B.C. party leaders campaign in the Okanagan [Video]

NDP Leader David Eby is promising a $75-million loan forgiveness program to entice doctors, nurses and heath professionals to expand healthcare services in rural British Columbia.

Eby’s provincial election campaign pledge comes as hospitals in rural B.C. face periods of emergency closures due primarily to staff shortages.

“We need to win the competition for doctors and nurses, both nationally and internationally,” Eby said at an outdoor news conference at a municipal park in Vernon on the shores of Lake Okanagan.

Interior Health said Friday that emergency rooms at South Okanagan General Hospital in the Okanagan community of Oliver will be closed Saturday due to “limited physician availability.” Patients are advised to travel to Penticton for emergency care.

Eby said the NDP program will offer student loan forgiveness of between $10,000 and $20,000 in return for doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals guaranteeing to stay in a rural community for a …