BC Election Campaign 2026

Help make arthritis a priority this election. We need your voice

As the country's most common chronic disease and leading cause of disability, arthritis can no longer be ignored. Yet, more than 916,000 British Columbians live with arthrhitis, many are stuck waiting in pain for vital care.

Demand action this election. Tell British Columbia party leaders it's time to end the wait and make arthritis a priority.

Take Action: Contact BC party leaders now!

It only takes 30 seconds to send an email to party leaders and urge them to make arthritis an election priority.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Postal Code

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive email communications from Arthritis Society Canada. We'll send you arthritis health and wellness advice, self-management tips, resources, and information about webinars, events, and other ways to support my journey with arthritis. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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Leader

David

Eby

BC NDP

Leader

Elenore

Sturko

Centre BC

Leader

Emily

Lowan

BC Greens

Leader

Dallas

Brodie

OneBC

Leader

Lorne

Doerkson

Conservative Party of British Columbia

I am writing as a member of British Columbia’s arthritis community to ask your party to make arthritis care and treatment a priority in this provincial election. Arthritis affects more than 916,000 British Columbians, many of whom live with daily debilitating pain, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 1.2 million by 2040.

Arthritis is the most common chronic disease and the leading cause of disability, placing a significant burden on British Columbia. It costs the province $20.5 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity, and from the devastating toll of pain and disability. Arthritis is the leading cause for joint replacement surgery and the latest data shows that only 60 per cent of hip and knee replacements in British Columbia are completed within the recommended six-month timeframe.

In Arthritis Society Canada's 2026 State of Arthritis Report Card (https://arthritis.ca/reportcard2026), British Columbia received a grade of 'C', highlighting the urgent need for action.

There is a clear path forward. Arthritis Action Now: The Plan to End Arthritis in Canada (https://arthritis.ca/arthritis-action-now) provides a roadmap to prevent arthritis, improve treatment and ultimately find a cure. To make real progress, the next British Columbia government should commit to the following key priorities from this Plan:

1.	Improve access to arthritis medications: Medications are critical to managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, especially for inflammatory arthritis. British Columbia is behind other jurisdictions in listing new arthritis medications on its provincial formulary for coverage. It is currently ranked 8th in Arthritis Consumer Experts’ Arthritis Medications Report Card (https://jointhealth.org/programs-jhreportcard.cfm?locale=en-CA). This gap must be addressed. 
2.	Timely diagnosis and access to arthritis care: People are waiting too long to see a specialist and receive a proper diagnosis. The next government should support and implement proven team-based models of care that enable British Columbians to be treated by the right provider at the right time. 
3.	Reduced wait times for surgery: Improve how patients are triaged and prioritized for joint replacement surgery so people who need care most are not left waiting while their condition worsens.

It is time to end the wait. It is time to stop the pain. British Columbians living with arthritis deserve action.

How does your party plan to address the issues outlined above? Will your party commit to making arthritis care and treatment a priority in its platform, and what specific actions will you take to improve access to care and treatment?

I look forward to your response.

Thank you.

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You can edit the letter by clicking above and typing in your changes. Once you click submit, your name will be automatically added before it’s sent to the recipient.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive email communications from the Arthritis Society of Canada. We will send you advice on health and wellbeing related to arthritis, self-management tips, resources, and information about webinars, events and other ways to support you on your journey with arthritis. You can unsubscribe at any time.