Health-care worker recruitment is not an issue municipalities can deal with directly. We are legislatively not responsible for it. However, morally we should do what we can to assist recruitment. That means ensuring Kamloops is seen as a great place to live and work. We do that in many ways, from marketing through Tourism Kamloops to continuing to take steps to improve livability.

One area I’ve been active in addresses exactly what that question poses. It is incumbent on the Interior Health Authority to fix the many challenges at our hospital, public health and long-term care facilities. Many of us on this council have been vocal in our concern IHA is not doing that. I’ve been criticized for being so vocal but I’ve also heard from nurses, doctors, other health-care workers at RIH they appreciate councillors speaking up for them as they fear reprisals if they speak to the issues.