About 500 physician assistants practice in Canada, including Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. This profession is not recognized in British Columbia. The BC Green Party and healthcare workers say physician assistants could help improve accessibility to care, especially in remote areas.
A physician assistant who lives in Victoria, Eric Demers, travels to the Northwest Territories two weeks a month so he can work. He started a petition to urge British Columbia to re-evaluate its profession. It will change how I will be able to help my community and continue to work. My two weeks at home, I’m sitting watching what’s happening and I can’t help it in BC.
The health system is under pressure
asserts Sean Kurtz, who also works in the Northwest Territories as a physician assistant. He would like to be able to practice at home, RevelstokeBritish Columbia. There is so much work, we need the help of all skilled workers
he said.
British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said he is open to the idea of recognizing the profession. However, he believes that recognizing the profession would not be a solution, given the low number of physician assistants in the country.
With information from Chloé Dioré de Périgny