Powell River Regional Hospital District will consider a potential name change.
At the January 27 board meeting, hospital district chair CaroleAnn Leishman reviewed correspondence from Tla’amin Nation hegus John Hackett regarding a potential name change. The board voted to receive the correspondence.
Hackett, in his correspondence, stated that he was writing to confirm the nation’s complete support for this name change.
“This is a matter of tremendous importance to us as the Tla’amin Nation, and to many of our neighbours and residents within our traditional territory,” stated Hackett. “Harms continue to be perpetuated through memorializing Israel Powell. We would like to acknowledge your leadership in broaching this issue with us and confirm our full support and partnership to make it a reality.”
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall asked if the board was to choose another step, what would be appropriate? He said he would be happy to make a motion but wanted to ensure it was not taking the board in the wrong direction.
Leishman asked chief administrative officer Al Radke if the board had anything coming forward regarding the process for the name change.
Radke said there is nothing at the moment and he did not believe there was any money in the budget for any engagement.
“Some type of directive in that regard would be appropriate,” said Radke.
Fall moved that the board direct staff to bring back information on options, cost and timing regarding a potential regional hospital district name change.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said there was an item later on the agenda, pertaining to correspondence from a provincial ministry of health representative, in response to correspondence the hospital board sent to the province regarding the procedure for a name change. Gisborne pointed out that the motion was very similar to the one Fall had proposed.
Fall suggested that his motion be withdrawn because it was redundant.
Electoral Area A director Patrick Brabazon said he didn’t think the motion was redundant because the later motion had been superseded by the correspondence from Hackett.
“So, I think a motion directing staff to proceed with the name change of the regional hospital district is in order,” said Brabazon. “We have a letter from the hegus that is quite clear and explicit.”
City director George Doubt said he could support Fall’s motion and was willing to agree with it, to get a report back.
“As luck would have it, more people are phoning me about various interesting issues,” said Doubt. “I got a phone call last night about the regional hospital district name change, with an individual wanting to have a say in it. That would be something we could discuss under options about how a potential name change could take place and how to consult and engage people. I’m quite happy to pass the motion before us.”
Doubt said he was of the opinion that Fall’s motion is more clear and concise than the later motion.
“I would prefer to vote for this one,” said Doubt.
The board voted unanimously for the report from staff.
Hackett stated that he believed adopting the qathet name for the regional hospital district is most appropriate.
“This change is a meaningful act that advances reconciliation,” stated Hackett. “We look forward to working with you on this.”
