BC NDP leader John Horgan says a new cancer care clinic will be up and running in Kamloops within four years if he’s reelected as Premier.

Horgan was speaking to media at Thompson Rivers University this morning, speaking to his party’s plan to bring cancer care to the city. He mentioned that plan during a teleconference with reporters earlier this month.

“The services will be prepared and be delivered within the mandate of the next government, absolutely,” Horgan said, when asked by NL News.

Horgan was also asked about potential skepticism from voters in Kamloops, after a cancer care campaign promise from the NDP in 1990s was never delivered.

“I can’t speak for 30 years ago. I can speak for right now. And for the past three and a half years we’ve been delivering healthcare services right here in Kamloops. We can’t go back in history; I’d like to go back,” Horgan says.

“I’d talk to Mr. (Andrew) Wilkinson… Mr. Wilkinson said he didn’t need to answer for three years ago. So forgive me if I feel I don’t have to answer for three decades ago. I’m committed to delivering cancer care… because I know intimately how important that service is to have in your own community.”

He says that promise is part of the NDP’s 10-year plan to spend $450 million on cancer care in B.C., if elected. He spoke about that commitment alongside Kamloops-North Thompson candidate Sadie Hunter, Kamloops-South Thompson candidate Anna Thomas, and Fraser-Nicola candidate Aaron Sumexheltza.

The BC Liberal party has also promised improved cancer care in Kamloops if elected. Earlier this month, Kamloops-South candidate Todd Stone and Kamloops-North candidate Peter Milobar promised $5 million for two linear accelerators to be installed at Royal Inland Hospital.

Linear accelerators are used for radiation treatment, and right now people in the Kamloops area who need radiation are forced to travel to Kelowna or the Lower Mainland.

Mayor Ken Christian previously told NL News that he was pleased by both of the cancer care promises from the NDP and Liberals, saying the city wants to see results.