Simcoe County Health Coalition holding health-care referendum
Posted: May 9, 2023
(May 8th, 2023)
By: Midland Today
The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) is gravely concerned with the current government’s plans to convert our local public hospitals’ core services into for-profit hospitals and clinics.
Similarly, the SCHC is disturbed by the government’s expedition of the passing of Bill 60, which will open the door to further privatization, the lowering of quality of care standards, deregulation of health-care professions, lack of accountability, and lack of transparency. Without question, this would severely damage all local public hospitals and the delivery of health care in small and rural towns.
With the Ontario Health Coalition, the SCHC has organized an Ontario-wide, citizen-run referendum and is mobilizing with other coalitions to garner votes across the province. Voting in the referendum will give a clear voice to millions of Ontarians who oppose the privatization of our hospital services. The vote will take place throughout May, with the main voting days on May 26 and 27.
Across Ontario, there are more than 500 voting stations so far, with more coming every day. Today, the Simcoe County Health Coalition is announcing polling stations in several areas of Simcoe County, as part of this referendum.
Simcoe County residents aged 16 or older who have not already voted in the referendum are invited to vote at a polling station from the list or visit www.simcoecountyhealthcoalition.org for up-to-date information and advance poll dates and locations.
Ontario residents who cannot attend an in-person polling station may vote online at www.PublicHospitalVote.ca.
The Simcoe County Health Coalition is also seeking volunteers to staff polling stations and distribute leaflets. Everyone who believes in democracy and in protecting our local public hospitals’ services is welcome to join. To volunteer, complete a volunteer surveyor reach out via email to simcoecountyhc@gmail.com. You can also find the SCHC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram