The leader of the BC Liberal party is criticizing the provincial government for its lack of action and failed promises on the Kamloops cancer care centre.

Kevin Falcon describes it as the “broken promise of the cancer centre.”

“This is a promise that Todd Stone reminded me of last time was up in Kamloops, first made by the NDP 30 years ago when Mike Harper was there. Then, of course, they ended up opening the cancer clinic in Kelowna instead of Kamloops.”

In 2020 former Premier John Horgan announced he would open a full cancer centre within his first term in office; then in January 2021, the province extended that timeline to RadioNL, saying the cancer care centre in Kamloops is part of its 10-year plan.

However, Falcon says a 10-year plan means there is no plan, adding that it means there is no money allocated in the budget for it.

“The only plan that matters is a three-year plan. That’s when actual numbers get put into financial planning and statements so that we know exactly what government will be doing,” said Falcon.

“When you say a 10-year plan, it might as well be a 100-year plan because that means it’s not on the radar.”

Falcon says he is tired of the BC NDP’s announcements without acting on those calls.

“I have no doubt they’ll come and they will keep promising it again and raise hopes,” he added.

“Forget the announcements. Let’s focus on results. The public is tired of the promises and the announcements and the re-announcements. They just want to see cancer care in Kamloops. For patients struggling, full stop, let’s get it done.”

Falcon stresses that a cancer care clinic is needed in the Kamloops region, as cancer patients are forced to travel to Kelowna for treatment several times a week.

“I think it’s important to recognize the human impact that’s happening here. I’ve met with patients that are going for their radiation treatment two to three times a week to Kelowna to get a 30-minute treatment and for some of them that are having to take the bus, that’s an entire day.”

Last week, Kamloops South Thompson MLA Todd Stone spoke with RadioNL, suggesting the next step towards cancer care in Kamloops would see two of the five radiation therapy machines in Kelowna, replaced in Kamloops.

Falcon agrees with Stone’s suggestion, saying it’s a minimum first step towards expanding cancer care in Kamloops.

“You’ve got two radiation machines in Kelowna near their end of life. Two of the five are dedicated almost entirely to Kamloops residents. Why don’t we just replace those and have those located here in Kamloops where folks can take advantage of them?”

The Thompson Regional Hospital District will also be pushing for more progress on the Kamloops Cancer Care Centre in 2023.