Editor:
In his Aug. 17 letter (“Evidence-free claims”), Ian McLatchie claims I have failed to provide evidence for my assertion that wages for care staff in the Trellis facility will be similar to those in the public sector and that hours of care will not be cut. It’s all in the public domain, but I will do his research for him anyway.
The Trellis Q&A pamphlet, endorsed by the company president and handed out on several occasions, makes specific reference to what they expect to pay once salaries are negotiated:
“The rates would be based on market references for other non-government private homes operating in comparable communities. We expect there will be a grid to acknowledge levels of experience or service. 2016 market rates for reference only are:
RN – starting $35
LPN – starting $24 to 26
Care Aides – starting $18 to 19+
“The benefits package would include extended health and dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment, employee assistance services, and pension (GRSP).”
Contrary to Mr. McLatchie’s assertion, those wages and benefits are very much in line with current provincial public contracts (available online) for licensed and practical nurses and other care workers.
As to staffing hours, the contract between VCH and Trellis clearly states that the “Staffing Plan” for the facility provides for a baseline minimum number of hours. Those numbers are controlled by VCH and can readily be increased dynamically within the contract; VCH has made a public commitment to do so. The VCH information sheet on “Improvements to residential care facilities in Sechelt” (last updated May 12) states that, “Another measure of quality is the amount of hours of direct care per day (HPRD). This will be the same in Silverstone as it is today in Shorncliffe and Totem Lodge.”
The truth is out there, Mr. McLatchie. You just have to look for it.
Keith Maxwell, Sechelt
