Private ER clinic debate shifts to Vancouver city hall

About 150 protesters held a rally on the front steps of Vancouver city hall Thursday, urging city councilto deny an operating permit to a controversial private emergency room facility slated to open on Friday.

The rally, organized by the B.C. Federation of Labour,wascalled to support a motion by opposition Coun. Raymond Louie, who wanted the mayor to ask the Urgent Care Centre to delay opening until city staff could confirm the private ER was complying with all city regulations.

"The motion is very clear,that we expect compliance with our bylaws and with federal and provincial legislation prior to the commencement of operations," said Louie.

But Non-Partisan Association Coun. Peter Ladner said council didn'tneed to pass a motion to enforce city bylaws.

And he said council didn't need to hear from any of the 26 people who signed up to speak on the issue.

"So what's the point?" said Ladner. "The point is, that this is a platform for people to be talking about federal and provincial issues, and we don't need to be doing that at the city."

Dr. Mark Godley, who is setting up the new private ER as partof his privateFalse Creek Surgical Centre, saidhe has done everything the city has asked him to do.

"We've completed [the] process and passed everything, and now we're waiting for the city to issue a business licence based on the fact that we've met all requirements."

Godley says there's no reason for the city to deny him that licence.