By Keith Lacey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Penticton Herald With more than six million Canadians lacking access to a family doctor, healthcare accessibility has become a pressing issue across the country — including in the federal riding of South Okanagan\u2013West Kootenay. During Wednesday\u2019s only scheduled candidates\u2019 forum, held at the Cleland Theatre in Penticton, the topic of healthcare access was among several key issues discussed during the two-hour Q&A session. \u201cAccess to healthcare remains top of mind for millions of Canadians, particularly in rural communities, where emergency room closures have become all too common,\u201d said Michael Magnusson, executive director of the Chamber. \u201cThese issues impact not just the health and well-being of individuals, but also the viability of small towns.\u201d Magnusson posed the following question to candidates: \u201cWhat is your… <\/p>\n
By Keith Lacey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Penticton Herald With more than six million Canadians lacking access to a family doctor, healthcare accessibility has become a pressing issue across the country — including in the federal riding of South Okanagan\u2013West Kootenay. During Wednesday\u2019s only scheduled candidates\u2019 forum, held at the Cleland Theatre in Penticton, the topic of healthcare access was among several key issues discussed during the two-hour Q&A session. \u201cAccess to healthcare remains top of mind for millions of Canadians, particularly in rural communities, where emergency room closures have become all too common,\u201d said Michael Magnusson, executive director of the Chamber. \u201cThese issues impact not just the health and well-being of individuals, but also the viability of small towns.\u201d Magnusson posed the following question to candidates: \u201cWhat is your... <\/p>\n