British Columbia doctors approve four-year agreement with higher rural and maternity pay

Doctors of British Columbia (Doctors of BC) have ratified their main labour agreement with the provincial government for the next four years. The deal was approved by 91.8% of the 4,292 doctors who voted. It increases funding for physicians working in underserved areas, adds eligibility for after‑hours premiums, and provides targeted funding to address gender inequity and income disparities. Under the agreement doctors will receive higher payments for work in rural communities, for providing maternity care as family physicians, for on‑call duties, and for elective surgeries scheduled evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. The province also committed to continue and improve the Longitudinal Family Physician Payment Model launched in 2023.