News From the Park from MPP Michael Mantha
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha
It has been a little over a week since the Liberal Budget was announced. Since then my NDP colleagues and I have been asking for your feedback. In that time, we have heard from over 38,000 Ontarians.
Out of the thousands of concerns we have heard about, it’s clear that many Ontarians are very worried about the healthcare system.
When the McGuinty liberals tabled their budget, we saw a proposal that would leave patients waiting longer in the emergency room while protecting seven-figure pay for public sector CEOs in the boardroom.
Ontarians are hard pressed to accept drastic cuts to our healthcare system when we know the government has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on boondoggles like Ornge. After so many years of mismanagement, Ontario cannot afford another healthcare spending scandal.
What the Liberals have proposed in this budget cuts deeper into the healthcare system than the drastic changes recommended in the Drummond Report.
The New Democrats have put forth practical proposals for consideration in this budget. We want to restrict the excessive compensation for hospital executives, while boosting funding for local healthcare.
In question period last week, I called on the government to address mounting worries about funding to hospitals in small northern communities
Constituents in Algoma-Manitoulin are concerned about their local hospital services. Hospitals in my riding cannot plan for the coming year with only words of assurance. The fact is that this government has ignored the needs of smaller hospitals and the frozen base budget spelled out in the budget will equal deep service cuts
This government’s new funding scheme is silent on how many smaller hospitals in my riding will be able to keep providing the necessary services. Instead of empty assurances, this government needs to provide Ontarians with a fully costed plan.
In times of austerity we should be improving services at our hospitals, not boosting the paycheques of those who run them. We could re-direct over $20 million annually into frontline care just by capping salaries, bonuses and other forms of compensation.
In addition, the NDP has proposed a boost to local healthcare services with an additional$100-million investment. Funds would be used to protect and improve local health care services in communities that need it. Funding would be fully offset by the proposed revenue generated by a modest tax increase on those making more than $500,000.
It is imperative that I maintain open lines of communications with my constituents as should this government on such important issues. I greatly appreciate the feedback I have been receiving and encourage you to continue forwarding your thoughtful suggestions.
Let Michael know how you feel about the budget, and the state of healthcare in Ontario by commenting below, he looks forward to reading your comments, questions or suggestions.
