NDP: Health Minister prioritizes insurance companies’ profits over delivering universal health coverage for Ontarians

TORONTO – Earlier this month, Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP called on Premier Doug Ford to stand up for Ontarians and hold Ottawa to their commitment on delivering pharmacare. In response to Stiles, the Minister of Health prioritized insurance companies’ profits over delivering universal health care for Ontarians.

In the letter responding to the request, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones stated: “Ontario’s position has been consistent from day one: any solution should focus on filling in the gaps to provide coverage for those without sufficient coverage, instead of needlessly replacing existing private insurance plans that are serving Ontarians well.”

“It is upsetting to see that our Minister of Health is putting big profits for insurance companies over universal health care access for Ontarians,” said MPP France Gélinas, NDP Shadow Minister of Health. “At a time when Ontarians are facing rising costs and too many patients are rationing medication or forgoing treatment altogether, this response is an insult to Ontarians. In the face of economic uncertainty, we must ensure that workers, families – and all Ontarians – are not stuck paying out-of-pocket for their health. People are counting on us.”

“One in five Canadians are left without prescription drug coverage,while Ontarians face some of the highest deductibles in the country.” said MPP Dr. Robin Lennox, shadow Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “It is unacceptable and deeply troubling that this government continues to put the profits of private insurance companies ahead of protecting Ontarians with universal health care. The province neglecting to sign onto the federal pharmacare deal will be leaving billions of dollars on the table that could relieve our strained health system. Putting profits over health care is both reckless, greedy, and leaving families across Ontario to pay the price.”