Editor:
On March 1, a couple dozen of us will be travelling to Victoria to present more than 10,000 signatures to the Legislature protesting Vancouver Coastal Health’s move to try to close down publicly-funded Shorncliffe and Totem Lodge and replace them with a private, for-profit facility.
The response from the community, who were never consulted on this unbelievably off-the-wall move, has been unparalleled. Having been involved in collecting signatures outside Claytons, Independent and other public spots, I can tell you the response has been overwhelming: 98 per cent of those passing by and signing are eager and vocal about their displeasure with this outrageous decision. They know that as soon as the profit element is entered into the equation, care for seniors as well as wages and working conditions for care workers deteriorate. Respondents are also mystified with the location of the proposed facility, which they recognize is totally wrong for a seniors facility. We heard these points over and over as we collected signatures.
On March 1 their signatures will be presented to the Liberal government in Victoria. We will be demanding that Health Minister Lake step in and make sure that Vancouver Coastal Health start over and this time involve the community.
Ray Haynes, Halfmoon Bay