Ontario families need Public Health Units now more than ever: Horwath

Ford’s cuts come as Toronto Public Health investigates measles cases

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath called on Doug Ford to reverse his deep cuts to Ontario’s Public Health Units on Monday, as news from Toronto Public Health reveals two confirmed cases of measles, and potential exposures at the airport and zoo.

“Families throughout the province are worried about their health and the health of their children,” said Horwath. “They appreciate the importance of immunizations and vaccinations and the important work of Public Health Units to find, contain and stop outbreaks.

“Now more than ever, we need to invest in Public Health Units, not rip resources away from them.”

On Monday, Toronto Public Health alerted families of its investigation into two lab-confirmed cases of measles. News of the investigation comes on the heels of a study from Public Health Ontario that raises concerns about the number of Ontario children that are not vaccinated for measles.

“Cutting billions from Public Heath makes Ontario families less safe and less healthy,” said Horwath. “New Democrats will continue to partner with health experts, families and municipalities and do everything we can to stop Ford from taking risks with our loved ones.”