On April 1, the NDP’s Health Professions and Occupations Act officially replaces the Health Professions Act - ending British Columbia’s long-standing model of independent, professional self-regulation.
The government calls this modernization but what it really does is centralize authority in Victoria and give Eby's NDP greater control over the governance of health profession regulators.
That is not modernization - it's politicization.
For decades, BC relied on a model where professionals - alongside public representatives- set standards, enforced discipline, and protected patients. That independence wasn’t a loophole. It was a safeguard.
When political offices gain expanded authority over regulatory bodies, decisions risk being influenced by politics instead of expertise. Health oversight must be evidence-based and patient-focused, not directed from the Premier's office.
At a time when British Columbia is facing serious health workforce shortages, recruitment challenges, and growing strain across the system, the government has chosen to undermine the independence of the very professionals we rely on.
If health professionals believe their regulators are no longer independent, trust erodes. Recruitment suffers. Retention suffers. And ultimately, patients lose.
Let me be clear: as Premier, I would move to repeal Bill 36 and restore independent professional oversight in British Columbia.
We can modernize health regulation without politicizing it. We can strengthen transparency and accountability without concentrating power in government.
Under my leadership, we would:
- Return governance authority to regulated health professionals, alongside strong public representation
- Enshrine clear limits on ministerial interference
- Ensure regulatory bodies remain independent, evidence-driven, and focused solely on patient protection
Professional oversight must protect patients - not expand political control.
British Columbians deserve a health system that empowers professionals, strengthens accountability, and restores trust - not one that centralizes power in Victoria.
As Premier, I will restore that balance.