A representative from a group opposed to the Delta Hospice Society’s board, as well as the society leadership, were back in B.C. Supreme Court this week.
Take Back Delta Hospice’s Jim Levin, who is a former DHS board president, and the current DHS leadership took part in a hearing to determine the next steps for the DHS regarding its next annual general meeting.
The DHS has not held an AGM since late 2019.
The current society board, which took control of the society after a heated AGM in December 2019, is opposed to providing the legal procedure medical assistance in dying (MAiD), reversing a decision by the previous board to allow MAiD.
It put the DHS at odds with Fraser Health, which mandated publicly funded hospices with non-religious affiliations offer the service to those who request it.
Accused of stacking the membership to impose their own religious viewpoint, including signing up hundreds of non-Delta residents prior to the 2019 AGM, and many more afterwards, the current board rejected hundreds of membership applications from Delta residents opposed to the board.
During the membership battle last year, members of the advocacy group Take Back Delta Hospice went to court and successfully halted a planned special meeting by the board to change the DHS constitution to become Christian-based.
The society filed an appeal but lost.
Last year’s ruling also stipulated the DHS can’t hold an AGM without the approval of the court, which is why this week’s hearing was held and now both sides are now waiting for a decision.
The DHS last year was also given notice by Fraser Health that the society’s funding would be terminated and in April had to vacate the Irene Thomas Hospice and Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care in Ladner, which is now operated by the health region.
The society, which still owns and operates the Charity Shoppe thrift store in Tsawwassen, stated it will continue to operate, not relying on buildings for services.
Meanwhile, members of the Take Back Delta Hospice have formed their own competing society called the Heron Hospice Society of Delta.
Delta Mayor George Harvie recently wrote to Fraser Health President and CEO Dr. Victoria Lee reiterating the city’s interest in taking over the lease for the Harold & Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care.
Delta’s intent would be to sublet the building to the Heron Hospice Society of Delta, said Harvie.
So far, there has been no updates on this from Fraser Health.
