Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke | Healing Our Riding: A Prescription for Community Health

Healing Our Riding: A Prescription for Community Health

"Healthcare is not a privilege to be earned, but a fundamental right to be protected. Our

community's strength lies in how we care for our most vulnerable."

In Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, our healthcare challenges are as diverse as our community.

From the military families at CFB Esquimalt to our growing senior population, from rural

residents in Sooke to First Nations communities, we face complex healthcare needs that

demand more than traditional solutions.

Our healthcare system is not just a policy issue – it's a lifeline for our community. We're

facing critical challenges that demand bold, innovative solutions beyond traditional

political rhetoric.

Our Comprehensive Healthcare Vision

I'm committed to a healthcare approach that puts people first – our families, our seniors,

our children. Our strategy encompasses four transformative policies:

1. Rural Healthcare Incentive Program

2. Mental Health Support for Military and Veterans

3. Senior Wellness and Preventive Care

4. First Nations Health Partnership

Our Commitment

This is not about bureaucratic checkboxes. This is about creating a healthcare ecosystem

that truly serves every resident of our riding. We will:

• Break down barriers to access

• Provide culturally responsive care

• Invest in prevention and wellness

• Honor the unique needs of our diverse community

Healthcare is a human right. In Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, we're going to prove it.

Policy 1: Implement a Rural Healthcare Incentive Program

Rural parts of the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding struggle with a shortage of primary care

providers, leaving residents with long wait times or long trips to urban centers for basic

medical care. For example, Sooke has limited family doctors for its growing population,

forcing many to rely on overburdened emergency rooms. This policy offers financial

incentives to draw healthcare professionals to these underserved areas, improving access

to essential services. By bringing in more doctors and nurse practitioners, we can reduce

wait times, ease pressure on hospitals, and ensure rural residents get timely care close to

home.

Launch a Rural Healthcare Incentive Program to attract family doctors and nurse

practitioners to rural areas like Sooke and parts of Saanich. The program includes:

• Additional $10,000 signing bonus for professionals who commit to a minimum of

three years in these areas.

• Additional student loan forgiveness of up to $50,000 for those who stay for five

years.

• Additional $10,000 in relocation assistance for providers moving from outside the

region.

Policy 2: Expand Mental Health Services for Military Personnel and Veterans

With a significant military presence at CFB Esquimalt and a large veteran population,

mental health is a pressing need in this riding. Many service members and veterans deal

with issues like PTSD but face wait times of six months or more for specialized care. This

policy directly addresses that gap by expanding resources and creating a dedicated clinic,

making support faster and more accessible. It’s a way to honor those who’ve served while

also reducing mental health crises that strain local emergency services. Tailored care for

this group improves their quality of life and strengthens the whole community.

Invest an additional $2 million per year to enhance mental health support for the riding’s

military community. This includes:

• Funding for specialized PTSD treatment programs, such as cognitive behavioral

therapy and peer support groups.

• A new mental health clinic at CFB Esquimalt, staffed with counselors and

psychologists trained in military trauma.

• Telehealth services and outreach programs for veterans in rural areas who can’t

easily travel to the base.

Policy 3: Enhance Senior Wellness and Preventive Care Programs

The riding’s senior population is growing, with over 20% of residents now over 65. Many

face chronic conditions, mobility issues, or isolation, which can lead to preventable

hospital visits. This policy focuses on preventive care to keep seniors healthy and

independent, reducing the need for costly hospital or long-term care services. Exercise and

nutrition programs also combat loneliness by bringing seniors together, while the mobile

unit ensures rural residents aren’t left out. By investing in wellness, we can lower

healthcare costs and help seniors thrive in their communities.

Allocate $1.5 million to expand community-based wellness programs for seniors,

including:

• Free weekly exercise classes (e.g., yoga or tai chi) at community centers across the

riding.

• Monthly nutrition workshops led by dietitians to encourage healthy eating habits.

• Regular health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol checks) at seniors’

centers and pharmacies, plus a mobile health unit for rural areas offering check-ups

and flu shots.

Policy 4: Establish a First Nations Health Partnership Program

First Nations in the riding face higher rates of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and barriers

to care due to systemic inequities. This policy improves access, builds trust through

cultural safety, and empowers the community with representation in healthcare.

Launch a $1 million annual program in collaboration with the Songhees and Esquimalt

Nations, including:

• Health Navigators: Hire and train 10 First Nations individuals to assist community

members in accessing services, understanding rights, and bridging cultural gaps

with providers.

• Culturally Safe Care: Fund initiatives like elder-led wellness circles and land-based

healing programs, integrated with Western medicine.

• Mobile Health Units: Deploy units for primary care, mental health, and maternal

health, visiting communities at least twice monthly.

• Scholarships: Support 5 First Nations students annually to pursue healthcare

careers, boosting workforce diversity.

Authorized by the Official Agent for Param Bhatti

© 2025 Official Campaign for Param Bhatti