A group of local advocates is preparing for what it calls a David and Goliath battle with the province over cuts to health services in Ontario.
Natalie Mehra with the Ontario Health Coalition was in Chatham yesterday ahead of a November 2nd rally – one of several across the province.
“We’re extremely concerned, obviously,” Mehra says. “Public health services, ambulance services, dispatch services, local hospitals, long term care provide life-saving services, life-prolonging services, that are vital to the community.”
Mehra says plans to merge 35 public health units into 10 organizations across Ontario is of particular concern, along with cuts to ambulance dispatch services.
The Health Coalition is being joined by the Ontario Nurses Association, local labour groups, and First Nations in its fight.
“These cuts are going to be back-loaded onto the municipality and we’re going to see tax hikes for less service,” says Linda Reaume with the Chatham-Kent Labour Council. “I implore everyone that cares about the health care that we have today in this province, in this community, to attend the November 2nd Ontario Health Coalition event and come out and hear what’s going on.”
The November 2nd rally is set to begin at 11 am at the Bradley Convention Centre.
Similar events are being scheduled across the province as well.