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Ontario Health Coalition calls out Ford government

Feburary 21, 2024 By: Tina Yazdani, City News The Ford government is under fire over the state of the province’s healthcare system. As Tina Yazdani reports, OHC officials say the government is ‘pouring’ money into private-for-profit clinics and hospitals. Click here to watch the video clip

Public Healthcare in Peril: The Price of Privatization and Economic Mismanagement in Ontario and Zimbabwe

(February 18, 2024) by: Olalekan Adigun, BNN Breaking Ontario faces a public healthcare crisis as the Ford government pushes for privatization, while Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector collapses due to neglect and mismanagement. Discover the policy implications and the need for reform in both regions. In the heart of Ontario, a storm brews over the future of […]

Ford government facing lawsuit over expansion of Pickering care home where dozens died during height of COVID

(February 13, 2024) by: Maria Iqbal, The Toronto Star (behind a paywall) –> The first part of the article is as follows: A health advocacy coalition and the daughter of a deceased long-term-care resident have launched a court challenge against the Ministry of Long-term Care’s approval of the expansion of a Pickering home where the Canadian […]

Health advocates asking judge to quash licence renewal for Pickering’s Orchard Villa

(February 13, 2024) Durham Radio News Advocates and family members are asking for a judge’s opinion on whether Pickering’s Orchard Villa residence should have received a licence extension by the province. The Ontario Health Coalition announced the legal action Tuesday. The group is seeking a judicial review of the matter, noting alleged health violations and […]

Ontario’s Hospital Labour Force Is At A Breaking Point

(January 8, 2024) By: Adam D.K. King, The Maple No one will be shocked to learn that health-care workers across Canada are overworked and stressed out. Yet the extent of the problem revealed by each new study or poll can’t help but astonish. This past Wednesday, the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU), part of […]

Death of man awaiting start of Fort Erie forum on health care highlights need for rural services, says health coalition chair

(December 12, 2023) By: Sarah Ferguson, Fort Erie Post What was supposed to be an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts on the state of health care turned into an emergency situation. Just before the Fort Erie meeting on public health care was expected to start, a man in attendance had a medical […]

Outcomes are inferior when we deliver on a for-profit basis’: Longer wait times at private clinics, according to report

(November 11, 2023) By: Bryan Bicknell, CTV News A new study says operating rooms in southwestern Ontario hospitals are being under-utilized because of short staffing. The report by left-leaning think tank Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives also warns that shifting some medical procedure to private clinics in Ontario will actually lead to longer wait times. […]

Province insists that expansion of private health care is working

(November 8, 2023) By Kyle Darbyson, The Sault Star The Ontario government is pushing back on a recent report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, which claims that the province’s health care system is “on the edge of the precipice” due to its recent elevation of for-profit facilities. In this report, Simon Fraser […]

A Closer Look: Block Fees and Boutique Medicine

(January 18, 2023) What is a Block Fee? Doctors are allowed to charge patients for services that are not covered by OHIP either Item by item as these services are provided or By a “Block Fee” to cover all uninsured (non-OHIP covered) services for a period of 3 -12 months Usually Block Fees are charged […]

Sudbury, Ont., doctor says LTC care homes becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for psychiatric patients

(December 21st, 2022) By: Amanda Hicks Ontario’s long-term care homes are feeling the effects of hospital overcrowding, a Sudbury doctor says, with severely ill and psychiatric patients being moved to LTC to free up hospital beds. Dr. Maurice St. Martin is a Sudbury physician with four decades of experience in long-term care. He is a […]

ACTION PLAN: Campaign to Stop Doug Ford’s Privatization of our Hospitals and Vital Health Care Services

(October 20, 2022) Advocates for public health care face a truly unprecedented all-out effort to privatize health care across the spectrum: home care, long-term care, hospitals, virtual care, primary care, public health, EMS and more. Our analysis of the Ford government’s intent is that they are very serious. The Ford government has spent several years […]

Join Us to Save Public Health Care in Ontario

The fact that Doug Ford has won another majority government in Ontario presents daunting challenges for the defenders of Public Medicare, as health care privatization is on the rise. Now, more than ever, we need fearless, strong, ambitious action and strategy to stop health care privatization, force the Ford government to address the health care […]

Staffing and bed shortages are a source for concern in long term care: Riverside

(October 5, 2022) By: Elisa Nguyen, Fort Frances Times Riverside Health Care says that Bill 7 will have negligible impact on Rainycrest Long Term Care due to human resource challenges that require the home to operate at a reduced capacity of 122 beds, and that staffing shortages are the cause for major concern. Effective on […]

Non-urgent procedures still on hold as Ontario eases public health measures

https://www.countyweeklynews.ca/news/local-news/non-urgent-procedures-still-on-hold-as-ontario-eases-public-health-measures (JAN 20,2022) While Ontarians will soon be able to dine indoors and go to the gym, those seeking elective surgeries or non-urgent health procedures in Ontario hospitals will still have to wait. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Thursday that beginning Jan. 31, public health restrictions will be eased, increasing social gathering limits to […]

Calls for Ontario government to do more to address health-care crisis

(January 14, 2022) The Ford government is being warned that the health-care system is nearing collapse and the Ontario Health Coalition says it’s a “full-blown emergency.” Dozens of advocates gathered virtually to call on the province to do more to protect the most vulnerable, particularly those in hospital or long-term care. Morganne Campbell has more […]

Ontario government to build two long-term-care facilities in Oakville

By Mansoor Tanweer Wed., Oct. 13, 2021 Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips announces 640 new long-term-care beds for Oakville. Ontario Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips, riding counterparts, Mayor Rob Burton and various health-care executives were on hand to announce the creation of two long-term-care (LTC) facilities in Oakville. The proposed facilities are expected […]

‘Helpless and hopeless’: Front-line workers talk long-term care during COVID-19

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/nurses-psws-sick-covid-long-term-care-1.6202633 (Oct 8, 2021) By:Julie Ireton Crescencio Resendiz, a personal support worker for a Revera-run home, has not been back to work since contracting COVID-19 in January 2021. (Julie Ireton/CBC As the Ontario government steps up efforts to recruit more long-term care workers, some current and former staff members say they’re still struggling to cope […]

Waterloo Region Health Coalition joins others in protest to reveal state of long-term care in Ontario

(October 5, 2021) By: KW Now https://kwnow.ca/npps/story.cfm?nppage=3624 Waterloo Region Health Coalition join others In protest to reveal the state of Long-term Care in Ontario ‘Despite promises and emotional press conferences by Premier Doug Ford, there has been no real improvement.’ Fed Up with Broken Promises, Expanding Privatization, Terrible Inadequacies in Long-Term Care: Health Coalitions […]

Long-term care protest targets MPP Jeff Yurek

(October 5, 2021) By: 94.1 St Thomas Today https://www.stthomastoday.ca/2021/10/05/long-term-care-protest-targets-mpp-jeff-yurek/ Frustrated by broken promises and inaction on the state of long-term care homes in Ontario, members of the London Health Coalition again marched in front of MPP Jeff Yurek’s St. Thomas office over the noon hour Monday. Co-chairman Peter Bergmanis said the province-wide protest targeted the Doug […]

Sudbury rally calls for improvements to long-term care in Ontario

(October 5, 2021) By:CBC News Sudbury https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/long-term-care-sudbury-ontario-1.6199352 The Ontario Health Coalition hosted a rally in Sudbury on Monday to call for improvements to the province’s long-term care sector. (Jonathan Migneault/CBC) In the last three years, Sudbury’s Alessandro Presenza lost both his parents while they were staying in long-term care. His mother died in 2018, and his […]

Ontario Health Coalition to Host Several Long-Term Care Protests Today

(October 4th 2021) By 104.7 HeartFMhttp://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/ontario-health-coalition-to-host-several-long-term-care-protests-today/ The Oxford Health Coalition will gather outside MPP Ernie Hardeman’s Woodstock office today to call for better conditions in our long-term care homes. WOODSTOCK – The Ontario Health Coalition is holding protests across the province today calling for better care at our long-term care homes. Locally they will be […]

Ontario Throne Speech pledges no ‘painful’ tax hikes or spending cuts

(October 4, 2021) By: Jeff Gray and Laura Stone, Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-throne-speech-pledges-no-painful-tax-hikes-or-spending-cuts/ Ontario’s economic recovery will be fuelled by growth and not “painful tax hikes or spending cuts,” the government said in a Throne Speech on Monday that also pledged the use of “localized and targeted” public-health restrictions to avoid lockdowns and contain COVID-19. A […]

The election is over. Now where will Trudeau’s Liberals take Canada?

(September 22, 2021) By: Althia Raj National Columnist “The Liberal gov’t during the election promised to uphold the Canada Health Act better than it has before but their record has not been good on that so far.” – Executive director Natalie Mehra talks about the future of health care in Canada post-federal election. When Jane […]

Conestoga offers fast-track training for personal support workers

(January 31, 2021) By: Michelle Ruby, Brantford Expositor Conestoga College has developed some innovative ways to turn out qualified personal support workers more in demand than ever during the pandemic. The school is offering a PSW-FAST Program, delivered virtually, so it can reach rural and remote locations across Ontario, said Sarah Pottier, chair of PSW and […]

Submission to the Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission

(November 23, 2020) Click here for powerpoint submission

Staffing in COVID-19 Pandemic Survey Results – Interim Report November 23, 2020

(November 23, 2020) Enough staffing? Yes- 6 No – 24 Sometimes-2 Not enough front line staff Work which cannot be done? Counselling and service to families + computer entries on the MOH website Showers or baths Feeding/hydration Transporting residents to cohort (not enough lifts, need a second person) Staff breaks Emotional support from […]

Second Wave Vs. First Wave: What Has Changed?

(November 23, 2020) Current Situation At the time of writing this submission (November 17) there are 100 active outbreaks in Ontario’s long-term care homes, up from 76 as at October 31.[1] There is no clearly defined date as to when we can measure the start of the second wave, but throughout the summer months, though […]

Factors Contributing to the Spread of COVID-19 in the Second Wave: Case Studies

(November 23, 2020) Case Study: West End Villa, Ottawa On August 30, 2020 a second wave of COVID-19 began with the declaration of an outbreak at Extendicare’s West End Villa in Ottawa. The outbreak quickly spread through the home and across Ottawa’s long-term care homes. Though there has been no public reporting about why the […]

CUPE Ontario and Ontario Health Coalition rally at Gore Park in support of long-term care workers

(October 8, 2020) By: John Rennison, The Hamilton Spectator CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn calls on the provincial government to fix long-term care during a rally Thursday morning (Oct. 8) in Gore Park. The rally by the CUPE Ontario and Ontario Health Coalition in Hamilton called on the government to improve wages for workers, hire […]

Hamilton hospitals worry uptick of COVID-19 will disrupt elective cases again

(September 16, 2020) By: Joanna Frketich, The Hamilton Spectator Hamilton’s hospitals are watching Ontario’s uptick in COVID-19 cases with worry as they try to get through a massive backlog of postponed care. “We’re seeing increased cases in the community but we’re not seeing increased hospitalizations so far,” said Dr. Wes Stephen, chief operating officer of Hamilton Health […]

Military teams raise concerns about conditions at Ontario care homes

(May 26, 2020) By: Mercedes Stephenson, Stewart Bell and Andrew Russell, Global News Military personnel sent to nursing homes in Ontario have observed shocking conditions, including “blatant disregard” for infection control measures, mistreatment of residents and a level of care described as “horrible,” according to documents obtained by Global News. Canadian Armed Forces teams deployed to five of the […]

Press Conference: Health cuts in Ontario one year after Ford’s promise to end hallway medicine.

(July 15, 2019) Toronto — Michael Hurley, president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions, releasing report on hospital cuts at press conference with Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition.

RELEASE: Ford Government Cuts to Long-Term Care Funding Risk Already Over-Stressed Care Levels

(July 10, 2019) Toronto — The Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about the Ford government’s funding cuts to long-term care. The Ontario Health Coalition has been made aware that level of care funding has experienced significant real dollar cuts. The per diem rate has been increased by 1%, which does not meet the rate of […]

Health coalition calls on action in response to provincial cuts

(July 4, 2019) By: Ryan Stelter, Kenora Miner & News A small, informal session was held to discuss provincial cuts to healthcare at Seven Generations Education Institute Wednesday, July 3. Ryan Stelter/Miner and News A small group of healthcare providers and concerned citizens met at Seven Generations Education Institute Wednesday, July 3 at a community […]

RELEASE: Ford Governments Health Cuts Negatively Impact Patient Care: Coalition Calls Out Ford Government for “Dissembling” and Lack of Public Accountability

(June 19, 2019) Toronto – In what the Health Coalition has termed a bad news day for Ontario’s health care, the Ford government revealed that it has eliminated more than 800 full-time equivalent positions in the LHINs (Local Health Integration Network) and in the six health care agencies (including Cancer Care Ontario, Health Quality Ontario, […]

Bryan Smith Wins the Inaugural Social Justice Award

Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 12:59pm If you want to see what a true social justice warrior looks like, you need to only look at a day in Bryan Smith’s life. WOODSTOCK – The Social Planning Council of Oxford has handed out the inaugural Social Justice Award last night. The yearly award recognizes community members who […]

Health mergers would be bad for Sudbury, Northern Ontario: critics

(April 23, 2019) By: Jim Moodie, The Sudbury Star Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to Sudbury Star reporter Mary Katherine Keown in Sudbury, Ont. on Friday May 11, 2018. She said Tuesday that Sudbury and Northern Ontario will suffer under the province’s proposed health mergers. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network JOHN LAPPA / JOHN […]

Advocates cry foul after Ontario officials alter nursing home inspection report without explanation

By Abigail Bimman | Global National Ottawa Correspondent | Global News | Posted: April 25, 2019 5:49 pm WATCH: Residents of an Ontario nursing home are feeling the effects of severe understaffing issues. In part three of our series on Park Lane Terrace, desperate families search for answers and accountability. The Ontario government will not explain the reasons why it altered […]

Day of Action Against Healthcare Cuts and Privatization

PUBLIC GOODS, SOCIAL MOVEMENTS • April 26, 2019 • Ontario Health Coalition Across Ontario, in more than one hundred hospitals and healthcare facilities, staff and patient advocates staged an “Health Action Day” on Tuesday April 23rd. In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 150,000 health professionals and workers and tens of thousands of patient advocates wore a […]

RELEASE: More than 10,000 Protest to tell Ford Government to stop health privatization, cuts

(May 1, 2019) Toronto – They came from across Ontario in the middle of a work day by the thousands with a message for the Doug Ford government. From a stage in front of the Ontario Legislature Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition called on the crowd of more than 10,000 to […]

Health coalitions rally at Queen’s Park

BY MELANIE IRWIN APRIL 30, 2019 4:10PM @MIrwinCHOKNews Thousands rally against changes to Ontario’s health care system. April 30, 2019 Photo courtesy of @AndreaHorwath Twitter. A rally against changes to Ontario’s health care system, that some believe will open the door to privatization, attracted thousands of people to Queen’s Park Tuesday afternoon. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath addressed the […]

THOUSANDS RALLY AT QUEEN’S PARK PROTESTING PC’S HEALTH CARE CHANGES

CANADIAN PRESS Tuesday, April 30th 2019 – 2:41 pm Thousands of people are rallying outside Ontario’s legislature to protest the government’s changes to the health-care system. The rally was organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, which says it’s concerned that the changes will lead to privatization of some health services _ a suggestion the province […]

24 shots of today’s massive protest for Ontario’s public health care (PHOTOS)

Kayla Gladysz, Apr 30, 2019 1:08 pm This afternoon, thousands rallied together to protest Premier Doug Ford’s new health care legislation, and to protect the province’s public health care. Organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), the rally took place at Queen’s Park. Over four thousand people said they were interested in attending in advance of the event on Facebook. “The […]

UPDATE: 13++ Reasons to Come to the Giant Health Care Rally!

Doug Ford made cuts to OHIP+ and families with sick children now need to seek private insurance and pay deductibles and co-payments on medications for their sick children. Doug Ford cut planned mental health funding by more than $330 million! Doug Ford canceled ALL new planned overdose prevention sites. Doug Ford cut over $700,000 in […]

RELEASE: Ford’s ambulance and public health cuts and restructuring come with high costs, reduced services: Coalition warns

(April 17, 2019) Toronto – It has been done before and it resulted in enormous costs, not savings, and it compromised services. This was the message of the Ontario Health Coalition in reaction to the growing array of health care services that the Doug Ford government plans to restructure and cut. The coalition released their […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds town hall meeting in Brampton April 12

Legislation ‘forged in secret’ says coalition Apr 10, 2019 by Marta Marychuk Brampton Guardian The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) will be holding a town hall meeting on the province’s sweeping plans to restructure health care on Friday, April 12, in Brampton at Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre. The meeting, which is being organized in conjunction with the Peel Poverty […]

Outrage over plans to restructure health care

April 9, 2019 | Last Updated: April 9, 2019 3:49 PM EDT TIMMINS — The prospect of the Ontario Conservatives ramming through legislation in order to introduce privatized health care in Ontario was a grave concern to those who attended a town hall style meeting at the Timmins Museum Saturday. The meeting, which was attended […]

Town hall meeting to discuss major changes to Ontario health care

The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to Ontario’s health care, says the Timmins organizer of a town-hall style meeting being held at the museum this Saturday. April 3, 2019 | Last Updated: April 3, 2019 6:33 PM EDT The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to […]

Health-care changes ‘frightening’: Health coalition

Fears more privatization, which province denies; town hall meeting Friday in Sault April 3, 2019 | Last Updated: April 3, 2019 4:17 PM EDT The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to Ontario health care — and many will be “surprised and shocked” when they learn the truth, contends a Sault […]

Ontario healthcare bill spurs local action

April 1, 2019 | Last Updated: April 1, 2019 10:49 PM EDT Sault Ste. Marie Health Coalition will hold a town hall meeting on Friday, April 5 as part of a province-wide campaign to educate the public about the Ontario government’s plan to restructure the provincial healthcare system and create a new “super agency”. The […]

Bad medicine? If history holds true, Doug Ford’s health care cuts will cost us more money, not less

Dozens of Sudburians concerned about the future of health care participate in town hall meeting hosted by the Ontario Health Coalition on Sunday Apr 1, 2019 5:00 PM by: Carol Mulligan, for Sudbury.com Some 40 people attended a health care reform town hall meeting on March 31 in Sudbury, hosted by the Ontario Health Coalition. (Carol Mulligan) […]

Town hall meeting is looking at healthcare changes

It’s taking place Saturday at the museum Apr 1, 2019 3:00 PM by: Maija Hoggett With provincial legislation changes on the way for healthcare, a town hall meeting this weekend is talking about what it could mean. The Ontario Health Coalition event is Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at the Timmins Museum. Bill 74, the People’s […]

Ford government won’t hear from more than 1,500 on sweeping health restructuring bill: Coalition decries process as grossly undemocratic and objectionable

TORONTO, April 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ontario Health Coalition will appear before the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Social Policy this morning in the public hearings into Bill 74. The Ford government’s new health restructuring law, the Coalition reports, gives the Minister of Health and the government’s appointees in the new Super Agency […]

Health Coalition planning rally against proposed changes to healthcare

April 1, 2019 KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition and their Ontario counterpart say proposed new legislation gives the Ontario government sweeping new powers including the power to force privatization and restructuring of our health care. On February 26, 2019, Minister Christine Elliott unveiled the Government of Ontario’s legislation on healthcare reform. Bill 74 also […]

Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition concerned about Bill 74

April 1, 2019 in Health/Provincial by Lindsay Advocate With over 100 residents who came to the Bill 74 Town Meeting on March 27, the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition members and residents are growing concerned with the impacts of Bill 74. This new legislation is being pushed through the legislature quickly, notes a press release, with an expected passage on […]

Coalition vows to fight health-care changes

Mar 27 Health Coalitions across the province, led by the Ontario Health Coalition, are calling for the public’s help in fighting the government omnibus Bill 74 – The People’s Health Care Act, that proposes sweeping changes to how health care is administered in Ontario. At a town hall meeting recently hosted by the Chatham-Kent Health […]

VIDEO: Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott obfuscate questions on health privatization

Analysis Watch as Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott sidestep the opposition leader, Andrea Horwath’s, question in the legislature on whether private for-profit health corporations will play a role in Bill 74, the new health care legislation. The Ford government repeatedly refuses to disavow for-profit privatization of our public health care system. It is […]

Proposed health care changes could create ‘chaos’ for decades to come

Ontario Health Coalition warns of looming privatization in Ontario at Kitchener city hall Tuesday night Mar 26, 2019 KITCHENER — Proposed changes to the provincial health care system could create “chaos” that would last for decades if passed, according to the Ontario Health Coalition. Executive Director Natalie Mehra was the keynote speaker at a health […]

Ontario Health Coalition vows to stop new health care bill

The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is warning the province’s new omnibus health care bill will mean lost local services. Mar 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro) MARCH 22, 2019 8:41PM The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is taking action against the province’s new omnibus health care bill that could mean a loss of local services. […]

Health coalition slams proposed restructuring

March 21, 2019 | Last Updated: March 21, 2019 9:44 PM EDT Believing that patients will be negatively impacted in the long run, the Chatham-Kent Health Coalition is rallying the public to make their voices heard about the province’s proposed restructuring of the health-care system. Approximately 30 people attended a town hall Thursday night at […]

EVENTS: April 30 Rally to Protect Public Health Care

(March 20, 2019) Worried about the new health care legislation? Want to protect our public health? Join us at Queen’s Park on April 30 at 12 pm for a rally to improve public health care! Tell Doug Ford: NO to cuts & Privatization CLICK HERE: April 30 Rally Poster CLICK HERE: Get on the bus […]

Severe PSW shortage on agenda at health care Town Hall

March 19, 2019 The growing shortage of personal support workers and their difficult working conditions will be discussed at a Town Hall meeting Saturday, officials say. “The word is out. People are leaving the profession of PSW and they’re not enrolling in PSW courses at community colleges,” said Shirley Roebuck, chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Health […]

RELEASE: Ford Government is Steamrolling Health Restructuring Law Through in “Outrageously Undemocratic” Process Warns Health Coalition: Local Services at Risk

(March 18, 2019) The Ontario Health Coalition expressed outrage at the process by which the Ford government is rushing their new sweeping health care restructuring legislation through and is demanding public hearings across Ontario. In the new law, the Ford government has given itself new powers to order the privatization of health care services, along […]

Health Coalition warns Grimsby residents of health care privatization

MPP Oosterhoff says Bill 74 is about reducing bureaucracy Mar 15, 2019 Ontario Health Coalition researcher Doug Allan addresses the crowd during a town hall meeting hosted by the coalition in Grimsby on Thursday, related to concerns surrounding the PC government’s proposed omnibus health care bill. Also pictured is CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn and […]

People’s Healthcare Act is ‘really a restructuring bill’: Natalie Mehra

Mar 12, 2019 Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to a group of St. Catharines residents Monday evening. The coalition is cautioning about changes coming under the proposed Bill 74, the People’s Healthcare Act. – Luke Edwards , Niagara This Week The Ontario Health Coalition is warning Niagara that its health-care […]

Re-centralizing? Re-disorganizing? What exactly is Ontario doing to its health-care system? “CBC News, March 2, 2019”

Re-centralizing? Re-disorganizing? What exactly is Ontario doing to its health-care system? Kelly Crowe, CBC News Ontario’s health-care system is about to become a giant construction zone as the province blasts away bureaucratic walls to create a single super-agency that will run the entire $60-billion health delivery system. When the dust settles all of the province’s […]

Analysis: Ontario’s proposed healthcare overhaul receives mixed response in the Kawarthas

People’s Health Care Act, tabled Feb. 26 at legislature, consolidates 20 agencies under one entity in the hopes of improving service efficiencies Mar 04, 2019 Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as seen at Queen’s Park in a 2018 file photo. – Rick Madonik/Toronto Star The provincial government’s […]

RELEASE: Briefing Note: Doug Ford’s Omnibus Health Bill (Bill 74)

(March 2, 2019) We have excellent health care. We don’t have enough of it. Yet Doug Ford’s new health care omnibus bill does not open a single new health care service. Not a single surgery to help tackle wait lists. Not one new nursing home space. No more health professionals, vital support staff, nurses or […]

Health Care Omnibus Bill Sets Up Ontario for Health System Mega-Mergers & Privatization: Worse than the Leaked Draft, Health Coalition Warns Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4182516#ixzz5lMQs6zzD

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ontario Health Coalition released its preliminary analysis of the new health care omnibus bill today. Health Coalition spokespeople expressed deep concerns about the legislation and the sweeping upheaval to come. The legislation that was made public yesterday is worse than the draft bill in significant ways: it […]

BLOG POST: Protect Our Local Health Care from Mega-mergers & Privatization

(February 14, 2019) What you will find on this page: Submission to the Standing Committee How to contact Doug Ford and your MPP What is the new health legislation? Urgent updates Health Care Cuts BLOG POST: Mounting health care cuts RELEASE: Ford’s ambulance and public health cuts and restructuring comes with high costs, reduced services: […]

RELEASE: Warning that Leaked Health Care Omnibus Bill Would Create Health Care Chaos: Longstanding Leaders of Organizations Representing Patients, Care Workers, Doctors

Academic leaders, democracy advocates, patient advocates, front-line care workers and doctors are all speaking with one voice when it comes to the leaked health care omnibus bill that has secretly been planned by the Ford government for months: if passed, it would cause health care chaos that will last for years. Speaking at a Queen’s […]

RELEASE: Leaked omnibus health bill goes far beyond merging the LHINs

posted February 1, 2019

(February 1, 2019) Preliminary analysis reveals new unprecedented powers to order privatization and contracting out, mega-mergers and the elimination of public interest provisions in LHIN legislation By: Natalie Mehra, executive director Many of you will have heard about the new health care legislation drafted in secret by the Ford government and revealed to the […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Extremely Concerned About LHIN Restructuring Rumours

(January 24, 2019) Health Coalition Extremely Concerned About LHIN Restructuring Rumours Toronto – Following the story that broke on CBC news this morning revealing rumours that Ontario’s fourteen local health integration networks (LHINs) will be restructured into five the Ontario Health Coalition has raised questions about the Ford government’s intentions regarding this restructuring rumour. The […]

Health Coalition Quick Analysis of Ford Gov’t Economic Statement Today

This afternoon Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Finance, released the Ford government’s fall economic statement in the Ontario Legislature. On the news this morning it was reported that Mr. Fedeli warned Ontarians that we all must make sacrifices to deal with the deficit. This is not entirely true. The “mini-budget” as it has been termed […]

Woodstock’s private hospital permanently shutting its doors, The London Free Press, October 31, 2018

Woodstock’s private hospital permanently shutting its doors HEATHER RIVERS Updated: October 31, 2018 Lisa Figg (Linked in) and Shelley Vanderzwaag (Facebook) A private hospital in Woodstock is permanently closing its doors as a discipline hearing for two nurses who have worked there and changes to Ontario legislation governing such facilities loom. Woodstock Private Hospital will […]

Health Care Workers Rally at Queen’s Park, CP 24, October 23, 2018

https://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=1521438

Niagara residents rallying for health care, The St. Catharines Standard, Oct 17, 2018

Niagara residents rallying for health care Queen’s Park rally planned for Oct. 23 News Oct 17, 2018 by Allan Benner The St. Catharines Standard Subject: stethascope on 18/November/2010, at 4:54 pm, wynn, spencer wrote: – File photo Long-awaited new hospitals, an overdose prevention site and adequate funding for mental health services are among the […]

RELEASE: Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Health Coalition Warns it is Just Repackaging of Same Old Ideas that Have Led to Cuts, Restructuring and Privatization and Widespread Public Anger

(September 25, 2018) Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Health Coalition Warns it is Just Repackaging of Same Old Ideas that Have Led to Cuts, Restructuring and Privatization and Widespread Public Anger Toronto– It is long on propaganda but short on new ideas, and despite all rhetoric, would lead to more […]

RELEASE: Doug Ford’s planned cuts to provincial revenues on top of paying down deficit irresponsible and damaging: Health Coalition, September 21, 2018

(September 21, 2018) Reacting to Finance Minister Vic Fedeli’s speech today, the Ontario Health Coalition warned that dramatic cuts to provincial revenues planned by the Doug Ford government will be devastating if they are not stopped, and questioned why the government would pursue these cuts in light of their decision to choose a high deficit. […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Gordon Campbell – Canada’s Arch Health Care Privateer and Author of the Worst Cuts in B.C.’s History, September 20, 2018

(September 20, 2018) Briefing Note Gordon Campbell – Canada’s Arch Health Care Privateer and Author of the Worst Cuts in B.C.’s History Not only does he have an abysmal record on financial matters, but former B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, whom Doug Ford appointed to lead the Independent Financial Commission of Inquiry in Ontario, is perhaps […]

Resistance is not futile: Fight for Ross Memorial because threat to services is real, says OHC, Then Lindsay Advocate, September 13, 2018

NEWS. COMMUNITY. WELLNESS. Natalie Mehra, of the OHC, says speak up to save Ross Memorial’s services. Resistance is not futile: Fight for Ross Memorial because threat to services is real, says OHC Published on September 13, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Seniors by Trevor Hutchinson In a scathing indictment of hospital mergers that have occurred with shocking regularity across Ontario the […]

Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about amalgamation of Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital administration, Peterborough Examiner, September 13, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about amalgamation of Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital administration by Jessica Nyznik Examiner Staff Writer About 25 citizens attend the Ontario Health Coalition meeting on integration between PRHC and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay on Thursday September 13, 2018 at the Lions Community Centre in Peterborough, Ont. – […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Saving Public Health Care & Public Services Under the Doug Ford Government, September 11, 2018

Saving Public Health Care & Public Services Under the Doug Ford Government (September 11, 2018) By Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition Since Doug Ford’s election there has been a lot of glib talk about Ford as a buffoon, a Trump-north, an almost contemptible figure. But this ignores the fact that the brain trust […]

Ontario health care needs ‘system transformation’: Elliott, Toronto Sun, September 7, 2018

Ontario health care needs ‘system transformation’: Elliott Canadian PressMore from Canadian Press Published:September 7, 2018 Ontario Deputy Premier Christine Elliott talks with journalists following Question Period at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Ontario’s new government will uphold a promise to address hospital overcrowding but any action taken […]

Health Coalition organizes meetings to talk about proposed merger’s impact, The Lindsay Advocate, September 6, 2018

“We believe that the proposed integration will be devastating, with centralized surgeries, rehabilitation and palliative care moved.” Health Coalition organizes meetings to talk about proposed merger’s impact Published on September 6, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Local News/Seniors by Trevor Hutchinson Citizens concerned about the impact of the proposed ‘integration’ of the Ross Memorial Hospital and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre […]

Ford’s top five priorities a daunting challenge

(June 24, 2018) By: Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun Premier-designate Doug Ford takes office Friday with a new cabinet, a majority of the 124 newly-elected MPPs and a short but daunting to-do list. The Tories provided that list when asked what Ontarians should expect. NUMBER ONE: “Put more money in your pocket. Scrap the carbon tax, […]

Hospitals running at crisis levels, says watchdog

(June 6, 2018) By: Mary Katherine Keown, The Sudbury Star Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to Sudbury Star reporter Mary Katherine Keown in Sudbury on Friday. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia It should be no surprise that Sudbury (and Ontario) is facing a health care crunch. But it has become a […]

RELEASE: Ontario Election 2018 Health Care Resources

Click on each heading for Ontario election resources: **New Leaflet inside (note: if printing use legal size paper) Leaflet outside (note: if printing used legal size paper) Election Platform- top issues and “asks” for our political parties Media Release Provincial Election Platform release Health Care Questions for Candidates All Candidates’ Meetings Media coverage of Health […]

EVENT: June 22 Summit Registration Form

As the June 7 election draws near it seems more likely than ever that Ontario will have a new government. We are calling on our affiliates and active members to come together to strategize in light of the new context. This is a high-level meeting meant for leadership, policy and campaign staff and volunteers, active […]

Health Coalition Calls for Concrete Commitments

(May 16, 2018) By: Lynne Brown, saultonline.com After touring Ontario in recent weeks, The Ontario Health Coalition’s Executive Director, Natalie Mehra, returned to Toronto and held a press conference outside the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital. Mehra emphasized that there is a crisis as it relates to access to health care. Mehra stated that […]

Health-care ‘crisis’ topic of upcoming debates, St. Catharines Standard, May 11, 2018

Health-care ‘crisis’ topic of upcoming debates St. Catharines Standard Fri May 11 2018 Byline: Allan Benner It will take more than fleeting election promises to resolve the crisis that is brewing in hospitals across Ontario, says Ontario Health Coalition board member Doug Allan. As people contend with overcrowded hospital emergency departments and lengthy wait lists to access […]

Public health care watchdog launching in Waterloo Region

(May 4, 2018) By: CTV Kitchener The Ontario Health Coalition says it’s launching a new chapter in Waterloo Region. The non-partisan watchdog says its goal is to protect public health care. Executive director Natalie Mehra says hospital cuts in the province have been extreme. The Ontario Health Coalition says it will focus on turning […]

Natalie Mehra on CBC Radio One – Ontario Today with Rita Celli at noon, Thursday April 26

Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra is on CBC radio’s Ontario Today show at noon today talking about the crisis of hospital overcrowding. It is a call-in show so please share your stories and thoughts

Private clinics blur lines of care versus profit: FoM, Medicine Hat News, April 25, 2018

Private clinics blur lines of care versus profit: FoM Medicine Hat News Wed Apr 25 2018 Byline: Gillian Slade In the past two decades there has been a proliferation of private medical clinics that are potentially a violation of the Canada Health Act, said Friends of Medicare at a local public event Tuesday night. Private […]

MEDIA ADVISORY: OHC to respond to Ontario Budget

TORONTO – Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, will be available for comment on the Ontario Budget at Queen’s Park today, March 28th after 4:00 p.m. Dana Boettger, OHC Communications, 416-441-2502 The Ontario Health Coalition and local coalitions throughout Ontario are working on fighting hospital cuts, protecting public health care for all, […]

UPDATE: Time To Care Rally Video

Almost a thousand people came out to push Bill 33 over the top and win a regulated minimum care standard of an average of 4-hours hands-on care per day for long-term care (nursing home) residents. The crowd was joined by France Gélinas, NDP Health Critic and sponsor of the Bill which has already passed 1st […]

Eric Hoskins’ lasting legacy as health minister, Toronto Star, Feb 28, 2018

(February 28, 2018) By: Bob Hepburn, Toronto Star Eric Hoskins’ lasting legacy as health minister Barely weeks after he was appointed as Ontario health minister, Eric Hoskins attended a private dinner in Banff with his provincial counterparts and Rona Ambrose, then federal health minister. Although it wasn’t on the agenda, the first thing Hoskins did […]

ACTION UPDATE: Pharmacare Ontario Tour

(February 22, 2018) Over the next few months, the Ontario Health Coalition will join the Canadian Labour Congress in the Ontario leg of a national tour to more than 25 communities. Featuring Canada’s foremost pharmacare experts and advocates, these important discussions will address why we need a prescription drug plan that covers all Canadians. Click […]

RELEASE: Health Minister’s hospital bed announcement welcome but it is only a temporary band aid, more is needed: Health Coalition

Health Minister’s hospital bed announcement welcome but it is only a temporary band aid, more is needed: Health Coalition (February 2, 2018) Toronto – “Although the Minister’s announcement today promising to extend funding for 1,235 ‘temporary’ hospital beds for one year is a positive step it is only a temporary band aid that will not […]

Older Persons Day a time to push for change

posted June 12, 2017

(September 28, 2017) By: Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, OHC In May, The Hamilton Spectator reported that for the first time in Hamilton and Ontario, seniors outnumber children. In fact, in Hamilton, Burlington and Grimsby almost one in every five people is 65 or older. Hamilton is slightly greyer than the rest of Ontario and the […]

UPDATE: ONDP Pharmacare Plan: A Welcome Step Toward Comprehensive Drug Coverage for All

(April 24, 2017) The Ontario Health Coalition welcomes the Ontario NDP’s announcement today of a proposed drug program to expand coverage to 2.2 million Ontarians. Just as public health care, or “medicare”, covers hospitals and doctors, public pharmacare would be a public insurance program covering medicines. It would improve the current patchwork of private insurance […]

RELEASE: CIHI/Commonwealth Fund study on health: the good the bad and what’s missing

(February 16, 2017) In the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s spin-off report from the annual Commonwealth Fund International Health Survey of 11 countries released today, Canada fared pretty well. Though the Canadian Institute for Health Information led its media messaging with wait times, it should be noted that the study ranks Canada at or above […]

RELEASE: As Prime Minister Trudeau meets with First Ministers, Health Coalition calls for both sides to give ground to forge a new Health Accord in the public interest

(December 9, 2016) In advance of tonight’s dinner discussion on health care between the provincial-territorial Premiers and the Prime Minister, the Ontario Health Coalition called out both sides for their intransigence and advocated a new Health Accord forged in the public interest. For months, provincial premiers and the federal government have been at odds over […]

RELEASE: Coalition Warns Health Minister: Privatization of Ontario’s Health Systems for Patient Records and Information Will Incite Massive Public Opposition

(October 7, 2016) Banking Executive is Not Trusted to Protect Patient or Public Interest, Especially After Hydro Privatization Debacle Toronto –This afternoon, the Wynne government has made public a formal invitation from the Health Minister to Ed Clark to “assess and validate the value these [health data, e-health records and related intellectual property and infrastructure] […]

RELEASE: Throne Speech: Wynne’s Opportunity to Chart Improved Course for Health Care

(September 12, 2016) With today’s Throne Speech, the Wynne government is trying for a fresh start. If this is to succeed, some long-simmering health care issues must be addressed to realign her government’s health policies with the values and priorities of Ontarians. “More than eight years of austerity budgets in Ontario’s public community hospitals has […]

CONFERENCE: Reforming Long-Term Care Homes in the Public Interest

(August 29, 2016) Last Updated: October 3, 2016 CONFERENCE Reforming Long-Term Care Homes in the Public Interest Friday October 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bond Place Hotel, 65 Dundas St. E., Toronto The Ontario Health Coalition is hosting a pan-Canadian conference on reforming long-term care in the public interest, co-sponsored by the Canadian Health Coalition […]

SUBMISSION: Speaking Out About Protecting Health Care from International Trade Agreements

Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra presented to the Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on International Trade on May 12 in Windsor. She is speaking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, a so-called “trade deal” among 12 countries representing about 40 percent of the global economy. There is a wide consensus among experts that this proposed agreement really […]

Health Coalition wants residents to go to the polls

(April 25, 2016) By: Chris Dawson, Baytoday.ca “I think there is also an issue with health services in the North and that we have to bring attention to it and our campaign is one way of doing that.” It may not be election time but the North Bay chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition is […]

How Can You Get Involved In the Campaign

(April 25, 2016) Here is the list of contacts for communities across Ontario that are active in the campaign currently. Please contact one nearest to you to get involved. We will continually update this page as more communities join. If your community is not on this list, we are looking for volunteers across the province to help. […]

‘No plans whatsoever’ to close Wallaceburg ER, health minister says

(April 18, 2016) By: CBC News Ontario Health Minister Erik Hoskins insists the province has no plans to close the the Wallaceburg Emergency Department at the Sydenham Campus-Wallaceburg District Hospital. Residents from the Walpole Island First Nation and Wallaceburg are holding a press conference Monday to talk about whey claim is a planned closure of […]

RELEASE: Welland Hospital Awareness Day at Ontario Legislature: Patients, Residents Demand Plan to Close Welland Hospital Be Stopped

(March 21, 2016) Toronto – At a press conference today at Queen’s Park, patients and concerned citizens from Welland issued an urgent plea to Ontario’s Minister of Health to overturn the decision to close the Welland Hospital, telling him that more than 100,000 people served by the Welland Hospital will suffer worse access to […]

Patients need real solutions to a health system in crisis

(February 1, 2016) By: Julie Devaney On Friday I wrote about my personal and political experiences as a patient activist and my take on the new patient ombudsman position to which Christine Elliot has been appointed. I have a lot more to say about many aspects of this appointment and its implications. Today, my starting […]

Memorial: A Ceremony of Remembrance for Those Impacted by Violence and Inadequate Care in Long-Term Care Homes.

(August 7, 2015) Please come and join us on International Day of Older Persons. Thursday, October 1, 2015 Queen’s Park, Toronto 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Casa Verde Inquest. A coroner’s jury recommended sweeping changes into the operation of Ontario’s long-term care homes after […]

Brockville hospital cuts hurt patients

(July 28, 2015) By Ronald Zajac, Recorder and Times A provincial funding freeze is leading Brockville General Hospital to cut front-line staffing and endanger patient health, a small group of health care union advocates said Tuesday. The Ontario Health Coalition launched a petition urging the provincial government to stop the recently announced cuts at BGH […]

The Ontario Health Coalition’s Annual Organic Locally-Grown Garlic Fundraiser is back!

(June 16, 2015) The Ontario Health Coalition works to improve the public health system: to reduce wait times and keep our hospitals and community health services vibrant. We believe care should come before profit and all should have equal access to care based on need, not wealth. We work to ensure that these values which […]

RELEASE: Ontario Budget Watch

(April 23, 2015) Ontario Budget Will Result in Devastating Hospital Cuts If Funding is Not Improved (Toronto) – For the fourth consecutive year Ontario’s hospitals will suffer real-dollar budget cuts according to today’s Ontario Budget. This is the longest unbroken period of real-dollar public hospital cuts in Ontario’s history. Already, Ontario has cut hospital […]

Upcoming Events Across Ontario

(February 25, 2015) Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday, February 25, 7 p.m., Public Meeting to Save Major Hospital Cuts Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 25 (Main Hall) 96 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie Click here for Event Poster North Bay Thursday February 26, 7 p.m., Public Meeting to Stop Major Hospital Cuts Emmanuel United Church, 395 […]

A fight to save healthcare jobs

(February 18, 2015) By Darren Taylor, sootoday.com The Ontario Healthcare Coalition will be holding a public meeting in Sault Ste. Marie to protest impending job cuts at Sault Area Hospital (SAH) and, hopefully, come up with a plan to apply enough pressure to the Ontario government to save those jobs. SAH will soon begin the […]

Save Our Services Public Meeting in Leamington

(January 14, 2015) Major Hospital Cuts Threatened Save Our Services! Public Meeting Tuesday January 20, 7 p.m. Leamington District Secondary School 125 Talbot St. W. (Gym #2) Speakers Include: Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition Andrea Cassidy, Midwifery Collective of Essex County Frank Cinicolo, Ontario Nurses’ Association Michael Hurley, Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE […]

Save Our Hospital! Niagara-on-the-Lake Fundraising Dinner and Town Hall Meeting

(January 12, 2015) Protect Our Local Public Hospital Services in Niagara-on-the-Lake Friday January 16, 6 p.m., Fundraising Dinner – Addison Hall, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 41 Byron St., NOTL. Tickets $25 please call Sandra 289-868-9310. Saturday January 17, 10 a.m., Town Hall Meeting – Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane, NOTL. For more information call Sue […]

EVENTS: Photos from Rally at Queen’s Park

(November 21, 2014) Many thanks to the thousands of people who came out to the November 21 Rally at Queen’s Park. Thanks to your support and hard work, the event was a huge success! The sun was shining as more than 3000 participants from across Ontario gathered to call on Ontario’s government to Stop the […]

URGENT: Save Our Community Hospitals Upcoming Meetings and Events across Ontario

(November 4, 2014) The government of Ontario is undertaking an aggressive plan to dismantle community hospitals and contract-out hospital surgeries and diagnostics to private clinics. In the most aggressive cuts plan that we have ever seen, after more than five years of budget slashing, they plan to close all of the outpatient services that they […]

October 18-19: OHC Health Action Assembly & Conference

(October 24, 2014) Register today for this year’s assembly and conference being held at St. Stephen’s Community House in Toronto’s Kensington Market. Topics include: The assault on Public Medicare by the Harper Conservative government in Ottawa The incursions by private clinics and the private health care industry, and their attempt to bring down the laws […]

RELEASE: “OHC Austerity Index” details Hospital Cuts and Privatization Reach New Levels: Coalition Announces “S.O.S.” – Save Our Services – Day of Action

(February 25, 2013) At a Queen’s Park press conference this morning, the Ontario Health Coalition, representing more than 400 organizations dedicated to protecting public health care …

REPORT: Unprecedented Health Cuts, Privatization and Dismantling of Hospitals Starting Across Ontario: OHC Report

(December 5, 2012) Ontario’s health care funding, already nearly the lowest per person in the country, is being curtailed by $3 billion …

Ontario Health Coalition Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 102, Transparent Drug System for Patients Act, 2006

(May 29, 2006) Ontario Health Coalition 15 Gervais Drive, Suite 305 Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y8 tel: 416-441-2502 fax: 416-441-4073 email: ohc@sympatico.ca www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca Introduction The Ontario Health Coalition is a network of over 400 grassroots community organizations representing virtually all areas of Ontario. Our primary goal is to empower the members of our constituent organizations to […]

BRIEF: Urgent Issue Brief: Reaction to Government Health Funding Announcement Today

(April 28, 2006) Click here for Brief

Homecare Under Threat of Long Term Privatization: New Report Reveals Litany of Problems in Competitive Bidding Process

(March 31, 2005) Toronto – In response to large protests in Ottawa, St. Catharines and Toronto, the Minister of Health announced a review of competitive bidding in homecare last fall. Elinor Caplan has been appointed to conduct the review. However, she has stated that her mandate is to review “procurement procedure” not competitive bidding, despite […]