John Rustad has accused the BC NDP of "putting foreign newcomers ahead of hard-working British Columbians" in the province's healthcare system.The BC Conservative leader's comments come after newly-appointed health minister Josie Osborne said she would explore the idea of waiving the three-month Medical Services Plan wait period for new arrivals.In an interview with News 1130, Osborne said she "can certainly commit to looking at that" when asked whether the MSP buffer zone should be removed. BC is one of only two provinces in Canada that have such a policy."It's absolutely unacceptable that David Eby's Minister is musing about waiving the MSP wait period for newcomers who haven't lived or paid taxes in BC," Rustad said in a statement. "British Columbians have built this healthcare system through their hard work and tax dollars, yet Eby seems eager to let foreigners cut the line while families here are waiting for care."He went on to suggest that Eby's priorities are "all wrong," pointing out that, "while hospitals are overcrowded and British Columbians are waiting in pain for surgeries, his government wants to open the door to free healthcare for people who haven't contributed a dime to the system.""If you're not living here and paying taxes here, you shouldn't be benefiting from the system. Period," he added."David Eby's reckless approach to healthcare is yet another example of his government's complete disregard for the people who call this province home. The Conservative Party of British Columbia is standing up for British Columbians and their families — because they deserve a government that puts them first."
