COURTENAY, BC: Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay–Comox and Opposition Critic for Rural and Seniors Health, is slamming the provincial government’s confirmation that it will discontinue Brineura treatments for 9-year-old Charleigh Pollock, calling the move “morally indefensible.”
“They’ve poured millions into unwitnessed “safe supply” and high-priced consultants like Penny Ballem, but when it comes to saving a child’s life, suddenly the budget is tight,” said Day. “It’s appalling that this government believes recreational drug programs are a higher priority than giving a young girl a fighting chance.”
The Ministry has attempted to deflect responsibility by pointing to a federal drug review. Day says that’s no excuse: “The province has the power to act, and it has in other cases. If they wanted to help, they would.”
Adding to the cruelty, the Pollock family received this decision on just one day before what will be her final dose, after weeks of silence and confusion. “This kind of communication breakdown, leaving a family in limbo, then dropping devastating news with no time to prepare is inhumane,” said Day.
Day is calling on Minister Osborne to immediately reverse the decision and restore funding for Charleigh’s treatment.
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