Editor:
Liberal candidate Mathew Wilson offers a reassuring view of the future awaiting Totem Lodge and Shorncliffe workers. Trellis, he tells us, will pay “government and market wage rates.” Just to clarify, Mr. Wilson, did you mean to say government or market? As you know, workers in for-profit facilities typically receive wages 15 per cent or more below those in publicly owned ones. And might it be worth adding that rehired workers stand to lose their pension funds and accrued benefits?
Perhaps you can clear up a couple of other points. I thought that the Silverstone project was stalled by an incomplete permit application. If, as you claim, the delay is the fault of your NDP opponent, I’m sure voters would welcome more detail on how Mr. Simons’ efforts delayed progress on the new building. Also, while I appreciate that Trellis “has an 18-year record of exemplary standing with Accreditation Canada,” I wonder if this tells the whole story. Would it be relevant to mention, for instance, that in 2015 the Interior Health Authority put Trellis’s Penticton facility on high risk classification after a surprise inspection revealed 15 infractions? Some voters may feel that such things as incomplete care plans, a failure to follow wound-care protocol and razor blades left in tub rooms constitute less than exemplary conduct for a long-term care operator.
Although it’s heartening that VCH has promised you that Totem Lodge and Shorncliffe will remain open, unfortunately they haven’t let us in on the secret. In your next chat with VCH executives, please ask them to do so. Better yet, encourage them to begin a meaningful process of community engagement.
Anyway, thanks for taking such a clear stand on this contentious issue, Mr. Wilson. Good luck in the election!
Ian McLatchie, Davis Bay
