(January 3, 2023)<\/p>\n
By: Shirley Roebuck in The Sarnia Observer<\/p>\n
Premier Doug Ford released a New Year\u2019s message in which he proclaimed that Ontario\u2019s \u201cfuture is bright\u201d and its \u201cbest days are still ahead.\u201d He vowed his government \u201cwill never stop working for workers\u201d and touted a number of initiatives, including investing in the skilled trades.<\/p>\n
Health care was mentioned in the premier\u2019s comments. Ford said his government is hiring thousands more nurses, doctors and personal support workers.<\/p>\n
I cannot comment on the government\u2019s efforts in other sectors, but I do not see any changes in our public health-care system that would alleviate the chronic short staffing in our hospitals, long-term care homes or home care. Few new health-care workers have been hired, no plans for increased staffing have been created, appeal of the court\u2019s repeal of Bill 124 is planned, and on it goes. Mr. Ford cannot claim he is doing anything that will realistically help our public health system. His standing in the polls reflect that.<\/p>\n
I hear nothing from Labour Minister Monte McNaughton (who represents Lambton\u2013Kent\u2013Middlesex) regarding plans to recruit health workers. There is nothing but silence from Trevor Jones, the Conservative MPP from Chatham-Kent\u2013Leamington.<\/p>\n
However, Bob Bailey, the Conservative MPP for Sarnia-Lambton, stated we had a positive 2022 and commented upon several projects that have been approved for 2023. Mr. Bailey noted there are also planned investments to long-term care homes, including new beds at Sumac Lodge. Sumac Lodge, owned by Revera, is a private, for-profit long-term care home. Revera had one of the worst records for patient care during the COVID pandemic. No announcement was noted for more money flowing to public municipal long-term care homes, despite much needed upgrades to beds.<\/p>\n
This government is not trying to \u201cfix\u201d our health system. The Conservatives want to privatize health care. All of us deserve a government that will work for the people of Ontario. Call or email your MPP and Doug Ford and tell them you want a strong, invigorated PUBLIC health system.<\/p>\n