MPP Walker challenges Liberal government over cuts to Assistive Devices program

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Bill Walker, the MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and the PC Critic for Long-Term Care, slammed the Liberal government’s cut to the Assistive Devices program that has resulted in an inexcusable backlog and wait times for assessment and repair services.

“Does the government care enough about what happens to Ontario’s vulnerable people when they cut $20 million from their Assistive Devices program? Judging by the evidence, the answer is no,” said Walker.
During Question Period at Queen’s Park, MPP Walker challenged the Health Minister to fix the unacceptably long wait times for the service that is forcing Ontario’s vulnerable people to wait almost a year for an assessment and repairs for their adaptive devices, like wheelchairs and prosthetics.
“Jeff Preston is one of those 300,000 Ontarians whose life depends on timely access to adaptive equipment through Assistive Devices. He has been waiting to be assessed for a suitable wheelchair for almost a year, wondering each day ‘if this will be the day of his worst nightmare, where he is made a prisoner in his own home,’” MPP Walker said, quoting from a letter written by Port Elgin native Jeff Preston.
“The Minister stated he was proud of their record as related to assistive devices. Well I am not and I want to know what action the Minister is going to take today to remedy Jeff’s particular situation and the inexcusable backlog, so that all Ontarians needing repairs for their assistive devices, wheelchairs and prosthetics can live with dignity and independence.”
MPP Walker concluded the Liberal government is rationing care for Ontario’s vulnerable after cutting $20 million in funding from the Assistive Devices program in the 2015 budget.
“I think it’s deplorable that the Liberal government’s continued cuts to health care are preventing Ontarians from receiving the optimal health care they need and deserve,” he said. “Immediate action, not more cuts, is required. This must include restoring the funding they cut in 2015 so that Ontarians can receive the care and services they need and deserve in a timely manner.”

***Video link: https://www.facebook.com/BillWalkerMPP/videos/1294107533937689/