November 30th, 2015

Liberal cuts to frontline healthcare hurting communities: NDP

During Question Period today, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath denounced Liberal cuts to frontline healthcare in Whitby and across the province. Last week, families in Whitby and Oshawa learned that yet another 21 workers will be laid off because of this government’s cuts to health care.

“The Liberals’ decision to squeeze Ontario’s hospitals means that less care for patients is taking place, more worry for families and lost paycheques and layoffs for dedicated workers,” said Horwath. “Today, families in Whitby have a straightforward question and they deserve a straightforward answer: Will this Liberal government step up and stop the layoffs of 21 hospital workers in Whitby.”

The Minister of Health and Long-Term Care admitted that his government is “transforming” healthcare in Ontario, but he refused to answer for the damaging impact of frontline care cuts on communities across the province. The NDP Leader pointed out that these cuts are hitting home. Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences says it is ‘increasingly challenging’ to grapple with the Liberals’ five-year freeze on hospital funding.

“The 21 layoffs at the hospital in Whitby are just the latest cuts to hospitals on a long, long list. The Liberals are forcing 84 jobs to be eliminated at hospitals in Belleville and Trenton. At noon today, families in North Bay, will rally against the staggering 150 job cuts at their local hospital,” said Horwath. 

Horwath reminded the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care that every one of those workers in our hospitals plays an important role. They help provide care to patients in their most vulnerable moments, but that doesn’t seem to be a priority for this Liberal government.

“When will the Liberals start listening to people in Whitby, Oshawa, North Bay, Toronto and right across the province and stop cutting the hospital supports, the hospital care that families rely on?” said Horwath.