The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is organizing public hearings in twelve communities across Ontario on the future of small, rural and northern hospitals. These consultations are intended to provide a meaningful opportunity for residents to express their views on hospital restructuring and how they and their communities are affected by closures and cuts to services. After last April's rally at Queen's Park which drew over 1000 protesters from around the province, the Minister of Health did announce a Panel on Rural and Northern Health Care. However, no provision was made for public consultations until after the panel made its recommendations to the Minister. At each of the hearings a non-partisan panel will listen to the concerns and recommendations of individuals and local organizations, then use this input to create a report which will be given to the Minister and Premier, as well as released to the media and brought into the legislature.
Panellists are France Gelinas, current NDP MPP for Nickel Belt; Roger Gallaway, former Liberal MP for Sarnia Lambton; Dr. Claudette Chase, Sioux Lookout; Dr. Tim Macdonald, Petrolia; Barb Proctor, RN, Picton; Kay Tod, RN, Burk's Falls; and Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, OHC.
We encourage members to attend in support and/or make a submission where this is appropriate. Submissions may be made verbally or in writing. In some areas, current and retired OSSTF/FEESO members are already actively involved with local hospital campaigns and may be willing to represent the district at the hearings. The attached flyer provides details on dates and locations for OHC public hearings taking place in March. Contact Margaret McPhail (mcphaim@osstf.on.ca) at the provincial office for more information. |
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