I am writing this petition out of personal experience and deep concern. My loved ones and I have been through the harrowing ordeal of a medical emergency, where instead of focusing solely on health, we were forced to constantly keep an eye on the clock for parking payments. The time that I had to visit loved ones who I knew were not going to make it to the next day, I had to estimate the time in which I would be utilizing visiting hours and make a stop at the pay meter.  The waiting times in emergency rooms can extend up to six hours or more, making it unethical to require constant payment when there is no other choice.

Hospitals are places where people come during their most vulnerable moments - be it due to a personal health crisis or the illness of a loved one. It is not just distressing but also unethical for companies to exploit these moments by charging for parking. Moreover, our frontline workers who are essential workers also pay these fees daily.

We believe that it is time for change. We call upon the authorities in British Columbia to mandate free parking at all hospital lots across the province by allowing registration of vehicle license plates for individuals utilizing hospital resources.

This would not only alleviate some financial stress from patients and their families but also show respect towards our frontline workers who tirelessly serve us every day. Please sign this petition and help us bring about this much-needed change.

The following is a website that speak on this issue and provides insights and figures: 

https://www.hospitalpayparking.ca/facts-figures/