Provincial Liberals have never been shy about phoning talk shows or participating in online polls. So you'd think they wouldn't need much encouragement to speak up during the provincial government's conversation on health. Nevertheless, earlier this month, the party sent out an issue alert urging Liberals to get involved with the debate. And, at the party's upcoming biennial convention, 90 minutes has been set aside as part of the conversation process. The following is a complete copy of the aforementioned alert.

From: "BC Liberals Issue Alert"
Subject: Join the Conversation on Health Today!
Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2006 09:40:24 -0700 (PDT)

Join the Conversation on Health Today!

Premier Gordon Campbell has called on all British Columbians to take an active role in helping to shape the future of the health system by joining the Conversation on Health. These historic province-wide conversations will ensure that, within the framework of the Canada Health Act, needed programs and services are there for generations to come.

"All British Columbians value the importance and quality of our health system. As we promised in the throne speech this February, the Conversation will ensure government hears what our citizens consider crucial today and for the future of health in B.C. We encourage people to join the Conversation so they can tell us their ideas, what the pressures are and what improvements can be made to our health system. More people are moving to the province and our population is aging. Couple this with tremendous yet costly advances in surgical procedures, diagnostic technology and pharmaceutical therapies, and we have very different pressures on our health system today than we had even a decade ago. In this dynamic environment, we need to ensure that our health programs are responsive to the needs of our citizens today and tomorrow."
- Premier Gordon Campbell

How can you get involved in the Conversation on Health?

Sign up to attend a forum in your region and receive more information!
Sign up online at: www.bcconversationonhealth.ca/EN/402/510
Regional forums for the public in each of the 16 health service delivery areas will start in early November and end next summer. Funding will be provided to help offset the costs of travel for people who need assistance.

Join the conversation through online forums!
Add your comments at: http://www.bcconversationonhealth.ca/EN/405/89
Participate in an online discussion about key health issues, provide your views and reflect on others' ideas through our web-based discussion boards.

Send an e-mail!
E-mail your comments to: ConversationonHealth@Victoria1.gov.bc.ca
Send an e-mail with your thoughts about the future of health in British Columbia and join the conversation.

Write a letter!
Submit your thoughts through a letter to: Ministry of Health, 5-3, 1515 Blanshard St., Victoria, B. C. V8W 3C8

Call the toll-free Conversation on Health line!
Have your say by phone at: 1-866-884-2055 (translation in 130 languages available), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The input received from the Conversation will lay the groundwork for improvements that will be presented to the Province in fall 2007.

The Province's goal is to strengthen the five principles of the Canada Health Act - universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability and public administration. The results of the Conversation will also be used to develop a sixth principle, sustainability, which will ensure B.C.'s health programs and services are available in the future. This principle and the five Canada Health Act principles are expected to be enshrined in provincial legislation.

Did you know?

* The health budget represents 42 percent of the Province's annual budget. If the health budget continues to grow as it has in the past, it could consume over 70 percent of the total provincial budget by 2017. This could squeeze out necessary funding for other critical government services such as education, highways and social services