(October 6, 2015)<\/p>\n
By: David Gough, Postmedia Network<\/p>\n
It’s likely that a lot of voters weren’t moved to change their vote following an all-candidates health-care forum held at the Walpole Island Sports Complex on Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
Both the Liberal and Conservative candidates snubbed the forum organized by the Chatham-Kent Health Coalition, leaving the NDP and Green candidates mostly speaking in front of their supporters and preaching to the choir regarding health-care.<\/p>\n
NDP candidate Rex Isaac and Green candidate Jim Johnston were on hand, and both took the opportunity to discredit the Conservative government.<\/p>\n
The forum panel also featured Natalie Mehra, executive director, Ontario Health Coalition and Tina Stevens, an Aboriginal health advocate.<\/p>\n
Although health is a provincial responsibility, Mehra said the federal government is responsible for First Nation health-care services, RCMP and military health-care and funding, as well as pharmaceutical policy. The federal government is also responsible for upholding the Canada Health Act.<\/p>\n
Mehra also blasted Liberal candidate Ken Filson and Conservative candidate Bev Shipley for skipping the forum, which attracted about 40 people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s an affront to democracy frankly. Health-care is a key issue for voters all across this county. There are big issues on the table,\u201d Mehra said.<\/p>\n
She points out that the next federal government will tackle health-care issues such as a drug program, an Alzheimer’s strategy, and dealing with a funding shortfall.<\/p>\n
Stevens said took aim at the Conservative government for a funding shortfall for health-care, as well as a number of cuts in funding to Aboriginal health initiatives.<\/p>\n
Green candidate Jim Johnston said when the health-care system was first introduced, it was funded by 50 percent by the federal government. Now it pays 12.5 percent of the cost.<\/p>\n
Johnston said the reason why health-care is not working in Canada is because it’s being \u201cchoked to death.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isaac spoke at-length about the NDP’s health-care platform and initiatives.<\/p>\n
The federal election is Oct. 19.<\/p>\n