Elimination of MSP Premiums for Seniors

WHEREAS 1. British Columbia is the only province in Canada where seniors must pay Medical Services Plan MSP premiums; 2. Many seniors in British Columbia are struggling to pay their bills for daily needs; and 3. Many retirees of the Municipal Pension Plan are former employees of local and regional governments: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia to eliminate the MSP premiums for medical insurance in the province of British Columbia to conform with the situation for seniors in all other provinces; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM call on the Province of British Columbia that, upon the elimination of MSP premiums, they contribute the present percentage of employers contributions previously used for MSP premiums to assist in the payment of group health benefits.