One-vote loss leads to big win for B.C. doctor heading association in 2016

VANCOUVER – Doctors in British Columbia have elected a new president to head their professional association next year after a tie forced a second vote.

Dr. Alan Ruddiman has been elected to head Doctors of BC, with 3,065 votes, while Dr. Brian Day received 2,462 votes.

Outgoing president Dr. Charles Webb says about half of the 11,000 members cast votes in the run-off election, the highest turnout ever.

Ruddiman asked for a recount of last month’s election after he lost to Day by one vote, but the results showed a tie, triggering another election.

Ruddiman is a family physician in Oliver, B.C., and says doctors must take a leading role in finding solutions to overcrowding in hospitals through efficiencies in the medical system while Day is an outspoken advocate for privatization.

Day has launched a constitutional challenge of B.C.’s restrictions on private health care, and a trial that has been delayed several times is expected to go ahead later this year.