BCHC September 2025 Newsletter
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
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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.
– 2025 AGM
Message from Labour Co-Chair, Tuesday
Andrich As the year ends, the Coalition reflects with gratitude.
We thank outgoing Co-Chairs Dr. Mei-ling Wiedmeyer, Dan Harper, and
Scott DeLong for their leadership and commitment. We're especially
grateful Scott will remain on our Steering and Admin
Committees. New energy arrived this year with Health Minister Josie
Osborne, whose early moves on primary care and pharmacare show
promise. But major challenges persist: an aging population, long
waitlists, and growing privatization point to the need for bold
investment and innovation. Community Health Centres (CHCs), offering team-based,
locally informed care, are proving effective across BC. In the months
ahead, we’ll support researchers and policymakers in pushing reforms,
while amplifying frontline voices. We’re also developing a strategy to build public and
political support for universal, publicly funded care—drawing
inspiration from Medicare’s grassroots beginnings. Stay tuned for speaker panels, webinars, and
mobilizations. Outsourcing health care wastes public dollars and weakens
care quality and equity. Profit-taking diverts funding from where it’s
needed most. Still, for many—especially those without a family
doctor—the immediate concern is simply accessing care. To
better understand public views on privatization, we’re hosting focus
groups across BC. These
conversations will explore how local realities shape people’s health
care priorities and perspectives. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more and join a focus group.
FOCUS GROUPS ON
PRIVATIZATION
ANALYSIS: CLIMATE & HEALTH
This summer saw another season of extreme weather and wildfires devastating BC. The health impacts—physical and mental—are profound and long-lasting.
In urban centres, the effects can feel remote, widening the rural–urban divide and deepening health inequities.
Several new Steering Committee members bring lived and professional experience. Lorraine Gerwing of Fort Nelson has faced wildfire threats firsthand. Psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Grimminck highlights the long-term mental health impacts of fire and smoke exposure—including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even premature death.
Young people are especially vulnerable to climate-related distress.
We’re committed to elevating these perspectives and focusing more attention on the health impacts of climate change.
GRATITUDE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our work is powered by the leadership of health care professionals and researchers dedicated to protecting public care.
This year, we honour Colleen Fuller. (Read our full tribute in the Annual Report.)
For over 30 years, Colleen has been a driving force in our movement. Her insight, determination, and unwavering commitment have shaped campaigns and policy alike. As she steps down from the Steering Committee, her legacy will continue to guide us through the challenges ahead.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the BC Health Coalition or its members.
Public Health News & Resources
The Canadian Medical Association Journal warns that electronic health records need stronger safeguards against foreign access to patient data.
Health
Minister Marjorie Michel says all options for Pharmacare are on the
table
Minister Michel flags October meeting with provincial ministers, emphasizing a priority to streamline processes around collecting and sharing of data, where fax machines are still in use.
Donate nowThe coalition is almost entirely funded by our members and supporters across the province. We rely on health care supporters like you who chip in to support our campaigns. Make a one-time high-impact donation or a recurring monthly donation that sustainably supports our campaigns. Donations by cheque can be made out to BC Health Coalition and mailed to BC Health Coalition 302-3102 Main Street Vancouver BC V5T 3G7. Or you can give monthly by cheque.
British
Columbia Health Coalition
3102 Main St, 302, Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish
Territories, BC V5T 3G7, Canada
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