SONIA Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens, said on Monday that it was shocking that Health Minister Adrian Dix was applauding sending B.C. cancer patients across the border for radiation treatment.

She noted: “B.C. used to be a leader in cancer care in Canada. Today’s announcement shows that the system we currently have is failing to meet people’s needs.”

Furstenau said in a statement: “While it is critical people receive the treatment they need, this initiative to send people for radiation to the United States reinforces what former Premier Horgan said last summer, that the healthcare system is teetering.

“People in British Columbia need healthcare in the communities they live in. They need to be connected with their families and support networks.

“There are serious questions to be asked about governance and operations at Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). We see the challenges for people with cancer, the ongoing crisis with paramedics and ambulance services, and concerns being raised about children not getting surgeries on time at BC Children’s Hospital. This is just another example of the failure of leadership in healthcare in this province.

“This government needs to address our failing system at home – pay our nurses better, crack down on two-tier healthcare, and ensure every community has an accessible community health centre.”