Delta Hospice Society (DHS) president Angelina Ireland is calling the actions of Delta’s mayor “chilling” after he urged B.C. Premier John Horgan to redirect private funds from the society’s thrift shop to a hospice facility formerly run by the charity.
DHS found itself in controversy last year following a provincial directive to require provincially-funded hospices to provide medical assistance in dying (MAiD) onsite. Its refusal to comply led to its privately-owned and operated facility, the Irene Thomas Hospice, to be taken over in February 2021 by the Fraser Health Authority.
At its recent annual meeting, DHS changed its constitution and bylaws to exclude MAiD and appointed new board members who agreed with the position. Although it no longer has a facility, DHS continues to own and operate a charity shop in Tsawwassen that funds its operations, including a 1-800 palliative care helpline.
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