Did you know some provincial parks in Manitoba are not protected from mining? It seems inconceivable that beloved parks are open to mining claims and development. But that’s one of the issues our team is up against in Manitoba.
Our Wilderness and Water Campaigner Eric Reder has led the charge on exposing and fighting park mining in the province for years, and he’s the guest on our latest episode of Whatever’s Wild.
In this installment, Eric sits down with host Cedar George-Parker for a wide-ranging discussion about park mining and the political inaction that allows it to...
March 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Friday, 21 March 2025 08:46
- Written by editor
Your March 2025 monthly update from the
BC
Health Coalition
ACTIONS & EVENTS
ACTION ALERT: U.S. Takeover of BC Healthcare Services – Solidarity with LifeLabs Workers
200 people at rally in solidarity with LifeLabs Workers
The BC Health Coalition (BCHC) is raising the alarm after a billion-dollar U.S. healthcare corporation took control of LifeLabs in August 2024.
Since the takeover, LifeLabs has prioritized profits over patient care, automating critical tests at the expense of safety and quality. And they’re doing it with our public dollars—$300 million a year—while British Columbians struggle to access the lab services they...
Why Pharmacare is good for BC
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- Published on Friday, 14 March 2025 09:03
- Written by editor
Hi Paov
Last week, my colleague at the BC Health Coalition stood side by side with the Minister of Health to announce that British Columbia has signed on to the historic Pharmacare agreement.
BC
Health Coalition staff Ayendri Riddell speaking alongside Minister of
Health Josie Osborne at the signing of the Pharmacare agreement at the
B.C. Legislature.
B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne speaking alongside BC
Health Coalition staff Ayendri Riddell at the National Pharmacare
signing.
We were thrilled to email you as soon as she got home from the Provincial Legislature to celebrate this milestone—an important first step toward a universal, single-payer public Pharmacare system in BC.
But that excitement quickly faded when we saw how corporate media covered the announcement—focusing on the perspectives of drug and insurance companies rather than the everyday British Columbians who will benefit.
That’s why we’re reaching out...
Breaking: BC signs Pharmacare agreement
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- Published on Thursday, 06 March 2025 12:58
- Written by editor
Hi Paov
Great news—British Columbia has just signed onto the new national Pharmacare plan! This is a huge win for patients and public health care, bringing us one step closer to ensuring everyone can access life-saving medications, no matter their income.
The BC Health Coalition has been fighting for Pharmacare for over a decade, and today, I stood outside the Provincial Parliament alongside the Ministry of Health to celebrate this historic milestone. But our work isn’t done yet.
To make Pharmacare truly universal, we need to expand coverage to more essential medications. And right now, US-based Pharmaceutical lobbyists and the for-profit insurance industry are working behind the scenes to stall progress.
We can’t let them win. Can you chip in today to help us fight for full, universal Pharmacare in BC?
DONATEA universal, single-payer Pharmacare system would save BC billions and ensure no...
Tune into the latest episode of Whateve
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- Published on Wednesday, 26 February 2025 15:08
- Written by editor
The maps behind our hard-hitting campaigns
Hi Paov,
Last year, we shared many episodes of Whatever’s Wild — our video series hosted by Campaign Assistant Cedar George-Parker. These episodes featured compelling conversations with our campaigners, giving in-depth insights into our work from the folks who are out on the land and in communities all year round.
I’m excited to share our latest episode, which takes a closer look at some of the vital behind-the-scenes work that makes our campaigns so effective. In this episode, Cedar sits down with our incredibly talented Research and Mapping Coordinator Geoff Senichenko and dives into the world of mapping!
A veteran staff member of more than...
B.C. government backsliding on environment
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- Published on Wednesday, 19 February 2025 17:04
- Written by editor
Photos: David Eby (BCNDP, CC by 2.0); Forest fire in B.C. (Chris Harris) 
Government replaces past promises with reckless extractivism
Hi Paov,
After being on hiatus since last spring, the B.C. Legislature is back in session. But are we ready for it?
Our team always follows provincial policy developments on the issues you and I care about, and this year we’re really concerned about the BC NDP backsliding on past commitments to protect ecosystems and fight climate change.
Last month, the government published its mandate letters to...
More Articles...
- Feb. 2025 Newsletter
- Say No Way to Bridal Veil Mountain Resort!
- Meet our new Lead Organizer: Cheryl Cameron
- Spotted Owl Forest Revival
- For-profit surgical clinic is finally being forced to pay for its case against public health care
- End of Plan and New Beginnings
- December 2024 Newsletter
- Building bridges to nature?
- Whatevers Wild in Ontario?
- Double your impact for nature
