Citizens Press
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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...
Feb. 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 10:31
- Written by editor
Your February 2025 monthly update from the
BC
Health Coalition
ANALYSIS
Brian Day loses big again
On January 27, the BC Supreme Court clarified that Cambie Surgeries, a for-profit surgical clinic, was financially motivated in launching a case against public health care.
Here is our short reaction that we also sent to you by email on January 30th.
Mandate letter from new BC Minister of Health
Premier Eby’s 6-page mandate letter to new BC Minister of Health Josie Osborne outlines key priorities for healthcare in British Columbia, including improving access to primary care, addressing emergency room closures, and ensuring financial sustainability in the face of an aging population and fiscal challenges. The Premier emphasizes in-person care,...
Say No Way to Bridal Veil Mountain Resort!
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- Published on Tuesday, 11 February 2025 17:07
- Written by editor
Photo: Northern spotted owl (Jared Hobbs) 
Speak up for the spotted owl
Hi Paov,
The diminutive, endangered spotted owl is taking on a massive ski resort scheme in one of the most uneven battles of 2025. The spotted owl can’t win without us — it needs you!
A private company is trying to get permission from the B.C. government to construct the big, sprawling Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR) near Chilliwack, B.C.
Here’s the strange...
Meet our new Lead Organizer: Cheryl Cameron
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- Published on Monday, 10 February 2025 15:22
- Written by editor
Hello Paov,
The BC Health Coalition wants to introduce you to our newest staff member, Cheryl Cameron.
With ten years of experience in community organizing, campaigning and strategic direction, Cheryl is thrilled to join the BCHC team. Together with our staff team she’s ready to pull out all the stops to support what Canadians consider fundamental to our identities: our public healthcare system.
Having lived and worked in communities across the province, Cheryl loves BC’s wild and rural places as much as its cities, and is committed to connecting with BCHC members in all regions.
From her previous community and environmental work Cheryl has often played a role in collective capacity-building, and she understands how to build power to make positive change in the face of corporate and political influence on policymakers. Having spent the last year in the North teaching school in a reserve community, Cheryl is especially interested in finding ways to support rural and Indigenous health...
Spotted Owl Forest Revival
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- Published on Wednesday, 05 February 2025 17:05
- Written by editor
Let's protect the spotted owl's future!
Hi Paov,
You and I know the spotted owl has been through a lot. Its population in Canada has plunged from 500 pairs to the brink of extinction after a century of industrial logging. But now, we’ve got a rare shot to turn things around.
The federal government is poised to release its finalized Spotted Owl Recovery Strategy, and it’s a game changer. This plan calls for the protection of 4,000 square kilometres of old-growth forest in south western B.C. — a win for the spotted owl, other wildlife and anyone who...
For-profit surgical clinic is finally being forced to pay for its case against public health care
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- Published on Thursday, 30 January 2025 15:23
- Written by editor
If Cambie Surgeries had been successful in its case against public health care it would have allowed US private insurance companies to compete with and transform Canada’s public health care system
On Monday January 27, the BC Supreme Court clarified that Cambie Surgeries, a for-profit surgical clinic, was financially motivated in launching a case against public health care. As part of the decision, the Court found that the clinic should pay for some of the legal costs that were incurred. It is estimated that Cambie Surgical Clinic made tens of millions of dollars in profits, by continuing to charge patients for services that should be free, while the case dragged on for over a decade.
The judgement also referred to the BC Health Coalition as intervenors in the case because of our substantial contributions to fighting the case in the courts. We were represented by renowned human rights lawyer Joe Arvay, our arguments, evidence and expert witnesses were fundamental to...
End of Plan and New Beginnings
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- Published on Monday, 23 December 2024 12:48
- Written by editor
Hi Paov.
“Wow.” That is the reaction my new colleague Cheryl had as she learned all that the BC Health Coalition has done in the past two years to advocate for public health care.
And as a new(ish) staff member to the Coalition, I agree – from ending the Brian Day Case to being on the front page of the Times Colonist the day before the Provincial election, it's amazing what we as a coalition can accomplish.
As we close the year here at the Health Coalition – we are also reflecting on our 2023 - 2024 strategic plan, so we can apply the learnings as we develop our 2025 - 2026 plan early next year. But before closing the chapter on this latest plan – we wanted to highlight all you helped accomplish in the last two years. And ask for your support as we plan for the two years ahead.
Victory on Cambie Case
On April 6, 2023, the Supreme...
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