VCH election protocol – know the rules
As you are likely aware, Canadians are heading to the polls on October 19th to vote for a new federal government. During any election, Vancouver Coastal Health has a set of guidelines to ensure our focus remains on care and that all candidates are treated equally.
VCH is a non-political organization and works with all elected officials that serve within its catchment area and it does not support or advocate one political party or candidate over another.
Staff are encouraged not to wear campaign buttons or promote preferred candidates on the job as patients should feel the focus is on their care and not on the election.
Election campaign materials are not permitted to be posted or distributed in our facilities. However, political materials may be placed on union and non-VCH notice boards as long as they meet the posting criteria for such information points. Vancouver Coastal Health does not permit campaigning on any of its sites.
Campaigning in residential care facilities (sites where people reside on a long-term basis) may be permitted at the invitation and with approval from the resident’s council of that site. In such cases, all candidates in that riding would be invited to speak to residents. These events are for residents only and media coverage would be discouraged. Requests for candidate access should be referred to the site manager who will then provide a link to the Resident Council representative.
VCH will provide Elections Canada access to hospital patients and residents so they have an opportunity to vote using mobile polls that go from bed to bed. Traditionally, the site leader or their assistant liaises with Elections Canada for the mobile poll.
If you receive a campaign related request from a political party or a candidate, please ask that they contact Clive Camm at 604-984-3868 or clive.camm@vch.ca.