BC Budget Advocacy Update

The following information was distributed on June 19, 2025.

We have some important advocacy news to share with you. The society recently had the opportunity to speak to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services regarding the 2026 provincial budget; on behalf of our community, we presented three key recommendations that could transform care for our community in

British Columbia.

Building on Past Success

Our advocacy efforts have achieved real results before. In previous budget cycles, our community's voice led to Recommendation #80: "Improve supports and services for those diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis by establishing guidelines, developing specific billing codes, and training medical professionals to increase awareness" from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

However, when this year's budget was announced, we were disappointed to see that once again, no specific supports were allocated for our community.

Our 2026 Budget Recommendations

This year, we presented three targeted recommendations designed to address the most critical gaps in ME care in BC:

Recommendation 1: ME Pilot Integration into Community Health Centres 

We're asking for ME to be designated as a priority condition in 2-3 pilot Community Health Centres. This would demonstrate how specialized chronic disease management can be effectively integrated into team-based primary care.

Recommendation 2: Severe ME Care Gap 

We're advocating for specialized care pathways for severe patients who are homebound or bedridden. This includes home-based medical services and telehealth supports, addressing the critical gap in services for the estimated 25% of who cannot access traditional healthcare settings.

Recommendation 3: Workforce Development and Medical Education 

We're requesting the development of continuing medical education credits and modules for BC physicians, medical students, and other medical professionals, along with established clinical guidelines.

How You Can Help: Connect with Your Representatives

Your voice matters in creating change. We're asking for your help in two ways:

• If you have existing relationships with MLAs or MPs in your riding, would you consider having conversations about what our community needs? Even a brief discussion can help raise awareness about ME and the gaps in our healthcare system.

• If you don't have these connections but you or someone in your network would be interested in building them, please get in touch with us. We can provide guidance and support for these important conversations.

Every conversation helps create the momentum needed for meaningful policy change.