VICTORIA, B.C.: Bill M232 – Long Term Care Access and Transparency Act, introduced by Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay–Comox and Critic for Seniors and Rural Health, passed second reading unanimously in the Legislative Assembly today and will now proceed to committee stage.

The bill aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to British Columbia’s long-term care system by requiring regular reporting on waitlists, wait times, and system capacity.

During debate, government members raised concerns about whether the health system has the capacity to produce this basic information.

“That answer alone should concern British Columbians,” said Day. “If the system cannot produce basic information about long-term care waitlists and capacity, then the need for transparency is even greater.”

Day said the legislation is ultimately about the seniors and families navigating a system that too often lacks clear information or a public plan.

“Behind every waitlist number is a senior waiting for care, a family trying to plan for their loved ones, or a patient stuck in a hospital bed because there is nowhere else for them to go,” said Day.

Day said he looks forward to the next stage of debate as the bill moves forward.

“I look forward to hearing members engage with this bill in committee,” said Day. “Transparency and a clear plan for long-term care are more important than ever, especially at a time when funding for long-term care beds have been cut off and projects has been halted, decisions that will only compound wait times.”

Bill M232 – Long Term Care Access and Transparency Act will now proceed to committee stage in the Legislative Assembly.

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Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
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