B.C.’s doctors have voted in favour of a new four-year agreement with the provincial government, although critical issues of compensation and program funding have not been settled beyond two years.
The agreement gives B.C. doctors an increase of 0.5% per year for two years. Compensation for the subsequent two years must still be negotiated.
“We're pleased that a majority of our members recognize that this is a good agreement in these challenging economic times,” said Shelley Ross, president of the BC Medical Association (BCMA).
"The ratified agreement is good for doctors and patients. It protects the important provisions in the master agreement and commits to funding essential programs until 2014. It maintains programs that allow physicians to best care for chronically ill patients, as well as providing funding to recruit and retain specialists in needed areas of the province."
The agreement provides targeted funding that the BCMA says will improve patient access to physicians in rural areas and improve recruitment and retention of specialists.
A total of 3,077 BCMA members cast ballots, and 92% voted in favour of the four-year agreement.
