Cross-party politics have brought a quiet Conservative candidate out to respond to allegations from his NDP opponent.

Harwinder Sandhu, B.C. NDP candidate for Vernon-Lumby, says Conservative leader John Rustad鈥檚 plan puts health care projects at risk.

鈥淛ohn Rustad鈥檚 plan would make health care worse for families in Vernon-Lumby,鈥� said Sandhu. 鈥淗is proposed spending review could stand in the way of upgrades to Vernon Jubilee Hospital or getting a second Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Vernon.

鈥淲e鈥檙e talking about much-needed long-term care beds for seniors. We鈥檙e talking about a new clinic to get more families primary care. Under Rustad, these projects would be cancelled.鈥�

The Morning Star reached out to Dennis Giesbrecht, B.C. Conservative candidate for Vernon-Lumby, who was eager to "set the record straight" following Sandhu's remarks.

"The Conservative Party of BC have been clear,  we are putting patients first, expanding access to care, and ending long wait times. We will deliver 5,000 new long-term care beds province-wide by 2030," said Giesbrecht.

"We are implementing major and meaningful healthcare system reform to protect and support front line staff and create a modern, transparent, and accountable healthcare system. Under the BC NDP, we鈥檝e seen countless delays, empty announcements, and no real action to solve the healthcare crisis.

"The BC Conservative Party is committed to working with healthcare professionals and regional leaders to ensure that the expansion of Vernon Jubilee Hospital is prioritized and fully funded as part of our overall capital investment strategy."

Giesbrecht and Sandhu are two of four candidates on ballot Saturday, Oct. 17. Independent Kevin Acton and Libertarian Robert Johnson are also candidates for the MLA position of the riding.