Liberal Cuts to Health Care Hurt Patients and Province’s Vulnerable

QUEEN’S PARK – After four years of frozen hospital budgets and a $54-million cut to health care in last year’s Budget, the Liberal Government’s Budget 2016 included only negligible investments in frontline health care while the province’s most vulnerable continue to suffer.

“Despite the fact the budget was released at the end of February, hardly a thing has changed in our health care system. More cuts, cuts and cuts,” said Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown during today’s Question Period. “Toronto General and Toronto Western had to cut 51 registered nurse positions. 59 were cut at Mount Sinai. 61 registered nurse Positions were lost at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton.”

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Leader Patrick Brown also highlighted cuts to health care from across the province which have had a profound impact on women.

“We know the postpartum depression clinic at Ontario Shores is only able to open one day a week because of government cuts. Cuts are threating the obstetrics unit at Georgian Bay General Hospital. This government still hasn’t committed to hiring a new doctor at the obstetrics and gynecology unit in Leamington,” concluded Brown.

“Why is the Premier abandoning mothers in this province?  Will she stop the cuts to Maternal Health Care?”