Closure of Riverview came at hands of right wing parties
Ms. Gibson is correct that the NDP were in power between 1991-2001. During that time expenditures on mental health were vastly increased and because of unacceptable pressure on the rest of the system, in 1996, they stopped further downsizing of Riverview inpatient beds until the system stabilized.
I stand by my point that the closure of Riverview and subsequent transfer of thousands of psychiatric patients into the community without adequate supports can be laid directly at the feet of the Social Credit and BC Liberals.
I will agree with Ms. Gibson that while the BC Liberals might not be as “socially conservative” as other political parties, when compared to a more progressive ideology they do not appear to differ much from their conservative counterparts. It was interesting to note that Ms. Gibson did not take exception to the characterization of “fiscally conservative”.
I find it interesting that while Ms. Gibson seems to recognize that deinstitutionalization is a positive and progressive position and seems to also agree that when that position is bastardized into a cost cutting initiative it becomes a negative and destructive outcome for individuals and society. She says she is willing to pay taxes (as long as they are not too high) and would like to see a happy medium achieved. I do not know what a happy medium is. Either we care for our vulnerable citizens or we don’t. How does Ms. Gibson suggest we arrive at this happy medium? Who will and who will not be supported in this utopia?
For clarification, I did not attempt to read anyone’s mind. I did, however, read the words Ms. Gibson wrote and responded. No clairvoyance needed.
Dara Quast
Cobble Hill