OHC in the News

Celebrate International Workers Day 2023 by taking action!

(May 1, 2023) By: OPSEU May 1 is International Workers Day, also known as May Day – a day for workers around the world to celebrate worker solidarity and recommit to the fight for workers’ rights everywhere. There are lots of ways OPSEU/SEFPO members can celebrate and take action on May Day, and throughout the […]

‘Not okay with the status quo’: Ontario health ministry offers input following creation of Renfrew county health coalition

(April 29, 2023) By: Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Ontario’s Ministry of Health has responded to the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide’s April 27 story ‘New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county’ about the creation of the Renfrew County Health Coalition, a chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition. While Metroland had reached out to local MPP John Yakabuski’s office […]

Ontario Health Care Coalition Referendum

(April 28, 2023) By: Judith Marsh, The Millstone Do you care about accessible healthcare? This is your opportunity to make your opinion heard! On January 16th, the Ontario government announced plans to take thousands of surgeries and diagnostic tests out of local public hospitals and move them to for-profit hospitals and clinics. In response, the […]

New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county

(April 27, 2023) By: Derek Dunn, Arnprior Chronicle-Guide The Ford government’s significant privatization of Ontario hospital services at some locations has prompted the creation of a new organization in Renfrew county, and it wants citizen input on a “referendum.” The PC plan to use specialized private clinics to reduce wait times for hip and knee […]

New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county:

(April 27, 2023) By: Derek Dunn, Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Ford government continues to privatize services; MPP remains silent The Ford government’s significant privatization of Ontario hospital services at some locations has prompted the creation of a new organization in Renfrew county, and it wants citizen input on a “referendum.” The PC plan to use specialized private […]

Time to restore our health-care system

(April 25, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, Exeter Lakeshore Times Advance The Sarnia Lambton Health Coalition is part of the Ontario Health Coalition; both groups advocate for public health care and ,in particular, public hospitals. Lambton County has a large community hospital, Bluewater Health, and a small rural hospital, Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in […]

Health coalition holding ‘referendum’ on for-profit clinics expansion plan

(April 20th, 2023) By: Tyler Kyla, Chatham Daily News A provincial health care watchdog group is asking people to vote on whether they’re in favour of a provincial plan to expand the private delivery of public health care. The goal is to get one million participants, said Shirley Roebuck with the Ontario Health Coalition’s Sarnia-Lambton […]

Health coalition holding ‘referendum’ on for-profit clinics expansion plan

Ontario Health Coalition holds rally against privatizing healthcare services

(April 18th, 2023) By: CTV News Windsor A citizen-led protest against privatizing healthcare services was set up outside Windsor Regional Hospital Tuesday morning. Health coalitions across Ontario are launching a major fight back to stop the privatization of public hospitals. The Ontario Health Coalition is trying to stop the move of some health services to […]

Health-care coalition stages protest against privatization in Windsor

(April 18th, 2023) By: Dale Molnar, CBC News Health-care workers, union representatives, nurses and PSWs joined organizers with the local representatives of the Ontario Health Coalition in a noontime protest Monday against privatization within health care. “Our message is that we want to raise the alarm that Doug Ford is attempting to privatize our health-care […]

Health-care advocacy group to hold vote in response to Ford’s move to allow private clinic procedures

(April 18th, 2023) By: CBC News As the province looks to deliver more health-care services through private providers, the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is launching a community-led vote on what it sees as the privatization of health-care. The unofficial referendum will be held across Ontario with over 1,000 polling stations on May 26 and 27, […]

‘Only better care for those that can afford it’: Health Coalition holds rally to protest healthcare privatization

(April 18th, 2023) By: Brent Lale, CTV News London The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) fears the province is headed for an American-style, two-tier healthcare system. “We can’t staff hospitals as it is right now,” said Peter Bergmanis, co-chair of the London chapter of the OHC. “If you’ve got another tier of care, where the lifestyle […]

Ontario Health Coalition to stage citizen-led referendum on Bill 60

(April 18th, 2023) By: Alex Last, CHCH Coalitions across Ontario are seeking Ontarian’s opinions about the Ford government’s proposed changes to Ontario’s health system. The Ontario Health Coalition announced that it will stage a citizen-led referendum on Bill 60, hoping a heap of ballots will force the province to reverse its course on healthcare. “Do […]

Citizens’ referendum planned on future of hospital services in Niagara and province-wide

(April 18th, 2023) By: Allan Benner, The Standard Niagara Health Coalition members are giving residents a chance to share their thoughts about the future of hospitals across the region and province. Coalition members gathered in front of the St. Catharines hospital Tuesday morning to launch its community-run referendum, focusing on provincial plans to increase medical […]

‘Incomprehensible’: Health coalition rallies against privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Nikki Cole, Barrie Today The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) brought its call to action to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie this afternoon. Members of the SCHC, which is a local grassroots organization whose goal is to protect and improve Ontario’s health-care system, were joined by current and […]

‘People’s Referendum’ targets health care privatization for profit

(April 18, 2023) By: Michelle Dorey Forestell, The Kingstonist “Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics?” This is the ballot question posed by the Kingston Health Coalition (KHC) in what they are calling a “People’s Referendum” on the expansion of for-profit health care. They hope citizens will […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds rally against privatizing healthcare services

‘People’s Referendum’ targets health care privatization for profit

‘Incomprehensible’: Health coalition rallies against privatization

‘Everything doesn’t have to be monetized’: Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting referendum on privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Chris Simon, The Barrie Advance Marilyn Corbett has a deep and personal connection to Ontario’s health-care system. The Utopia resident’s husband was treated for cancer at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) before he died in 2015. And there are several nurses in her family. That reliance on public health […]

Ontario Health Coalition launches province-wide referendum against healthcare privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Sam Houpt, Global News The Ford government’s Bill 60, or the ‘Your Health Act’ is expected to be passed into legislation later this month. The Ontario Health Coalition has launched a referendum in response – citizen-run voting booths open in May, allowing the public to give input into ongoing healthcare […]

Citizens’ referendum planned on future of hospital services in Niagara and province-wide

(April 18th, 2023) By Allan Benner, The Standard Niagara Health Coalition members are giving residents a chance to share their thoughts about the future of hospitals across the region and province. Coalition members gathered in front of the St. Catharines hospital Tuesday morning to launch its community-run referendum, focusing on provincial plans to increase […]

Ontario Health Coalition to stage citizen-led referendum on Bill 60

‘Only better care for those that can afford it’: Health Coalition holds rally to protest healthcare privatization

Health coalition rallies against privatization of public hospital services

(April 18th, 2023) By: Hayley Cheng, London News Today The Ontario Health Coalition has launched a citizen-run referendum, calling on the public to stand up against the privatization of health care in the province. The coalition held launch events in several cities Tuesday, including London, Windsor, Petrolia, and Chatham. According to the coalition, the Ford […]

Groups say Ontario long-term care law violates Charter rights

(April 13, 2023) By: Jeff Gray, Globe and Mail Advocacy groups for seniors and public health care have filed a court challenge of Ontario legislation that allows crowded hospitals to force some elderly patients to accept places at nursing homes without their consent – or face $400-a-day fines. In a notice of application filed with […]

New Ontario nursing home law violates Charter, advocates allege in lawsuit | CBC News

(April 13, 2023) By: Liam Casey, The Canadian Press A new Ontario law that allows hospitals to fine discharged patients $400 a day if they do not move into a nursing home not of their choosing violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, advocates allege in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. The Ontario Health Coalition and […]

LETTER: Man waits 2.5 years for surgery

(May 4th, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, The Chatham Voice Editor: I want to share with the public my family’s experience regarding a private clinic. My husband has an inguinal hernia for a few years and it was worsening. He wished to access the Shouldice Clinic as we have had friends and family […]

Referendum on Ontario Bill 60 coming to Cornwall-SDG

(March 20, 2023) By: Greg Peerenboom, Special to the Standard-Freeholder Elaine MacDonald speaks with Brian Lynch during the local organizing meeting for a referendum in opposition to the provincial government’s Bill 60 at the Benson Centre on Sunday March 19, 2023 in Cornwall, Ont. Greg Peerenboom/Special to the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network PHOTO BY GREG PEERENBOOM /Greg Peerenboom/Special […]

Opponents speak out against Bill 60 at public hearings

(March 21, 2023) By: Randy Thoms, DrydenNow Opponents of Bill 60 are getting their chance to voice concerns directly to the government. A legislative committee began three days of hearings on Monday on the proposal to expand the role of private health care clinics. The Ford government sees them helping to reduce the surgical backlog. […]

North Simcoe residents join fight against health care privatization

(March 19, 2023) By: Andrew Mendler, Midland Mirror Penetanguishene resident Don Copping is concerned about the state of health care in Ontario. Copping is among the more than 250 north Simcoe residents who have joined the Ontario Health Coalition’s (OHC) opposition of the Conservative government’s plan to move thousands of surgeries and diagnostic procedures out of public […]

Gov’t accused of deregulating health care professionals

(March 13, 2023) By: Staff Monday, KenoraOnline Concerns are being raised about a section of Bill 60 that proposes to give private clinics expanded powers. The opposition says the section also allows anyone not properly trained to become a health care worker. NDP critic Frances Gelinas shutters at what it means for patients. “Well, it […]

The Private Deals Remaking Long-Term Care

(March 13, 2023) By: Inori Roy Photo by Christopher Katsarov Luna In a province with the highest percentage of for-profit LTC homes in the country, new deals are further consolidating the industry into the hands of a few companies with some of the worst COVID death rates in the country. Three years after the first […]

Philanthropist aims to open huge surgical centre in Richmond Hill

(March 15, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, NewMarketToday Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a new Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park. A Canadian philanthropist is pouring a fortune into building a massive independent surgical centre in the Toronto area. Walter Schroeder’s goal, he has said, is […]

‘Devil is in the details’: Province unveils health-care remedy

(March 10, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, BradfordToday Local nurses are describing the province’s proposed contract as “a slap in the face.”File Photo Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a new Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park. The Ontario government is planning to allow health-care professionals to […]

CRIME IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE, A NEW YA NOVEL FOR BOYS, PRIVATE CLINICS AND MORE …

(March 9, 2023) By: Marie Gagne, Barrie 360 There are concerns about the province moving to private clinics to provide certain health services. Some are worried there will be additional charges. Others are concerned about upselling. Barrie 360 talked to the newly formed Simcoe County Health Coalition, which doesn’t think private clinics are truly needed. […]

Ontario considers expanding duties for nurses, pharmacists, and more

(Mar 9, 2023) By: The Canadian Press Ontario is considering expanding the scope of what certain health professionals, such as nurses, can do in periods of “high patient volumes.” A spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement that the government has already recently expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, allowing them […]

Ontario considers expanding scope of practice for nurses, pharmacists, and more

(March 9, 2023) By: Allison Jones and Liam Casey, The Canadian Press Ontario is considering expanding the scope of what certain health professionals, such as nurses, can do in periods of “high patient volumes.” A spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement that the government has already recently expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, allowing […]

Coalition looks to ‘shake’ government over private health care

(March 9, 2023) By: Jessica Owen, BradfordToday Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition Natalie Mehra spoke as part of a town hall event on the privatization of health care on March 8, 2023.Screenshot/Zoom The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) has just started a Simcoe County chapter, and their first order of business will be to […]

Ontario can stop privatization of universal health care

(March 2, 2023) By: Doreen Nicoll, Small Change “In 1986 medical specialists in Ontario began illegal extra billing. They made general per visit charges as well extra charges for procedures and for miscellaneous items such as storing charts. Everyone was pissed off!” Elka Enola told Small Change. Enola, a retired teacher went on to say, “Every member of the […]

OHC continues campaign against privatization

(March 02, 2023) By: Staff Thursday, KenoraOnline The Ontario Health Coalition is bringing to light the impact of private health care in the province. The Coalition recently wrapped up a series of town halls in a campaign against the Ford government’s plan to expand the role of private healthcare clinics. Executive Director Natalie Mehra says they […]

New Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting virtual town hall

(March 4, 2023) By: CollingwoodToday Staff Stock photo | Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for Pexels NEWS RELEASE SIMCOE COUNTY HEALTH COALITION ************************* The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) and the new grassroots Simcoe County Health Coalition are hosting a virtual town hall next week to discuss the threat of health-care privatization, and what that could mean […]

Espanola family wants answers after dementia patient badly burned

(March 03, 2023) By: Mary Katherine Keown, The Sudbury Star Extendicare Corp. has apologized after a patient with dementia suffered severe burns at Extendicare York in Sudbury. PHOTO BY JOHN LAPPA/THE SUDBURY STAR Please be aware, the photo of Frank Bruhmuller’s injuries is quite graphic. After a scary early-morning incident that resulted in third-degree burns, Diane […]

No mandate

(March 2, 2023) By: Elaine Macdonald, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder With a long and storied history, the Cornwall Community Hospital is civic treasure, a most valuable public asset owned by the 110,000 people in its catchment area. In 2014, the community of Cornwall, SDG, and Akwesasne wrapped up a $12-million fundraising drive to redevelop the Cornwall Community […]

Ontario public health units press province for more stable funding

(March 1, 2023) By: Allison Jones, The Canadian Press Ontario’s public health units are calling on the government to stop using one-time funding to bridge a gap it created four years ago, and to provide them with a predictable source of money as they address a backlog of services built up over the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

LETTER: Private health care ‘out of reach’ for many

(March 1, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, OrilliaMatters.com Stock photo/Pixabay via Pexels OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at dave@orilliamatters.com. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a letter from Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop regarding health care, published Feb. 21. In […]

New Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting virtual town hall

(March 1, 2023) By: BarrieToday Staff, BarrieToday.com Stock photo/Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for Pexels The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) and the new grassroots Simcoe County Health Coalition are hosting a virtual town hall next week to discuss the threat of health-care privatization, and what that could mean for Simcoe County residents and hospitals. As the […]

Ford could solve the public health care crisis by enforcing the law

(February 28, 2023) By: Doreen Nicoll, Small Change In 2022, Tom was referred to a private surgery hospital in Toronto for a hernia repair. He was told was told that he would be in hospital for three or four days and that he would have to pay $295 per night for a semi-private room. Without […]

Will Ontario’s use of for-profit clinics solve its crisis?

(February 27, 2023) By: CBC News The Ontario Health Coalition voiced its concerns regarding Bill 60 which seeks to expand the role of private, for-profit clinics in health care. Robert Bell, former Ontario deputy health minister and John Yip, president and CEO of SE Health, weigh in on whether privatization of health care will solve […]

Privatisation en santé : une patiente paie 2000 $ une lentille intraoculaire

(February 28, 2023) By: Myriam Eddahia, Radio Canada Le projet de loi du gouvernement Ford n’a pas encore été adopté, mais des patients se plaignent déjà de devoir payer des centaines de dollars pour obtenir des services qui devraient être couverts. La Coalition ontarienne de la santé met en garde contre les coûts de la […]

Patients say ‘upselling’ already happening at private clinics

(February 27, 2023) By: CityNewsEverywhere Red flags are being raised over Ontario’s plan to help clear the massive surgical backlog by allowing private clinics to conduct OHIP-covered surgeries. The Ontario Health Coalition says patients are already being exploited. Shauna Hunt reports. Click here for original video

Trudeau, Ford in GTA today to make healthcare announcement

(February 27, 2023) By: Michael Ranger, CityNews Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford are in Peel Region on Monday where they are expected to make a significant healthcare announcement. Trudeau’s office says he and Ford will be joined by federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos and federal Minister of Senior Kamal Khera. The […]

Trudeau, Ford to make healthcare announcement

(February 27, 2023) By: Michael Ranger, CityNewsEverywhere / Getty Images Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford are in Peel Region on Monday where they are expected to make a significant healthcare announcement. Trudeau’s office says he and Ford will be joined by federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos and federal Minister of Senior […]

Ontario health coalition raising concerns about health care bill

(February 27, 2023) By: CP24 The Ontario Health Coalition is voicing concerns about the Ford government’s health care bill that invests in private clinics. Click here for original video coverage

Ontario health advocates warn of ‘manipulative upselling’ at private clinics

(February 27, 2023) By: Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto Ontario health advocates say they will fight to stop the Doug Ford government from allowing more private clinics to conduct OHIP-covered surgeries, alleging the bill will result in further “manipulative upselling” of medically unnecessary services. “The decision of the Ford government to privatize our public hospital […]

Manifestation contre le programme « antidémocratique » du gouvernement Ford

(25 février 2023) By: Radio-Canada Des centaines de militants se sont rassemblés samedi devant l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario, à Toronto, pour dénoncer le programme « antidémocratique » du gouvernement Ford. PHOTO : RADIO-CANADA / ROBERT KRBAVAC Alors que les travaux à l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario ont repris cette semaine, plusieurs organisations opposées aux politiques du gouvernement Ford […]

‘Welcome Back Doug Ford Party’ draws hundreds to Queen’s Park

(February 25, 2023) By: Leah Johansen and John Marchesan, CityNewsEverywhere Hundreds gathered at Queen’s Park on Saturday to take part in the “Wecome Back Doug Ford Party” organized by CUPE. | CITYNEWS/Leah Johansen Hundreds have gathered at Queen’s Park to protest the Ford government following the return of the legislature this past week. The “Welcome […]

What is happening to democracy in Ontario

(February 24, 2023) By: Judy Rebick, Rabble.ca Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Credit: Premier of Ontario Photography / Flickr What is happening to democracy in Ontario? Last June we had an election where a Conservative government won a decisive majority of seats with 41 per cent of the popular vote and only 43.5 per cent of people even […]

Health coalition to hold vote on privatization of health care

(February 24, 2023) By: Blake Ellis, The Independent The Ontario Health Care Coalition wants to hold a province-wide plebiscite on the privatization of Ontario’s health care system. It is planned for May 26 and 27. Shirley Roebuck, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Care Coalition hosted a news conference Saturday. She said the vote would be […]

‘Again, it’s for profit’: Ontario’s ‘Your Health Act’ will only make people sicker, says Sault Ste. Marie public health advocate

(February 23, 2023) By: Jeffrey Ougler, The Sault Star Marie DellaVedova, Sault Ste. Marie’s Ontario Health Coalition representative, pooh-poohs Health Minister Sylvia Jones’s assertion that the goal of “Your Health Act” is to reduce wait times for surgeries, diagnostic imaging and procedures. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES Shareholders – not those in serious need of surgery – […]

Plebisicite to highlight disapproval with health care privatization

(February 23, 2023) By: Blake Ellis, The Independent The Ontario Health Care Coalition wants to hold a province-wide plebiscite on the privatization of Ontario’s health care system. It is planned for May 26 and 27. Shirley Roebuck, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Care Coalition hosted a news conference Saturday. She said the vote would be […]

Code Grey: Workers, advocates paint a grim picture of health care in Niagara

(February 22, 2023) By: Evan Loree, Niagara Now “Code Grey” is one in a series of stories in The Lake Report about health care in Niagara Region. In hospital parlance, “Code Grey” means loss of essential service. Niagara’s health workers are sounding the alarm over what some are calling a “crisis” in medical care. Their […]

Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, gives Moore In The Morning the latest on an investigative report showing the number of times hospital ERs across Ontario were forced to close.

(February 22, 2023) By: Moore In the Morning, iHeartRADIO Click here for original podcast

Health coalition renews calls to stop privatization through virtual town halls

(February 13, 2023) By: Natalia Vega, Blackburn News The co-chair of the local health coalition says members will “do what it takes” to get their message across to the Ontario government to stop the privatization of public health care. Town halls are being held across the province. Locally, virtual meetings will be held on February […]

Integration key to partnerships with private medical clinics, says Kingston hospital CEO

(February 13, 2023) By: Meghan Balough, The Recorder The president and CEO of Kingston Health Sciences Centre says the Ontario government’s plan to expand partnerships with private medical clinics to address surgical waitlists is one immediate way to add capacity to a system that is overloaded. Dr. David Pichora said the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated […]

Health care the topic of discussion

(February 13, 2023) By: Chatham Voice Local residents concerned about the state of health care in the province can tune in to Ontario Health Coalition online town hall meetings this week. A meeting for Chatham-Kent residents will be held Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be made at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodeiprTksHdLOVMuIOV5yZF2x7Wy6c8lO. A recently […]

Sudburians protest against health-care privatization

(February 12, 2023) By: Tyler Clarke, Sudbury.com A small group of protesters gathered outside of Sudbury NDP MPP Jamie West’s office on Saturday to join the politician in protesting against the province’s privatization of health-care services Several people gathered on Saturday for the latest in a series of protests against what they fear as being […]

We asked about your challenges getting a doctor. Here’s what you told us

(February 12, 2023) By: Clara Pasieka, CBC News Some Ontarians who spoke to CBC Toronto say they have a family doctor but have to drive for hours to get to appointments. (Shutterstock) More than two million Ontarians, according to a recent report, do not have a family doctor and some tell CBC Toronto they are going to drastic […]

Health coalition town halls planned for Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent

(February 9, 2023) By: Tyler Kula, The Sarnia Observer Local Ontario Health Coalition virtual town halls are planned this month, urging people to call for an end to further health-care system privatization. Local Ontario Health Coalition virtual town halls are planned this month to urge people to call for an end to further health-care system […]

COVID outbreaks with more than 100 infections persist at Hamilton seniors’ homes

(February 9, 2023) By: Joanna Frketich, Hamilton Spectator Premier Doug Ford has promised to put an “iron ring of protection” around seniors since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those in long-term care and retirement homes. But nearly three years after Hamilton had its first case of COVID in March 2020, the virus still spreads rapidly through local […]

Public Meeting In CK To Address Healthcare Privatization

(February 9, 2023) By: CKXS A provincial group fighting against health care privatization is holding a virtual town hall meeting in Chatham-Kent to protest the Ford government’s plan to utilize private, for-profit clinics to ease surgical backlogs in Ontario. The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) will hold the virtual meeting for Chatham-Kent on February 15 at […]

Local healthcare leaders and critics react to slight influx of federal funding

(February 8, 2023) By: Rich Garton, CTV News Windsor As Canada’s premiers rush to absorb the impact of this funding, healthcare leadership in Windsor-Essex is also curious how it will impact the many systemic issues that plague our system. From surgical backlogs to crowded emergency rooms and burned out staff, there are many things to […]

Ontario Health Coalition Halton Town Hall

(February 8, 2023) By: Oakville News The Ontario Government is moving ahead with private for-profit delivery of a number of surgeries in our publicly funded hospitals. These private for-profit surgeries are financed with public monies diverted into private pockets instead of funding publicly provided health care. Privatization will give private for-profit providers considerable influence over […]

Ontario expanding private clinics while hospital ORs sit idle, health care advocates say

(February 6, 2023) By: Jeff Gray, The Globe and Mail Health care advocates and the Opposition NDP say the pivot to private clinics makes little sense when Ontario hospitals have ORs that are underused because of funding or staffing shortages. CHRIS YOUNG/THE CANADIAN PRESS Ontario’s existing public hospitals are not all running their operating rooms […]

Support for the Charter challenge; Letters to the editor

(February 4, 2023) By: Marie Dellavedova, Sault Star The Seniors’Health Advisory Committee, Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District (SHAC) identifies and addresses current health issues that impact the well-being of seniors in the Algoma District. We advocate for improvements in how older adults live and thrive. SHAC is concerned about the ramifications of Ontario’s Bill […]

COLUMN: Long term care standards actually decades behind

(February 4, 2023) By: Michael Mantha, Elliot Lake Today Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha / Image supplied Algoma-Manitoulin MPP, Michael Mantha writes a regular column about provincial initiatives and issues impacting our community. This column was originally released by Mantha’s office. For those who are still fortunate enough to have aging parents, grandparents, or loved ones around, we owe it […]

Would you pay $300 a year for quick access to a nurse? Dealing with demand, Ontario doctors get creative

(February 2, 2023) By: Megan Delaire, CTV News There came a point during the pandemic, about nine months ago, when the staff at a pediatric clinic in Toronto was turning away at least 100 callers per day who were looking for a primary care provider. At the same time, Kindercare Pediatric’s rostered patients were waiting […]

Stopping privatization the focus of Health Coalition session

(February 2, 2023) By: Richard Coffin, My North Bay Now (Photo by MyNorthBayNow.com staff) The North Bay and District Health Coalition is holding an emergency meeting to discuss a plan to stop the privatization of surgeries and diagnostics in Ontario. The session is being held Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6pm at the OPSEU Hall (150 […]

Jagmeet Singh says the Canada Health Act could be used to challenge private health care. Could it?

(February 1, 2023) By: Mark Gollom, CBC News Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has been sounding the alarm about privatization creeping into the public health-care system. Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced he wanted to give a greater role to privately run for-profit clinics. These facilities are clinics operated by the private sector that receive public funding from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan […]

Ontario’s response to updated national long-term care standards ‘pretty reprehensible’: Algoma health advocate

(January 31, 2023) By: Jeffrey Ougler, The Sault Star Ontario’s response to updated national standards for long-term care is more mocking that mindful, says Ontario Health Coalition’s Algoma District representative. Responding to Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra’s statement Tuesday that the province will take a look at the new codes but wouldn’t want to “water […]

Ontario Health Coalition planning online protest Tuesday against Ford’s health cuts

(January 30, 2023) By: Glenn Hendry, InSauga Thousands of union members and other Ontario residents upset with cuts to health care in the province are expected to participate in an emergency meeting Tuesday evening via Zoom to fight back. “The Doug Ford government is not going to stop until he has dismantled and privatized our […]

Shirley Roebuck Interview Regarding Pre-Budget Consultations on Windsor Morning with Nav Nanwa

(January 24, 2023) By: Windsor Morning with Nav Nanwa The Ontario government has begun consultations for its 2023 provincial budget. The standing committee on Finance and Economic affairs heard from a number of groups yesterday, with many representing parts of our listening area. What are some of the things that these groups are hoping for […]

Here’s what 3 Windsor groups say they need from the 2023 provincial budget

(January 24, 2023) By: CBC News Ontario has begun consultations for the 2023 provincial budget, with the standing committee of Finance and Economic affairs listening to multiple Windsor-Essex region groups requests for funding. Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, Community Living Essex County and a Windsor-representative of the Ontario Health Coalition were at the meeting asking for […]

Ford unveils latest plan to privatize surgeries

(January 23, 2023) By: Vi Bui, The Council of Canadians Are you ready to pull out your credit card the next time you need a hip replacement or cataract surgery? Because that’s what will happen if the Ford government’s privatization plan for dealing with the surgical backlogs goes forward. On Monday, Ford unveiled his intention […]

Natalie Mehra Interview on the Plan to Privatize Surgeries

(January 21, 2023) By: 105.9 The Region, The FEED Ann Rohmer speaks with Natalie Mehra who is against the government’s plan to allow private clinics to conduct more surgeries and diagnostics. Click here for radio interview

Is Expanding Private Health Care the Right Move for Ontario? | The Agenda

(January 20, 2023) By: The Agenda | TVO Today After weeks of speculation, the Ontario government finally announced the plan to expand private health-care delivery in the province. Will this be the solution for long wait times and understaffed, overcrowded hospitals? Or is it a threat to the province’s public health-care system? We take a […]

One Peterborough clinic ‘interested’ in private surgeries after province announces plan to clear backlog, says MPP Smith

(January 19, 2023) By: Taylor Clysdale, The Peterborough Examiner As the province opens up the rules to allow private clinics to do more surgeries, Peterborough’s MPP says one local clinic could come on board. “There is at least one clinic that’s expressed an interest in being able to do it,” said Dave Smith, on Wednesday, […]

Ontario reducing wait times for surgeries and procedures amid privatization concerns

(January 19, 2023) By: Brian Lockhart & Brock Weir, The Auroran The Ontario government has announced it is going to make it easier and faster for people to access the publicly-funded surgeries and procedures they need by further leveraging community surgical and diagnostic centres to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times. The announcement said […]

Algoma Health Coalition representative irked by privatization move

(January 18, 2023) By: Alex Flood, Elliot Lake Today Stock Image The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is voicing their displeasure with the Ford government’s latest plans to deal with surgical backlogs. The province recently released a 3-step plan that would expand resources and invest more money into privately-run healthcare clinics with the intention to reduce surgical wait times […]

Doug Ford’s private health-care push ‘fatal’ to Ontarians: OHC

(January 18, 2023) By: Nabeela Damji, Now Toronto Many Ontarians aren’t impressed with the Ford government’s three-step plan to move thousands of surgeries and diagnostic procedures out of publicly funded hospitals and into private specialized community clinics in Ontario. Ford says the move will ease the backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic and will start this spring. […]

‘A lot of work to do’ but Trudeau ‘confident’ premiers will agree to health funding deal

(January 17, 2023) By: Rachel Aiello, CTV News Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says federal health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos was right in saying there is “still lots of work to do” before reaching a deal with the provinces for increased health-care funding, but that he’s “confident” that the two levels of government will get there. “I’m […]

Ontario Health Coalition warns of extra billing from private health care providers

(January 17, 2023) By: Janice MacKay, Blackburn News The Ontario Health Coalition is calling the Ford government’s plans to expand private delivery of health services currently delivered at public hospitals a fatal threat to Canada’s public health care system. The coalition claims existing private for-profit clinics routinely extra-bill patients thousands of dollars. It also claims […]

Windsor hospital, local clinic back health service changes; Provincial plan will move some surgeries, procedures to private clinics permanently

(January 17, 2023) By: Kathleen Saylors, Windsor Star Windsor Regional Hospital and a private local medical surgery centre are welcoming the Ford government’s announcement Monday that more publicly funded surgeries and procedures should be performed in private clinics. It’s something already done for cataract surgeries in Windsor-Essex since the beginning of the pandemic. David Musyj, […]

Nurses, patient advocates rip Queen’s Park plan to privatize more surgeries

(January 16, 2023) By: Norman De Bono, London Free Press A move by the Ontario government to privatize more surgeries will worsen the surgical backlog that’s hit area hospitals, says the local representative for a provincewide advocacy group. More doctors, nurses and other staff will shift to private clinics at a time hospitals are already […]

Province Working To Shorten Surgical Wait Times

(January 16, 2023) By: Kenora Online The provincial government says it is working to reduce surgical wait times. Right now it’s estimated that 206,000 people are waiting for routine surgeries. Minister of Health Sylvia Jones says they will be using private clinics to provide some of the procedures. “It really wants to reinforce that this […]

Ontario to permanently fund more surgeries at private clinics

(January 16, 2023) By: Miranda Chant, London News Today While initially billing it as a way to deal with a surgical backlog worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has confirmed the expansion of publicly funded medical procedures at private clinics will be permanent. Ford and Health Minister Syliva Jones announced the three-step […]

Private delivery of public health-care services a ‘fatal threat’: Giroux

(January 16, 2023) By: Jeff Turl, North Bay Today Ontario is expanding the private delivery of public health care, and Henri Giroux of the North Bay and District Health Coalition calls it a “fatal threat” and a “terrible blow to our public hospitals.” Giroux vows a “major fightback.” In an announcement today, Premier Ford said the province will […]

ONTARIO HEALTH COALITION SOUNDING ALARM OVER NEW ONTARIO HEALTH PLAN

(January 16, 2023) By: Newstalk 1010 Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra speaks to Newstalk 1010 about the plan to turn over a significant portion of our public hospitals’ surgeries to for-profits, a fatal threat to our public health care system. Click here for radio interview

Surgery shift: London hospitals say they’re on same page as province

(January 16, 2023) By: Jennifer Bieman, London Free Press London hospitals hope the province’s push to do more publicly funded surgeries at community clinics will bolster work they’re already doing to streamline patient flow. The province Monday unveiled a three-stage plan to increase access to publicly funded surgical and diagnostic procedures by tapping into more […]

Ontario government invests in private healthcare to address surgical backlog

(January 16, 2023) By: Brigid Goulem, Belleville Intelligencer The Ontario Conservative government announced plans on Monday to expand the number of surgeries and diagnostic procedures in for-profit “community surgical centres”, with the aim of addressing the backlog of surgeries across the province. The announcement was swiftly denounced by healthcare advocates and unions as a strategy […]

Canada’s Ontario to expand use of private healthcare providers

(January 16, 2023) By: Anna Mehler Paperny & Ismail Shakil, Reuters Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, plans to significantly expand its use of private providers to perform public health services, the premier said on Monday, in a bid to deal with backlogs and delays in a healthcare system strained by the coronavirus pandemic. Premier Doug […]

Doug Ford’s Conservative Ontario Government is Hellbent on Privatizing the Province’s Hospitals

(January 15, 2023) By: Doug Allan, Jacobin Ontario sits directly north of the US, giving it an unimpeded view of just how disastrous American health care is. But Doug Ford’s government is ignoring this warning and pushing through for-profit privatization schemes in the province’s hospitals. Ontario premier Ford wants for-profit surgical clinics — but that […]

Ontario set aside funds for 2 private hospitals as part of surgery backlog strategy

(January 13, 2023) By: Isaac Callan & Colin D’Mello, Global News As the Ford government strategized ways to cut down on the COVID-19 surgical backlog, provincial health officials set aside a small pot of public funding for private hospitals and independent heath facilities, according to documents obtained by Global News. A Ministry of Health presentation on the province’s surgical and diagnostic […]

Flack defends reported plan to fix surgery backlog

(January 13, 2023) By: Bryan Bicknell, CTV News London Elgin Middlesex London MPP Rob Flack is defending the province’s plan to tackle surgery backlogs. “The backlog is not fair to the people of this province,” Flack told CTV News. He made the comments as the Ford government comes under fire after sources revealed the government […]

Premier Ford announces plan to ease strain on hospitals, operating rooms

(January 11, 2023) By: Alex Last, CHCH In his first public address of the year, Premier Ford re-announced that Ontarians can go to local pharmacies to receive treatments for certain ailments. It’s an attempt to ease the strain on Ontario hospitals, but the premier wants to go further, by having more procedures done in private […]

Personal support worker and paramedic groups alarmed as PSWs tapped to monitor patients awaiting hospital care

(January 6, 2023) By: Alan Hale, Politics Today At least two Toronto hospitals are resorting to using personal support workers (PSWs) to watch patients who were dropped off by an ambulance so paramedics can get back on the road, Queen’s Park Today has learned — despite the fact that PSWs cannot provide medical care. The move has […]

Eviction from London, Ont. long-term care home exposes flaws in system

(January 4, 2023) By: Bryan Bicknell, CTV News London It’s a case that some say exposes flaws in the province’s long-term care system. Advocates are speaking out after their friend, a vulnerable woman, was evicted from Glendale Crossing long-term care home in London because she hadn’t slept in her room for three months, as she […]

LETTER: Conservatives not trying to ‘fix’ health care

(January 3, 2023) By: Shirley Roebuck in The Sarnia Observer Premier Doug Ford released a New Year’s message in which he proclaimed that Ontario’s “future is bright” and its “best days are still ahead.” He vowed his government “will never stop working for workers” and touted a number of initiatives, including investing in the skilled […]

Public invited to join in healthcare campaign

(December 23, 2022) By: Sara McCleary, Sault This Week The Ontario Health Coalition and the local chapter, Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma Health Coalition, hope to see more community members become active in what they call the fight to save public health care. Although the local chapter was active in the spring, supporting the province-wide Fightback Against […]

Vigorous Campaign to “Stop the Ford Government From Privatizing Our Public Hospitals”

(December 16, 2022) By: TML Daily Vigorous Campaign to “Stop the Ford Government From Privatizing Our Public Hospitals” The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) organized rallies in Ottawa and Niagara on December 9 and in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Windsor on December 12 as part of their campaign to stop the Ford government’s privatization of hospitals. The […]

Ford government says controversial new policy hasn’t yet shortened waits for hospital beds

(December 16, 2022) By: Rob Ferguson, Toronto Star Ontario has freed up 3,414 hospital beds this fall by moving elderly patients who no longer need acute care into nursing homes, but the transfers under the Ford government’s controversial Bill 7 have not resulted in shorter wait times for beds. “We haven’t seen that yet,” Health Minister Sylvia […]

Ontario Health Coalition holding marches Monday outside three major Ontario hospitals

(December 12, 2022) By: Joanna Lavoie, CP24 A province-wide organization that advocates for publicly funded health care is holding marches across Ontario today to protest the Ford government’s handling of the hospital crisis. The Toronto demonstration, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), is set to get underway at noon outside the Peter Munk Cardiac […]

‘Beyond emergency’: Protesters in Toronto accuse Ford government of ‘inaction’ amid hospital crisis

(December 12th, 2022) By: Griffin Jaeger, CBC News Dozens of protesters carrying signs with words like, “overworked, underpaid, overwhelmed, underfunded” gathered in front of a downtown Toronto hospital Monday — to speak out against what they say is “inaction” by the Ford government amid overcrowded children’s hospitals across the province. The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), which represents […]

Sending sick children to faraway hospitals is ‘not ideal,’ Ontario’s health minister says

(December 12, 2022) By: Rob Ferguson, Toronto Star Health Minister Sylvia Jones acknowledges it is “not ideal” that kids are being sent far from home because local children’s hospitals are swamped by a post-pandemic surge of respiratory viruses like flu and RSV. “I get it. It’s not ideal as a family to have a child […]

‘Things could get worse’: New warning from Ontario children’s hospital as flu rates rise

(December 12, 2022) By: Colin D’Mello, Global News An Ontario hospital is issuing a blunt warning that the crisis in pediatric care could “get worse” as influenza rates among children spike in the province. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) has been under immense pressure as a result of a triple threat of respiratory illnesses that have sent children to intensive care […]

Doug Ford didn’t want to talk about a national crisis during the ‘Freedom Convoy.’ What’s the difference with health care?

(December 12, 2022) By: Susan Delacourt, Toronto Star Doug Ford has clearly had a change of heart in 2022 about the value of federal-provincial meetings. Last February, the Ontario premier expressed the view that the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protest paralyzing Canada’s capital and major border points would not be resolved by “a bunch of people […]

3 eastern Ontario health units exploring merger

(December 11, 2023) By: Safiyah Marhnouj, CBC News Three health units in eastern Ontario are considering merging into one in response to the province’s recent efforts to consolidate such units across Ontario. Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington Public Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) District Health Unit and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health said in a joint news release last week […]

Protesters rally in Windsor to ‘protect public hospitals’

(December 12, 2022) By: Trevor Wilhelm, Windsor Star Dozens of protesters rally for better health care at the intersection of Walker Road and Tecumseh Road East, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. PHOTO BY DAX MELMER /Windsor Star Dozens of protesters held a rally outside a Windsor hospital Monday calling on the provincial government to fix a “crisis” […]

Healthcare crisis sparks protest outside Windsor Regional Hospital

(December 12, 2022) By: Sijia Liu, CTV Windsor Dozens gathered near Windsor Regional Hospital Monday to protest the Ford government’s handling of the healthcare crisis. “I don’t think we should call it a crisis. It’s a catastrophe. Not enough nurses, not enough other hospital workers, not enough doctors,” said Shirley Roebuck with the Ontario Health […]

RALLY IN WINDSOR CALLS ON PROVINCE TO FIX ‘HEALTHCARE CRISIS’

(December 12, 2022) By: Rusty Thomson, iHeartRadio Members of the Windsor-Essex Health Coalition rally outside of Windsor Regional Hospital to call on the Ontario government to fix what they call a crisis in the healthcare system. Dec. 12, 2022 (Photo by Rob Hindi) A rally today outside of Windsor Regional Hospital as part of several […]

Health care woes at centre of Windsor protest (GALLERY)

(December 12, 2022) By: Mark Brown, Windsor NewsToday Protestors on Tecumseh Road East and Walker Road, Windsor, December 12, 2022. Photo by Mark Brown/WindsorNewsToday.ca. Residents upset with the current state of healthcare in Ontario took to the streets in Windsor Monday. Dozens of people, many holding signs or flags, converged on Tecumseh Road East and […]

Health-care coalition stages protest against privatization in Windsor

(December 12, 2022) By: Dale Molnar, CBC News Protesters with the Windsor-Essex Health Care Coalition joined in a noon time protest against the privatization of health care along with protestors in Toronto, Waterloo, Niagara and Ottawa Monday. (Dale Molnar/CBC) Health-care workers, union representatives, nurses and PSWs joined organizers with the local representatives of the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Ontario Health Coalition calls on Ford government for immediate action as hospital crisis worsens

(December 12, 2022) By: Global News at Noon Protests are being held outside of the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre on hospital row in Toronto as well as in Waterloo and Windsor as health care workers urge the Ontario government that the state of hospitals in Ontario are completely overwhelmed. Marianne Dimain has more. Click here […]

Protestors in Kitchener-Waterloo demand action from Ford government on healthcare

(December 12, 2022) By: Colton Weins, CTV News Kitchener Videographer Members of the Ontario Health Coalition are calling out the Ford government over the current state of hospitals what they say are attempts to privatize. Protests are taking place across the province Monday, including in Kitchener-Waterloo where demonstrators met at Waterloo Public Square at noon. […]

Demonstrators take to streets around Ontario to protest health care changes

(December 12, 2022) By: Terry Pender, The Hamilton Spectator WATERLOO REGION — More than 100 people protested Monday along King Street in Kitchener and Waterloo against the transfer of diagnostic and surgical procedures out of publicly funded hospitals and into privately owned for-profit clinics. Organized by the Waterloo Region Health Coalition to raise awareness of […]

Concerned about cuts to health care and possible privatization, people rally in Waterloo

(December 12, 2022) By: Kate Bueckert, James Chaarani, CBC News A group of more than 60 people took part in a rally and march organized by the Waterloo Region Health Coalition on Monday at noon. Similar marches were held Monday in Toronto and Windsor. (James Chaarani/CBC) Donna Evans says she recently had a nightmare that she […]

Protesters rally to protect public healthcare

(December 12, 2022) By: CityNewsEverywhere Healthcare professionals, patients and politicians held rallies across the province to protest the Ford government’s ‘inaction’ on the hospital crisis, and fears the system is being privatized. Tina Yazdani has the new numbers from the Ontario Health. Click here for original video

Ontario Health Coalition holding marches to protest Ford government’s handling of hospital crisis

(December 12, 2022) By: Joanna Lavoie, CP24 Web Content Writer A province-wide organization that advocates for publicly funded health care is holding marches across Ontario today to protest the Ford government’s handling of the hospital crisis. The Toronto demonstration, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), is set to get underway at noon outside the […]

Toronto SickKids ICU over 100% capacity as protesters demand action from Ford government

(December 12, 2022) By: News Staff, City News Everywhere Demonstrations took place in three cities Monday afternoon as the Ontario Health Coalition spoke out against what it calls inaction by the Ford government. One of the rallies was held outside the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre on University Avenue in Toronto, with others taking place in […]

Toronto SickKids ICU over 100% capacity as protesters demand action

(December 12, 2022) By: CityNews Everywhere Demonstrations are set to take place in three cities today as the Ontario health coalition speaks out against what it calls inaction by the Ford government. Click here for original video

Ontario Health Coalition calls on Ford government for immediate action as hospital crisis worsens

(December 12, 2022) By: Global News Protests are being held outside of the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre on hospital row in Toronto as well as in Waterloo and Windsor as health care workers urge the Ontario government that the state of hospitals in Ontario are completely overwhelmed. Marianne Dimain has more. Click here for original […]

‘Beyond emergency’: Protesters in Toronto accuse Ford government of ‘inaction’ amid hospital crisis

(December 12, 2022) By: Griffin Jaeger, CBC News A demonstration was held in Toronto Monday by The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), which represents more than 500 organizations, speaking out about what it calls “inaction” by the Ford Government to address an ongoing hospital crisis. ( Lorenda Reddekopp/CBC) Dozens of protesters carrying signs with words like, “overworked, underpaid, […]

Cambridge Memorial Hospital supports patients waiting for long-term care

(December 6, 2022) By: Barbara Latkowski, CambridgeToday.ca CambridgeToday file photo Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) has yet to issue any fines since the Ontario government passed Bill 7. The legislation, which has been in effect since September, allows hospitals to move patients to long-term care homes without their informed consent and charge them $400 a day if […]

PCs’ Bill 7 constitutionally challenged for charging hospital patients $400 daily when refusing involuntary transfers

(December 4, 2022) By: Jessica R. Durling, The Pointer Natanael Melchor/Unsplash When Ontarians first heard the Doug Ford government’s plan to charge hospital patients, mostly seniors, $400 a day if they refused to be involuntarily uprooted from their hospital bed, residents flooded social media with their angry responses. Now, Bill 7, The More Beds, Better […]

Health Alliance hasn’t had to fine hesitant patients

(November 30, 2022) By: Tom Morrison, Chatham Daily News The Chatham site of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is shown Nov. 19, 2020. (Tom Morrison/Chatham This Week) The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance hasn’t had to use new measures granted by the province to move certain patients out of hospital faster. Bill 7, also known as the More […]

Constituents concerned about hospital leadership, Gélinas says

(November 29, 2022) By: Len Gillis, Sudbury.com Dominic Giroux is the CEO and president of Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury. Image: Health Sciences North When it comes to Dominic Giroux, some are critical, some are complimentary and many just don’t want to talk about it. In the wake of a highly critical report from […]

Long term care home to be replaced by condo as LTC licenses expire

(November 29, 2022) By: City News A Forest Hill LTC home is set to close to make way for a condo development thanks to an expiring license. As Michelle Mackey reports, the Ontario Health Coalition warns of more closures with more LTC licenses expiring over the next 3 years. Click here for original article and […]

Controversial Bill 7 fees not yet used by Sault Area Hospital

(November 28, 2022) By: Darren Taylor, SooToday.com Darren Taylor/SooToday To date, no alternate level of care (ALC) patients at Sault Area Hospital have been charged $400 a day to stay within the hospital’s walls. Bill 7 – also known as the More Beds, Better Care Act – was passed by the Ford government and came into […]

A flawed plan for hospital beds

(November 28, 2022) By: Niagara Falls Review Ontario Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra says legislation meant to encourage the transfer of patients our of hospitals and into long-term care facilities will help free up hospital beds. But critics says the province is using “coercive” tactics. CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE PHOTO It’s not clear that […]

Highlands activist recognized with prestigious provincial award

(November 25, 2022) By: Angelica Ingram, The Echo Highlands resident Bonnie Roe was recently awarded with the Orville Thacker Award by the Ontario Health Coalition for her dedication and work to protect public health care. /FILE Longtime community activist and Lochlin resident Bonnie Roe was recently honoured with a prestigious award from a provincial health […]

Coalition says Waterloo region had more hospital beds in the 1960s than today

(November 24, 2022) By: Stephanie Villella, CTV News Kitchener Analysis The Waterloo Region Health Coalition is calling on the province to address staffing shortages in hospitals, while pointing to a decrease in available hospital beds as the population grows. During an online town hall meeting Wednesday night, the coalition, joined by the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Province being taken to court over controversial Bill 7

(November 24, 2022) By: Darren Taylor, SooToday.com Stock image The Ontario Health Coalition and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly has taken its fight against Ontario’s controversial Bill 7 to court. Under the new legislation, hospital patients in Alternate Level of Care – ALC – awaiting placement in their preferred long term care home can […]

Ontario Health Coalition holding virtual townhalls to stop provincial ‘privatization plan’

(November 23, 2022) By: Germain Ma, City News Grand River Hospital in Kitchener | Blair Adams The Ontario Health Coalition is holding a series of community meetings to speak out against “the Ford government’s plan to privatize hospital services.” “This is actually happening and once our hospitals are privatized, we’re not going to get them […]

Kingston, Ont. seniors concerned over bill that could force long-term care living

(November 23, 2022) By: Aryn Strickland, Global News Analysis Some seniors in the city feel that the provincial government is dictating where they can live – Nov 23, 2022 A controversial law allowing the province to force elderly hospital patients into long-term care homes regardless of their choosing is facing major backlash, including a constitutional […]

Coalition says Waterloo region had more hospital beds in the 1960s than today

(November 23, 2022) By: Stephanie Villella, CTV News Kitchener Analysis The Waterloo Region Health Coalition is calling on the province to address staffing shortages in hospitals, while pointing to a decrease in available hospital beds as the population grows. During an online town hall meeting Wednesday night, the coalition, joined by the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Constitutional Challenge Levied Against Bill 7

(November 22, 2022) By: CKXS FM The Ontario Health Coalition and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly are joining forces to launch a Constitutional Challenge to the Ford government’s new law, Bill 7, which could force elderly hospital patients into a long-term care home not of their choosing. The government introduced the bill earlier this […]

NDP critics call on Ford to repeal bill that forces seniors into long-term care

(November 22, 2022) By: North Bay Nugget Ontario NDP critics are calling on premier Doug Ford’s Bill 7, which forces seniors into long-term care facilities far from home against their wishes. PHOTO BY STOCK PHOTO /Getty Images Ontario NDP critics are calling on premier Doug Ford’s Bill 7, which forces seniors into long-term care facilities far from […]

Projet de loi 7 : l’imposition d’amende n’est pas l’option privilégiée à Windsor

(November 22, 2022) By: Radio-Canada Le PDG de l’Hôpital régional de Windsor, David Musyj, soutient le projet de loi 7, mais veut éviter d’imposer des amendes aux patients. PHOTO : RADIO-CANADA Le PDG de l’Hôpital régional de Windsor (WRH) affirme que le projet de loi 7 va aider à désengorger les hôpitaux, mais David Musyj n’envisage d’imposer une […]

Charter challenge to Ontario LTC law ‘well thought out,’ Algoma Ontario Health Coalition rep says

(November 22, 2022) By: Jeffrey Ougler, The Sault Star Ontario Health Coalition brands the More Beds Better Care Act as “fundamentally discriminatory” against the frail and elderly. Postmedia With I’s dotted and T’s crossed, there is a “pretty good chance” of success for a constitutional challenge to an Ontario law that allows some discharged elderly hospital patients […]

Ontario advocates fight LTC law posing an ‘egregious deprivation’ on seniors’ rights

(November 21, 2022) By: Hannah Alberga, CTV News Paramedics take away an elderly patient at the Tendercare Living Centre, long-term-care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scarborough, Ont., on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Ontario advocates are launching a constitutional challenge to a law they call an “unprecedented and egregious deprivation” of seniors’ […]

Ontario advocates to fight LTC law infringing on seniors’ rights

(November 21, 2022) By: Samantha Lawson, CHCH Ontario advocates launched a constitutional challenge on Monday to a law they call an “unprecedented and egregious deprivation” of seniors’ rights and freedoms. The law is Bill 7, titled ‘More Beds, Better Care Act (2022)’ and was passed by the Ford government in late August. It says elderly […]

Contestation judiciaire de la loi sur le transfert d’aînés contre leur gré

(November 21, 2022) By: Radio-Canada La Coalition ontarienne de la santé va contester en cour la loi du gouvernement Ford qui permet aux hôpitaux de transférer des aînés contre leur gré dans un centre de soins de longue durée ou de leur présenter une facture de 400 $ par jour. Cette dernière disposition est entrée en vigueur […]

Ontario health care advocates launch constitutional challenge against controversial Bill 7

(November 21, 2022) By: Meredith Bond and The Canadian Press, City News A resident chats with workers at Orchard Villa Long-Term Care in Pickering, Ontario on Monday June 1, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn The Ontario Health Coalition has officially launched a constitutional challenge against the province’s controversial Bill 7. The law allows some discharged […]

Advocacy groups launch constitutional challenge of Bill 7

(November 21, 2022) By: Maureen Revait, BlackburnNews.com File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo / Bialasiewicz Two advocacy groups have launched a constitutional challenge to the Ontario legislation that forces the elderly out of hospitals and into long-term care homes that are not of their choosing. “The impact on the lives of the elderly […]

2,400 elderly patients had rights violated in moves from Ontario hospitals, critics charge

(November 21, 2022) By: Rob Ferguson, The Hamilton Spectator Ontario Long-Term Care Minister Paul Calandra speaks with media at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Sept. 14, 2022. CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS More than 2,400 elderly patients who no longer needed hospital care have been moved to nursing homes this fall, helping to clear beds for the […]

How effective is the Ontario law that allows fines for patients who refuse pre-arranged LTC beds?

(November 21, 2022) By: Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello, GlobalNews.ca Analysis WATCH ABOVE: The Ford government’s bill to free up hospital beds by moving patients to long-term care homes is facing a constitutional challenge. Colin D’Mello reports. As a health-care advocacy group prepares to take the Ford government to court over a provincial law designed to free-up hospital […]

New fee for patients who refuse LTC transfer a ‘non-starter,’ son says

(November 21, 2022) By: Guy Quenneville, CBC News Rainer Pethke of Berwick, Ont., poses here with his 95-year-old mother Hilde. (Submitted by Rainer Pethke) Sooner or later, 95-year-old Hilde Pethke is going to fall, break her hip and need medical care, her son says — and that could leave her “struggling in a home far away from loved ones.” […]

NATALIE MEHRA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ONTARIO HEALTH COALITION, TELLS MOORE IN THE MORNING WHY SHE STARTED A CHARTER CHALLENGE OVER ONTARIO’S LTC LAW.

(November 21, 2022) By: Moore In The Morning, iHeartRADIO Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, tells Moore In The Morning why she started a charter challenge over Ontario’s LTC law. Click here for original article and audio

Advocates for elderly patients vow Charter challenge to Ontario LTC law

(November 20, 2022) By: Cassandra Szklarski, The Associated Press Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition holds a news conference at Queen’s Park inToronto on Monday, January 21, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Health-care advocates say they are preparing a possible constitutional challenge to an Ontario law that allows some discharged elderly hospital […]

Peel is warming twice as fast as the global average; how will a strained health system handle a population made increasingly sick by climate change?

(November 19, 2022) By: Rachel Morgan, The Pointer Emergency rooms, ICUs and inpatient beds in hospitals across Ontario are overflowing. Throughout late summer and the fall, disturbing stories of shuttered ERs, paramedics driving hours to assist overburdened departments in other jurisdictions and patients being transferred hundreds of kilometres for surgery, have been heard across the […]

Ontario group to challenge $400/day penalty for seniors who stay in hospital instead of moving to LTC

(November 18, 2022) By: Hannah Alberga, CTV News Toronto Public health advocates are launching a charter challenge against a new Ontario law that requires hospitals to charge elderly patients $400 per day if they refuse to move to a long-term care home against their will. Bill 7, the More Beds Better Care Act, forces seniors who are waiting for […]

‘Unprecedented’ hospital crisis prompts series of town hall meetings

(November 16, 2022) By: Calvi Leon, Northern News (Getty Images) A health coalition is holding a series of emergency meetings across Southwestern Ontario to urge the provincial government to tackle the hospital crisis. The Ontario Health Coalition, a network representing more than 400 organizations, will host online town hall meetings across Ontario, including Seaforth, St. […]

Ontario health minister’s talking points edited to remove denial of privatized health care

(November 16, 2022) By: Isaac Callan and Colin D’Mello, Global News As the Ford government faced intense questions during the summer about the private delivery of health-care services, a set of talking points given to Ontario’s Minister of Health included a forceful denial of privatization — words which were never uttered by Sylvia Jones because they […]

More vacant positions than working nurses at GTA hospital, internal report shows

(November 7, 2022) By: Jon Woodward, CTV News There are more vacant positions for nurses than nurses working at one GTA emergency room, according to an internal report obtained by CTV News Investigates — a sign of how dire staff shortages are “deteriorating” a medical system already on edge. A consultants report for Lakeridge Health […]

Regional group among advocates critical of privatization plans

(November 3, 2022) By: Bill Atwood, Observer Health care advocates that laid into the Ford government ahead of last June’s provincial election haven’t let up. Critics include the Waterloo Region Health Coalition, which is part of the chorus warning about privatization of the likes of hospital services. As with the Ontario Health Coalition, the local […]

Rally against hospital privatization held at MPP’s office

(November 3, 2022) By: Natalia Vega, Blackburn News The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Coalition is emphasizing growing concerns regarding the privatization of Ontario’s hospitals. A rally was held outside of MPP Bob Bailey’s office Thursday afternoon in Point Edward. Co-chairs Shirley Roebuck and June Weiss led the local rally, about one week after the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Demonstration targets MPP, funding for private health clinics

(November 3, 2022) By: Tyler Kula, The Observer Shirley Roebuck with the Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition organized a demonstration Thursday outside Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey’s office in Point Edward. (Tyler Kula/ The Observer) Sarnia-Lambton’s MPP was under fire Thursday from the local health coalition chapter. “We are here today to make sure that the people of […]

Kawartha Lakes long-term care advocate’s efforts recognized with Ontario Health Coalition award

(October 29, 2022) By: Catherine Whitnall, The Peterborough Examiner Bonnie Roe has once again been recognized for her outstanding commitment to safeguarding public health care and advocacy for long-term care residents and their families in Kawartha Lakes. “This year we have faced enormous challenges in public health care. Each of our award winners have given […]

Amid fears health system is buckling, Toronto hospitals to issue alerts about overcrowded ERs

(October 29, 2022) By: Tyler Cheese, CBC News University Hospital Network staff were informed Thursday that Toronto General Hospital’s emergency department was at capacity. (Carlos Osorio/CBC) Amid signs of a growing crisis in the province’s health-care system, an alert went out Thursday that the emergency department at Toronto General Hospital was at capacity — and that […]

‘No mandate’ for province’s greater use of private clinics: Health Coalition

(October 28, 2022) By: Tom Morrison, St.Thomas Times-Journal Shirley Roebuck, with the Ontario Health Coalition, is shown in this 2020 file photo. (File photo/Postmedia Network) Members of a local health care advocacy group are calling out the provincial government for actions which they say contradict past statements. Although members of the Progressive Conservative government made […]

Sault Area Hospital reports hike in alternate level of care patient numbers

(October 27, 2022) By: Jeffrey Ougler, The Sault Star SAH receives an average of 57 alternate level of care patients a day, and generally has up to 15 patients waiting for long-term care placement, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of its ALC patient population. Getty Sault Area Hospital has posted an increase in alternate […]

Ontario Health Coalition challenges Ford’s privatization of Ontario’s hospitals

(October 26, 2022) By: Samantha Lawson, CHCH Video: The Ontario Health Coalition joins Democracy Watch at 10 a.m. to challenge specific claims the Ford government made about their plans regarding hospital privatization. The Health Coalition will announce its plans for a major campaign to stop the privatization. Click here for link to full video

NDP rail against 30-year license extension for Pickering’s Orchard Villa LTC, which lost 85 residents during pandemic

(October 26, 2022) By: Liam McConnell, insauga Frank Gunn, Canadian Press The long saga of Orchard Villa, a long-term care (LTC) home responsible for the death of 85 of its 230 residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues with increased opposition to the facility’s request for a 30-year license extension. Opposition NDP leader Peter Tabuns, LTC […]

Ontario health care organization calls out Doug Ford for lying to voters

(October 26, 2022) By: Jack Landau, blogTO An organization that aims to protect and improve the province’s public health care system is furious with Premier Doug Ford, accusing his PC government of lying to the public about its planned privatization of Ontario’s public hospital services. The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) issued a scathing brief on Wednesday, attacking the Ford government […]

Public in dark about COVID-19 spread: Ontario Health Coalition

(October 21, 2022) By: Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun A wayward disposable face mask hangs on a street sign pole. PHOTO BY KEVIN KING /Postmedia COVID-19 is moving through communities and nursing homes but the lack of official public reporting means people have been left largely in the dark about the latest surge in cases, a new report from the […]

Sleepwalking through a crisis? Alarms raised over COVID impact on young and old

(October 21, 2022) By: Kim Zarzour, YorkRegion.com Health-care professionals warn we are sleepwalking into a disastrous winter, based on what they’ve seen among the very young and very old. While much of the province seems ready to put the pandemic in the past, those with an eye on the front line are using words like […]

Amy Ayers quit her career working in long-term care—for a job at Tim Hortons

(October 21, 2022) By: Elizabeth Payne, Ottawa Citizen Amy Ayers left her PSW job to go to work at Tim Hortons due to the stress levels of the PSW work environment. PHOTO BY JEAN LEVAC /Postmedia When Amy Ayers worked her first night shift at Tim Hortons last month, she experienced a sense of relief. The former […]

Ontario Just Recorded Its Highest COVID-19 Death Count In Months & Here’s What It Means

(October 21, 2022) By: Stuart McGinn, Narcity Toronto A masked individual in Toronto. Shawn Goldberg | Dreamstime Ontario has just reported quite a notable spike in COVID-19-related deaths and the number is the highest we’ve seen in a while. Weekly data from Public Health Ontario released on Thursday, October 20, revealed the highest death toll since […]

‘Health care system in crisis’: Emergency room wait times reach all-time high

(October 19, 2022) By: Jenn Basa, CTV News Emergency departments across Ontario are struggling to keep up with the high volume of patients and staffing shortages. This week, the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) reached an all-time high of 20 hours for patients waiting in the emergency department. “As cold and flu season approaches, our […]

Parents of sick baby speak out against Windsor, Ont., hospital’s policy limiting NICU visitors

(October 17, 2022) By: CBC News Olivia Gagnon was born on Sept. 11 at London Health Sciences Centre in southwestern Ontario. A few weeks later, she was diagnosed with trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition that causes several health issues. (Clarissa Macgregor-Mitchell) Sheena Wallace-Wilson and Bruce Gagnon of Windsor, Ont., want their sick month-old daughter to be […]

‘It’s looney’: Wait time trackers not the solution to overcrowded emergency rooms

(October 15, 2022) By: Tina Yazdani and John Marchesan, City News Lakeridge Health in Durham region has launched a wait time tracker for its emergency room, the latest tool to try and address spiking delays patients are facing at Ontario hospitals. While the tracker gives the public an estimate of ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>how long the wait […]

October 19th is the deadline to suspend the new 30 year LTC contract with Orchard Villas

(October 14, 2022) By: Walter Pallad, Eminetra Orchard Villa is where Diane Colangelo’s 86-year-old mother, Patricia, arrived 48 kilograms (105 lbs) and died at 31 kilograms (68 lbs). Paul William Russell Parkes also died there claiming that her daughter Cathy was severely dehydrated. Andrew Watt’s mother, Nina, died just weeks after arriving at the for-profit […]

Lakeridge Health launches tracker that shows wait times at its 4 Durham Region emergency rooms

(October 14, 2022) By: CBC News Lakeridge Health, an integrated regional health system that serves Durham Region, has launched what it calls an ‘Emergency Department Wait Times Tracker.’ The web-based tool tracks approximate wait times in emergency rooms in four of its hospitals. (Jonathan Castell/CBC) People who live in Durham Region can now check an online […]

Scarborough long-term care home battles COVID-19 outbreak with 46 residents testing positive

(October 6, 2022) By: Muriel Draaisma, Natalie Kalata, CBC News This Scarborough long-term care home is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak, in which 46 residents have tested positive for the virus. (CBC) Forty-six residents at a Scarborough long term care home are infected with COVID-19 and the facility says families will have to visit their loved ones though windows this […]

Patients, unions unite to fight Ford

(October 6, 2022) By: Carolyn Egan, Socialist.ca The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) held a dynamic organizing conference over two days at the start of October. It brought together hundreds of activists from across the province, in person and on zoom, representing grassroots groups and unions. A large number of local organizations have developed in the […]

The Health Care Crisis V: Privatization

(September 30, 2022) By: The Big Story Podcast As Canada’s health-care system fails, more and more people will be willing to pay up to avoid the most overcrowded and underserviced parts of it. While no politician will come out in favour of privatizing health care, you do here a lot about “looking for innovative solutions”—which […]

10% of long-term care homes in Windsor-Essex had proactive inspection a year after Ontario vowed to do better

(September 29, 2022) By: Jennifer La Grassa, CBC News In October 2021, the provincial government allocated $20 million to the long-term care sector and announced the launch of a proactive inspection program and the hiring of 193 inspectors by fall 2022. To date, the Ministry of Long-term Care says it has performed proactive inspections […]

‘Lost in the system’: Timmins family waiting months for tumour surgery due to health care shortage

(September 28, 2022) By: Sergio Arangio, CTV Northern Ontario Analysis Brittany Roberge, a mother in Timmins, Ont., is speaking out about the current state of Ontario’s health care system as her 12-year-old daughter, Paige, faces repeated delays in removing a large tumour near her kidney. Roberge told CTV News that local doctors discovered the growth […]

London hospital defends shakeup of brass, won’t reveal cost to taxpayers

(September 23, 2022) By: Jennifer Bieman, London Free Press Victoria Hospital in London. Southwestern Ontario’s largest hospital, which has added new presidents for its two London campuses, is defending an overhaul of its executive ranks, but won’t say what the restructuring is costing taxpayers. London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has gone from an executive team […]

Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Wed. September 21st, 2022

(September 21, 2022) By: Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron Just before lunchtime, a child attending Stepping Up Daycare experienced an anaphylactic allergic reaction. The daycare’s director called 911, paramedics arrived, and the child was fine after a shot of Benadryl. However, more children experienced that same reaction. CTV’s Colton Praill describes the scene in Hour […]

Ford’s “More Beds, Better Care Act” is only bringing more anger across Ontario

(September 20, 2022) By: Abbey Bilotta, The Brock Press Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash Last week, Ontario released new regulations which would move elderly hospital patients awaiting long-term care into temporary nursing homes. Such legislation, formerly recognized as Bill-7, was titled “More Beds, Better Care Act” in hopes of clearing out hospital beds to make […]

LETTER: Bill 7 removes Charter right for patient choice

(September 20, 2022) By: Shirley Roebuck, Chatham This Week A joint statement from the CEOs of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and Windsor Regional Hospital was issued in regard to Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 7, which is now the law. The statement is an attempt to make Bill 7 seem to be a reasonable part of the […]

LTC waiting lists raise questions about where Hamilton hospital patients will be sent

(September 20, 2022) By: Joanna Frketich, Hamilton Spectator A controversial bill requiring hospitals to send seniors to long-term-care homes as far as 70 kilometres away in southern Ontario comes at a time when many Hamilton facilities have long waiting lists. Every Hamilton long-term care home had a wait list as of April 30 — the […]

‘It’s immoral on every level’: Health advocates, MPPs decry PC plan to charge patients $400 a day for refusing hospital transfers

(September 19, 2022) By: Joel Wittnebel, The Pointer A Bill that has been labelled “grotesque”; the “worst and most cruel Bill” the Ontario Legislature has ever seen, was approved by Premier Doug Ford’s PC majority last month, paving the way for hospital patients to be billed $400 a day if they refuse to be transferred […]

Outrage Over Elderly Patient Bill Continues

(September 16, 2022) By: Mike Ebbeling, CKDR 92.7 Dryden The opposition continues to attack the provincial government on a controversial bill that allows hospitals to move patients no longer needing alternative level of care to long- term care facilities without consent. Details have emerged that patients in the north could be moved 150 kilometres away […]

Bill 7 fills an urgent need, Thunder Bay hospital CEO says

(September 16, 2022) By: Gary Rinne, NWO Newswatch THUNDER BAY — The CEO of Thunder Bay’s regional hospital is welcoming new provincial legislation that allows hospitals to transfer elderly patients to long-term care homes once they are ready to be discharged. Bill 7, which takes effect Sept. 21, also requires hospitals to charge a daily […]

Ford Government to Move Hospital Patients to Long-Term Care, But Proactive Inspections Still On Hold

(September 16, 2022) By: Mitchell Thompson, Press Progress The Ford government’s More Beds, More Care Act, is set to move designated hospital patients to long-term care homes, and charge those who refuse , as early as September 21. But it will not restart annual, unannounced Resident Quality Inspections before the transfers start — even though Doug Ford […]

Controversial LTC bill causing tug of war: condemned by advocates but applauded by hospitals

(September 15, 2022) By: Elizabeth Payne, Ottawa Citizen FILE: Patient in a hospital Photo by Srisakorn /GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO While The Ottawa Hospital’s President and CEO Cameron Love and other health-care leaders are throwing their support behind Bill 7, opposition to the controversial provincial legislation is growing. Under the legislation, southern Ontario hospital patients awaiting spots […]

‘It is grotesque to do this’: Critics slam Ford government’s plan for long-distance placements in nursing homes

(September 15, 2022) By: Rob Ferguson, Toronto Star Sue’s elderly mom has complex medical issues and depression, and is waiting for a long-term-care bed after being hospitalized in June. But she’s under no illusions she’ll ever get into the nursing home she picked four years ago — despite what the Ontario government has promised under […]

Hour 1 of Ottawa Now for Thurs. September 15th, 2022

(September 15, 2022) By: Ottawa Now with Kristy Cameron Hundreds of thousands of people are patiently waiting to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth. As she lies in state over the next 4 days, some have waited several days for this moment, with the lineup stretching 8 kilometres long as of Thursday morning. That […]