Horwath launches consultation on improving health care in Ontario
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath
QUEEN’s PARK, ON – New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath says she’ll be reaching out to Ontarians for their ideas with new consultations focusing on improving health care in Ontario.
“The Legislature may be shut down but the challenges in our health care system haven’t gone away,” said Horwath. “In tough economic times, people need to know that health care will be there when they need it. We want to hear from people about what’s working in their community, what isn’t, and some positive ideas about how we can tackle the challenges and make things better.”
Horwath says she wants to hear from people on ways to improve the health system and the well-being of Ontarians. Over the last year New Democrats have put forward positive ideas such as putting an end to exorbitant health care executive salaries, Ombudsman oversight over hospitals, and banning children from using tanning beds.
“Unfortunately, the government can’t even get around to doing what they said they’d do when it comes to capping hospital CEO salaries or banning youth from using tanning beds,” said Horwath. “The government may have shut down the Legislature but we plan to keep working hard for positive change.”
Horwath says New Democrats will be seeking the advice of patients, health professionals and all Ontarians on key questions of how to ensure the system is sustainable, how it can be integrated, how we can keep people healthy and how we tackle challenges in our hospitals, primary care, and supporting seniors as their health needs increase.
“I plan on asking some tough questions, getting Ontarians to discuss the challenges, and bring forward new ideas that focus on improving health care in Ontario,” said Horwath.
A discussion guide entitled “Delivering Access. Ontario’s Challenges: A consultation on health care” is available on the Ontario NDP website:www.ontarioNDP.com
