(May 12, 2016)<\/p>\n
Author: Sherri Sherbo, Windsor Star<\/p>\n
When we talk about the disturbing trend in Ontario health care, some members of the public seem hesitant to believe it affects them. Nothing could be further from the truth.<\/p>\n
The negative impact on our Ontario communities is far-reaching. Program closures, decreases in front-line staff, pay cuts to MDs, the privatization and outsourcing of clinical services \u2014 all signal a decline in our community wellness and add inconvenience and burden to the taxpayer at a time when we can least afford it and are most vulnerable: when we are ill.<\/p>\n
In an e-mail I received from the Hon. Deb Matthews, I learned the 2016 budget will reflect the administrations\u2019\u00a0 \u201ccontinued commitment to ensuring Ontario has a strong and sustainable health care system.\u201d<\/p>\n
That statement is less than reassuring and even troubling when we consider funding is not subject to any type of regulatory process or oversight to ensure the allocation of these funds will serve the public\u2019s greatest good.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time for action. The Ontario Health Coalition has recently launched a provincewide campaign to raise public awareness and support for the development of a healthier community through Ontario health care reform.<\/p>\n
On May 28, there will be a public referendum across Ontario. Queen\u2019s Park did not call for it.<\/p>\n
A ground roots, civic-minded movement has risen up of proud Ontarians who recognize the importance of a safe, reliable health care system that is responsive\u00a0 to our community needs.<\/p>\n
They saw the need for action and responded accordingly. People just like us.<\/p>\n
Think about the state of health care in Ontario and ask yourself what type of legacy you want to leave your grandchildren.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s their future that rests in our hands after all.<\/p>\n