(May 15, 2023)<\/p>\n
By: Todd Hambleton, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder<\/p>\n
Local organizers of what\u2019s being called the people\u2019s referendum on the privatization of public hospitals in Ontario say about 5,000 ballots are being distributed to workplaces in the lead-up to the May 26-27 event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is important for two reasons (including access to ballots),\u201d said Louise Lanctot, joined by Elaine MacDonald \u2013 they\u2019re co-chairs of the SDG\/Cornwall Health Coalition \u2013 at a rally held on Friday afternoon in downtown Cornwall that attracted about 50 coalition members and supporters. \u201c(Those receiving ballots will also) be bringing the news about this back to their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was announced in mid-April at a rally in front of Cornwall Community Hospital that over 20 poll sites will be set up across Cornwall and area for a citizen-led referendum in response to the Ontario government\u2019s Bill 60. That bill was passed last week at Queen\u2019s Park; the Ontario Health Coalition says it legitimizes the transfer of health-care services from public non-profit hospitals to for-profit hospitals and clinics.<\/p>\n
At the most recent rally in Cornwall, in front of Stormont\u2014Dundas\u2014South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn\u2019s office, Lanctot and MacDonald said the coalition has been getting some pushback from the Doug Ford Conservative government, which they say makes it even more important for people to have a say in the matter.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe the people know what\u2019s going on (in health care), we have the experience with it,\u201d Lanctot said. (The government narrative that) there\u2019ll be no extra charges (as a result of privatization) is patently false.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said MacDonald: \u201cWe all know it\u2019s about the money. With Bill 60, the whole balance is being skewed. This is about nothing but money \u2013 money will determine the kind of care you get.\u201d<\/p>\n
MacDonald said privatization of hospital services was not on the 2022 provincial ballot, \u201cand in fact the premier denied any intention of bringing it in while he was campaigning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, supporters of public health care and public hospitals across Ontario are putting it on a ballot now and on May 31, they will converge on Toronto to deliver the ballots to Queen\u2019s Park.\u201d<\/p>\n
Organizers say many of the polls will be walk-up or drive-through, and that voters will sign an attestation they are at least 16 years of age and will only vote once, providing their postal code for proof of Ontario residency.<\/p>\n
The polls are among 1,000 identified across the province, and with the goal of one million votes.<\/p>\n