Brown asks the Premier about impact of electricity prices at Barrie’s RVH

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Leader of the Official Opposition and Simcoe North MPP Patrick Brown asked the Premier about the impact of skyrocketing electricity prices on the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.

“RVH is doing their best to lower their energy usage. That’s because they will be seeing a six-figure increase in its hydro bills this coming year,” said Brown. “The hospital will see a four to six per cent increase in hydro costs which will cost the hospital approximately $200,000.”

Across the province, public institutions like hospitals and long-term care homes have seen their hydro bills skyrocket in recent years. RVH Spokesperson Jane Cocking was quoted as saying, “We know hydro rates are going up, [but] we have to keep the lights on.”

“But at what expense? Should that money not be going to frontline care?” asked Brown. “Why does the Premier think hospitals should be paying more for hydro instead of more for health care?”