The provincial government will extend funding for Angel Flight East Kootenay (AFEK) for another year, and Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis says he had a hand in securing that money.
McInnis asked Health Minister Josie Osborne about additional funding on April 1, after AFEK did not receive an answer to its request for funding.
“This service is not a luxury where we live, it’s a necessity,” said McInnis.
“AFEK is now operating two flights a day during the week. Demand is increasing and it is not right that this service relies so heavily on private donations to pay the bills.”
According to Founder Brent Bidston, AFEK provided flights to 997 patients in 2024.
“This service is not a luxury where we live, it’s a necessity” explained McInnis.
“AFEK is now operating two flights a day during the week. Demand is increasing and it is not right that this service relies so heavily on private donations to pay the bills.”
McInnis says his frustration stems from their slow response and a lack of any long-term commitments, particularly after Minister Osborne asked him to wait longer.
“Respectfully, that answer is unacceptable, this service is provided by pilots on their time off,” said McInnis.
“Patients needing critical access to cancer care can’t wait.”
Later that day, AFEK was notified that their funding would be extended by another year.
“This is what’s frustrating to me: without advocacy, this might have been lost in the shuffle. This is another example of rural B.C. being forgotten by this NDP government,” said McInnis.
“This government’s complete lack of understanding toward our unique rural needs will be something I will not let go of.”
McInnis says he will keep prodding the B.C. government for a long-term funding commitment.
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