Ottawa area health-care workers react to Ontario throne speech
In a message to Ontarians about their plans for the province, the Ford government hinted at a “bold” new strategy for health care.
Some fear it’s the first steps on the path to privatization.
“As the province continues to pursue these [health care] reforms, it will not be limited by conventional thinking that stifles innovation and preserves a status quo that struggles to respond to growing challenges and changing needs. Instead, guided by the best evidence and the successes of other jurisdictions, your government will take bold action that prioritizes patients and their health above all else,” Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell read.
The province acknowledged the struggles affecting the health-care system across Ontario, including emergency room shutdowns in the capital, but pushed back against claims the system is in crisis.
The PC government says that nine out of 10 high-urgency patients are finishing their emergency visit within target times, and that surgeries at happening at 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Ontario hospitals say it is thanks to the ability of health-care workers to pivot that they’re able to continue operating at an even higher capacity than pre-pandemic levels.
“It is short-staffed but running more beds than [Kingston Health Sciences Centre] did before the pandemic,” Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO of Kingston Health Sciences Centre said. “Short-staffed today really means we’re running a baseline number of beds that’s far greater than we ever did before the pandemic.”
The province highlighting the more than $40 billion being spent on health care, and the creation of more than 3500 new hospital beds, 30,000 long term care beds as well as the expansion of current hospitals like the $29 million allotted for new Civic campus In Ottawa.
The Ottawa Hospital said in a statement that it was pleased to see the Speech from the Throne highlight health care.
“The Ottawa Hospital is pleased to see that the provincial government is continuing to invest in our health-care system, as we work through the COVID-19 pandemic and plan for the future of health-care. We continue to work productively with the Ministry of Health to ensure that we provide high-quality care to everyone in need,” the statement said.
But health-care leaders say virtually every aspect of the system needs to be upgraded.
“We certainly need strategies for training and retaining or recruiting professionals. Physicians, nurses, RPNs, respiratory therapists, social workers, there’s a long list of people that we need to expand that capacity. We need to modernize our hospitals,” Dr. Pichota said.
Others are warning the new investments touted by the province will have little benefit if they cannot solve the root problems that have led to a health-care exodus.
“You can put as much money as you want into infrastructure in new beds, and new facilities and new training programs but if you’re not addressing the root cause of why are people not staying, all that money is for nothing,” Rachel Muir, a Register Nurse and the Bargaining President for the Ontario Nurses Association Local 83, said.
The province says it needs more help, calling on the federal government to increase health transfer from 22 per cent to 35 per cent.
Muir says the province needs to start by admitting the system is in crisis.
“How long do we have to keep repeating this message until it finally gets through? Honestly, I think we’re going to have to keep repeating it until people start to die. And that is coming,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.