I N S I D E : Clinton sees their candidates. Page 3
Journal ASHCROFT t CACHE CREEK
Volume 120 No 39 PM # 400121123
The
Thursday, September 24, 2015
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Healthcare protest gathers supporters
Ken Platz has been protesting the lack of healthcare in Ashcroft since June. He was joined by several supporters last week.
Cache Creek mourns the passing of Ben Roy Cache Creek and area was shocked and saddened late last week to learn of the sudden death of businessman and former mayor Ben Roy, 70. Roy was a ceaseless promoter of Cache Creek for nearly 50 years. He served as mayor, alderman, fire chief, and was the driving force behind many groups including Gold Country, Graffiti Days and the Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in establishing the local radio station, CFMA. While Mayor, Ben championed the landfill project as a way to provide jobs for the residents of Cache
Creek. He was honoured with a BC Community Achievement Award in 2008, and in 2012 Senator Nancy Greene-Raine presented him with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, given to Canadians for “significant contributions to their communities. He and his family have owne several businesses in Cache Creek, but most notably they own and operate the well-known Cariboo Jade Shoppe downtown. There will be a service held for him on Sat., Sept. 26 at 1 pm in the Community Hall.
by Wendy Coomber Ken Platz has been quietly protesting the lack of healthcare in Ashcroft by picketing in front of MLA Jackie Tegart’s office on Railway Ave. Last week he was joined by several supporters when it was know that CBC Kamloops would be coming to interview him. “I’m here to support Ken,” said Maria Russell Martin. “I’m glad someone had the gumption to draw attention to it - again.” She says she has been driving to Lytton for a doctor. “I go to Merritt,” said Dolly Lowe. She says she tried Lytton, Lillooet, 100 Mile, Logan Lake and Kamloops. She was finally able to get a doctor in Merrit because they were setting up a new practice. “I commend Ken for standing here,” she said. “When I came here there were five doctors and the community bought things for the hsopital,” said Danita Howard. “With no doctors there’s no opportunity to get prescriptions filled. I can drive to Kamloops but we have seniors who can’t.” “It isn’t just seniors who need doctors,” said Greta Rieck. “There are a lot of children who need doctors, too.” She said she doesn’t want to have to move out of Ashcroft to find healthcare. “We have to keep fighting,” she said, “because I love this place.” “At first I wasn’t going to come, but then I wanted to come and support Ken and what he’s doing.” The province is responsible for providing healthcare,” said Platz, and the MLA is our provincial representative. Other residents come and picket with him when they have the time, he says. “I am not the leader.” He points to the petition organized by Jake Eckardt, who collected 150 names and sent it to the Ministry. “We’re hoping they’ll be acknowledge by the government, but there’s been nothing,” he said. Instead, the RCMP have been called three times to have him removed. They understand it is a civil rights matter, he said. The solution, he said, is doctors. “I think this can be changed, I really do,” he said. “You can’t blame people for being emotional about it.”
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