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MLA McInnis questions Health Minister about PRRI
On February 24, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis rose during Question Period in the Legislature and asked Minister of Health Josie Osborne why healthcare workers in Kimberley and Cranbrook do not receive the Provincial Rural Retention Incentive (PRRI).
The PRRI provides up to $8,000/year in extra pay for healthcare professionals living and working in rural communities.
“We are a seven-hour drive from Kelowna, and a daunting 12-hour trip from Vancouver,” McInnis said. “Why are our healthcare workers being denied this important financial incentive?”
McInnis has been advocating for local employees to receive this additional wage for nearly a year. “I’ve been championing vigorously for this since I became a candidate. It’s wrong that those working here don’t receive the PRRI,” he stated.
McInnis presented a petition with over 500 signatures on behalf of the East Kootenay B.C. Nurses Union and local citizens supporting the PRRI.
Minister Osborne replied as per Hansard: “Yes, the provincial rural retention incentive is used to help fill some of the highest-need gaps that are being experienced in remote and rural communities.
“It is a priority of this government to ensure that there is more equitable access to health care. That means helping to recruit more people to live the great rural lifestyle that those of us who live in rural communities know about.
“There is a defined set of communities and occupations that are eligible for this incentive. We continue to take feedback from community leaders, from health care workers and from others so that we can make changes and adapt and monitor as needed.”
McInnis pointed out the minister’s response provided no timeline for additional recipients of the PRRI, and did not commit that local healthcare workers would receive it.
“This is extremely frustrating. While the government continues to evaluate the PRRI, the East Kootenay continues to struggle to retain important healthcare professionals,” he said.
McInnis added he is committed to continuing to press the Minister of Health on this issue.
“Until the PRRI is granted to our local healthcare professionals, I will be a thorn in the side of Minister Osborne.”
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