A year ago, my wife and I made the move to Vancouver Island , a decision that felt like a dream finally coming true. There’s something magical about this place. The peaceful rhythm of the ocean, endless forest trails to wander, mountains that call to you in every season, and a community that lives life a little slower, and a little kinder. For us, the Island isn’t just a home, it’s where we feel most ourselves.
But as much as we love it here, there’s a quiet weight that’s been growing heavier with time. Our parents are getting older, and like many families, we’re beginning to think more seriously about how we can be there to support them through the years ahead. The obvious answer, that they join us here on the Island , is one that should bring comfort. But instead, it brings uncertainty.
The truth is, healthcare on Vancouver Island is in crisis. We’ve seen it firsthand, not just in headlines, but in delays, shortages, and difficult choices that people here face daily. Our parents, still living on the mainland, hesitate to come closer to us because they worry they won’t get the care they need if they move. And so, we find ourselves stuck between two impossible options: they stay there, and we miss out on precious time together. Or they come here, and risk not having the same access to reliable, timely medical care.
It breaks our hearts to have to choose between closeness and safety, between family and a system that can actually care for them. We know we’re not the only ones facing this choice. It’s a situation that far too many Islanders are forced to consider.
We share our story because we believe that no one should have to sacrifice family connection for basic healthcare. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place, and it deserves a healthcare system that reflects the strength and compassion of the people who live here.