In a recent letter, Doctors of BC reminded that divisions are to remain non-partisan during the election, provided direction on activities that can be undertaken, and outlined the Doctors of BC approach and election strategy package:
On October 19th British Columbians will head to the polls for the upcoming provincial election. Doctors of BC is providing direction on activities that can be undertaken during the election period and staff are available to respond to any requests that may arise during this time. We also want to be fully transparent about Doctors of BC’s approach, to best support physicians and staff.
Direction from Doctors of BC for the JCCs
Doctors of BC is providing information specifically to Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs) staff, programs and initiatives, including Divisions of Family Practice (divisions) and Medical Staff Associations (MSAs). Given the JCCs are funded through the Physician Master Agreement (PMA) via the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC, it is important for divisions and MSAs to remain non-partisan during the election.
For divisions and MSAs, and individuals representing divisions and/or MSAs, this means refraining from:
• Making media/public comments on issues or topics that relate to government, political announcements, etc. This includes refraining from using logos and letterhead, or providing endorsements, letters of support or other commentary that would appear to support a particular party or candidate locally or provincially. Additionally, individuals making comments should not appear to speak on behalf of or use their role in the division or MSA to do so.
• Sponsoring or hosting events, panels or other activities with candidates or on election related topics. This also includes refraining from news releases, media pitches or other public announcements on projects funded by the Ministry and Doctors of BC.
• Using division or MSA resources (e.g., staff, mailing lists, meeting space) to host or support any events, candidates or activities associated with the election.
What can continue during the election:
• Individual physicians can speak out on issues on their personal time; however, they should not identify or be affiliated with the division, MSA or any other program or projects funded via the JCCs or the PMA. This also applies to staff/contractors associated with these groups.
• Public service announcements (e.g., get your flu shot, etc.).
What is Doctors of BC doing during the election?
Doctors of BC will also not be endorsing or supporting a particular party this election. However, the Doctors of BC will be posting its health care priorities for the provincial election on the website.
Doctors of BC is also posing a series of five questions to each party on how they plan to address some of these issues. Physician leadership will be included in those discussions, and party responses will be recorded and shared on the Doctors of BC website. You can find the Doctors of BC full election strategy package here.
