NDP demands dedicated resources for Peel as COVID-19 positivity skyrockets in Brampton

BRAMPTON — As the percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive skyrockets in Brampton, Official Opposition NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh (Brampton Centre) is demanding again that the Ford government provide the dedicated resources that Peel Region needs to stop the spread.

Today the Toronto Star reported that 19 per cent of COVID-19 tests are coming back positive in one part of Brampton. About 3 per cent is considered a dangerous number by experts. Meanwhile, the local health care system is already stretched to the limit, with Brampton Civic Hospital consistently in Code Gridlock.

“The people of Brampton are risking their lives to move goods across the province, keep our food supply chain moving and working in our factories. They’re working in health care and front-line essential services. Instead of investing in keeping them safe and stopping the spread of COVID-19, Doug Ford is telling them they’re on their own because he doesn’t want to spend the money to protect them.

“This is only adding to the strain on Brampton’s health care system after decades of underfunding by Liberals and Conservatives.”

The legislature passed a motion from Brampton North NDP MPP Kevin Yarde to rush more resources to Brampton. Ford has ignored the decision of the legislature, and continued to deny Brampton the help it needs.

For every 1,000 residents, Brampton has just 0.96 hospital beds — less than half the province-wide average of 2.19 hospital beds. That isn’t expected to change any time soon, because Ford didn’t put a single penny towards building a new hospital in Brampton or expanding Peel Memorial in his recent budget.

“Brampton deserves its fair share of health care funding, especially now, as it gets hit hard by the pandemic,” said Singh. “The provincial government should be giving Peel Region and the city of Brampton the dedicated resources they need, not making empty promises at press conferences.”