Protesters Rally Against Cancellation of Burnaby Hospital Expansion Contract

📅 6 days ago

Dozens of protesters in Burnaby, B.C., voiced their frustration over the provincial government's cancellation of a crucial hospital expansion project, which was intended to increase capacity and improve local healthcare services.

In Burnaby, British Columbia, a significant gathering of protesters took place in a local park to express their discontent with the provincial government's recent decision to cancel a vital construction contract for the expansion of Burnaby Hospital. Premier David Eby stated earlier this month that although the contract has been terminated, the plans for the hospital expansion are not entirely abandoned. The second phase of this expansion was designed to introduce 160 additional beds along with a new cancer care center. However, this initiative is among several projects that have been postponed as part of the province's budget adjustments for 2026.
David Xie, a representative for the Burnaby neighbourhood watch, highlighted that despite Burnaby being the third-largest city in British Columbia, residents currently lack access to a fully functional modern hospital. This inadequacy has forced many locals to seek healthcare services in neighboring cities. Xie recounted a personal experience where his son faced a medical emergency last year, leading to an extended wait at Burnaby Hospital, ultimately necessitating a drive to another city for timely care. He emphasized that many families in the area lack access to vehicles, underlining the urgent need for additional hospital beds to accommodate local patient demands.
Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma remarked earlier in May that various projects, including the Burnaby Hospital expansion, are undergoing a process of being “re-paced or rescheduled” due to the requirement for further planning before construction can commence. Misty Van Popta, the MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove and shadow critic for infrastructure, revealed that it has come to light that not only was the project delayed, but all contracts associated with it have also been annulled. She criticized the provincial government's decision, asserting that Burnaby has one of the lowest-funded hospitals in the region and that this budget cut was unjustified.
In February, the B.C. government had announced during budget discussions that several health construction projects would be slowed down in response to a projected deficit that could reach $13.3 billion. Minister Ma assured the public on Sunday that the Burnaby Hospital expansion is still part of the provincial capital plan and will eventually proceed. However, Xie emphasized the need for residents to have clearer communication regarding the project's timeline.
Van Popta expressed skepticism about the government’s claims that the project is merely being re-paced, arguing that such a term implies a timeline for commencement that currently does not exist. She pointed out that with the cancellation of contracts and the absence of a restart date, the project has effectively devolved into a mere concept rather than a tangible plan moving forward.

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