BC NDP leader David Eby has unveiled a slew of health care promises, including free shingles vaccines for adults 50 and older, more home-care staff , and the completion of long-term care projects.
Speaking in Victoria, Eby tied the package to his earlier proposal to raise taxes on the highest earners.
"The people who built our province deserve dignity and peace of mind as they age," he said. "That’s what our plan is all about: more support at home, more help to keep seniors healthy and out of hospital, and more long-term care beds."
BC NDP leader David Eby vows to ensure 5,600 additional seniors can continue living at home instead of having to move into long-term care:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 5, 2026
"A senior being able to stay at home longer is a win for everybody." pic.twitter.com/A6touYnpIb
Home care would get 500 more workers, user fees would be scrapped, and virtual long-term care at home would be expanded. The party says that combination would help about 5,600 more seniors stay in their homes longer.
BC NDP leader David Eby explains how his government would keep seniors out of the hospital via preventative care — and vows to ensure long-term care home health care workers receive a "consistent contract across the province." pic.twitter.com/a5HcHRrBWL
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 5, 2026
The two-dose shingles vaccine would be fully covered for everyone 50 and older and for immunocompromised adults. Long-term care homes would get more nurse practitioners, pharmacy services and virtual specialist visits, plus teams to move patients who are ready to leave hospital back into community care.
BC NDP leader David Eby vows to restart seven long-term care projects that had been paused, and launch new projects — including the long-awaited Oak Bay Lodge. pic.twitter.com/EPLvpi1L4r
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) October 5, 2026
Seven long-term care projects paused earlier this year would move ahead under the BC-Canada Prosperity agreement, using a model the party says lowers the cost per bed and shortens construction. Those sit alongside 16 projects already finished, seven under construction and 15 in planning. About 5,000 care-home workers would be brought back into the public health employer system.
Eby also said a reelected NDP would triple funding for the province’s US recruitment campaign for doctors, nurses and other health workers. He contrasted the plan with the Conservatives, saying they “have already admitted that health care would ‘take the brunt’ of their cuts.”
The measures are campaign commitments and would require budget decisions if the NDP forms government after the October 24 election.
