The Midwives Association of BC (MABC) has reached a five-year agreement with the Ministry of Health that will help grow and sustain the midwifery profession, enhance midwifery services and increase access to maternity care throughout the province, especially in rural communities.
Health Minister Terry Lake announced the government will increase funding by 5.5 per cent over five years, with an undisclosed pay raise for midwives. Lake also said the province will direct $1.5 million in investment to sustain the profession.
North Coast New Democrat MLA and spokesperson for rural and northern health Jennifer Rice issued this statement on the deal:
“This deal is good news for B.C. midwives and a host of British Columbians living in rural and northern communities. New Democrats have long been advocating for the expanded use of midwifery services across the province as we believe that midwives play an integral role in the health care system and can be of particular benefit to women, families and First Nations communities by bringing specialized maternity care to otherwise isolated areas.”