On April 1, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis rose during Question Period in Victoria to ask the Health Minister Josie Osborne for continued funding for Angel Flight East Kootenay (AFEK).

McInnis received a letter from AFEK dated January 23, requesting continued funding for this critical service.  Until yesterday, they had received no response.

Angel Flight provided flights to 997 patients last year, up from 663 the previous year.

“This service is not a luxury where we live, it’s a necessity” explained McInnis.  “AFEK is now operating two flights a day during the week. Demand is increasing and it is not right that this service relies so heavily on private donations to pay the bills.”

Founded by Brent Bidston (pictured), a retired commercial airline pilot, the organization has grown to include several volunteer pilots. AFEK has purchased its own aircraft thanks to generous personal, corporate, and local and provincial government donations.

McInnis’ frustration with the government stems from their slow response and lack of a long-term commitment.  Additionally, he added that the NDP government’s complete lack of responsibility around provincial finances has tightened the belt within all ministries.

“The cost of servicing the debt after the cancellation of the carbon tax could pay for 210,000 Angel Flights,” said McInnis in the Legislature. After the Minister asked McInnis to “wait a little longer,” he responded: “Respectfully, that answer is unacceptable, this service is provided by pilots on their time off.”  He explained, “Patients needing critical access to cancer care can’t wait.”

Within a couple of hours, AFEK was notified that their funding would be extended for another year, to which McInnis responded, “This is what’s frustrating to me, without advocacy this might have been lost in the shuffle. This is another example of rural B.C. being forgotten by this NDP government,” he said from Victoria.

McInnis has been championing several rural health issues for the East Kootenay, including the PRRI for healthcare workers, regaining access to Alberta Health for acute care services, and now Angel Flight.

“This government’s complete lack of understanding toward our unique rural needs will be something I will not let go of,” he added. “Most big-city politicians don’t even know where we are located on a map, let alone what we require to provide basic services for the great people who call this region home.”

McInnis explained that the new funding will be enough to “keep the lights on” for AFEK, but he will be pressing the minister for a long-term funding commitment which aligns directly with the needs of this growing service.

Photo submitted

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