VICTORIA – New Democrat leader John Horgan advocated for seniors facing the loss of flu clinics on Tuesday, resulting in the health minister reversing the uncaring policy.

“New Democrats brought this issue to the legislature because we’ve seen time and time again how seniors are put last on the B.C. Liberals’ agenda,” said New Democrat leader John Horgan. “The B.C. Liberals admitted how wrong they were and said they will reverse course. I hope this time we can take the Minister at his word and that this is a victory for countless seniors in the Lower Mainland who will now once again have access to the vaccinations they need to stay safe this year.”

The Fraser Health Authority canceled flu clinics this year at seniors’ community centres across the Lower Mainland with no notice, forcing seniors to find their shots elsewhere.

In response to questions from the Leader of the Opposition in question period on Tuesday, Minister of Health Terry Lake contradicted Fraser Health’s decision, and conceded that this policy decision was wrong, saying “We will ensure that Fraser Health is doing clinics for seniors for influenza vaccine.”

Horgan congratulated Voices of Burnaby Seniors (VOBS) for their instrumental role in bringing this issue to the forefront and advocating for change, and said he will be watching closely to ensure the Liberals keep their promise.