Key Issues Index

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Healthcare Settings – Data Updated to December 2

(December 15, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———– Introduction It is evident that lockdowns in hotspots and increasing restrictions in most Public Health Unit regions have been inadequate to stem the spread of […]

RELEASE: Health Coalitions Call for Increased Federal Health Care Funding and Accountability

(December 10, 2020) Ottawa, December 10, 2020- Canada’s premiers are meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to request an increase to federal funding for health care. Health coalitions from across the country support the call for a long-term increase to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). This funding must be accompanied by a robust accountability framework […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Applauds Excellent Recommendations Released by Long-Term Care Commission Today: Calls on Ford Government to Implement Them Immediately

(December 4, 2020) Toronto – The second set of recommendations from Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission were released today (here: http://www.ltccommission-commissionsld.ca/). The Commission continues to do excellent work and the Ontario Health Coalition said it is fully in support of the recommendations which focus on restoring comprehensive inspections in all LTC homes, improving compliance and […]

RELEASE: By No Measure are they Under Control: Large Outbreaks of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care, Hospitals, Retirement Homes Escalating Sharply- New Tracking Report

(December 3, 2020) Toronto — The number of large COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings is escalating sharply reports the Ontario Health Coalition. Despite the rhetoric by political leaders minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks, the Coalition’s new tracking report shows alarming numbers infected in the spread of the virus through large outbreaks […]

REPORT: Tracking the Spread of COVID-19: Sharp escalation in large COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings – Data updated to December 1

(December 3, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. As measured by the number of large outbreaks in which the spread of COVID-19 has not been limited to less than 10 people, the numbers are […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Updated Report on the Spread of COVID-19 in Workplaces (excluding Health Care) and Schools Shows Huge Growth in Schools, Construction, Retail/Restaurants/Entertainment and Public Services

(November 30, 2020) Toronto — As Ontario has introduced new measures to try to minimize the spread of COVID-19 with Peel and Toronto entering lockdown and Hamilton, Waterloo, Durham, Halton and York enforcing stricter regulations, it is important to evaluate the spread of the disease in workplaces and schools in the weeks leading up to […]

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Healthcare Settings – Data Updated to November 18

(November 30, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———- Introduction As Ontario introduces new measures to try to minimize the spread of COVID-19 with Peel and Toronto entering lockdown and Hamilton, Waterloo, Durham, Halton […]

REPORT: Tracking the Spread of COVID-19: COVID Numbers in Health Care Outbreaks Escalating Dramatically – Data Updated to November 17

(November 19, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. Total long-term care outbreaks: 100 Large outbreaks (including more that 10 residents/patients/staff): 10 RH, 34 LTC, 5 hospitals with 10 outbreaks. As of November 18 there are 100 active outbreaks in Ontario’s long-term care homes, up from 76 […]

INTEGRITY COMPLAINT: Health Coalition Requests Integrity Commissioner Investigate Political Donations & High-Level Personnel Links Between For-Profit LTC Industry and Ford Government Prior to Passage of Legal Liability Bil

(November 16, 2020) Today, the Ontario Health Coalition submitted a complaint to the Integrity Commissioner to investigate political donations and high-level personnel links between the for-profit long-term care industry and key ministers & MPPs in the Ford Government prior to the passage of Bill 218, which indemnifies for-profit long-term care homes from liability for negligence […]

Call for Access to Justice – Watch Today’s Press Conference on Bill 218

(November 11, 2020) WATCH THE VIDEO OF OUR PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY to stop the Ford government’s new law that indemnifies long-term care homes against lawsuits for negligence resulting in harm and death in COVID-19 pandemic. It is fundamentally unjust. Families seeking access to justice for their loved ones who have died, many of them in […]

REPORT & RELEASE: Ontario Is Experiencing Exponential Growth of COVID-19 Cases In Long-Term Care – OHC’s Roundup of Most Recent Case Numbers

(November 10, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. ———- Toronto – COVID-19 is spreading and the Ontario Health Coalition is warning that there is exponential growth in positive cases in long-term care homes in particular. There are also large outbreaks in a number of hospitals and retirement […]

SUBMISSION: Submission to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on Bill 218

(November 4, 2020) Bill 218 submissions from the Ontario Health Coalition, the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly and Will Davidson LLP, media releases from the 3 organizations and a chart containing connections between the Conservative Party and the long-term care lobby industry can all be found at the end of this post. Mission and Mandate […]

RELEASE: Almost Four Dozen People Who Applied to Testify Before the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Bill 218 Limiting Legal Liability for COVID-19 Harms for Long-Term Care Homes and Others, Cut Out of the Hearings Today

(November 4, 2020) Toronto – Increasingly frustrated with the lack of accountability for the response to COVID-19 in Ontario’s long-term care homes, Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra called today’s revelation that dozens of people who applied for standing in today’s legislative hearings on Bill 218 which limits legal liability for the home operators, “Injustice heaped […]

RELEASE: 181 COVID-19 outbreaks in health care settings leaving 89 residents dead & more than 1,800 staff & patients infected in 6-wks, numbers way up across the board, warns Ontario Health Coalition

(November 4, 2020) Toronto- The spread of COVID-19 in long-term care, retirement homes and hospitals is growing at an alarming rate. By every measure– case numbers, number and size of outbreaks and death numbers which follow the former a few weeks later — COVID-19 is spreading much more rapidly. Tracking from the period of September […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Care Settings – Data Updated to October 28

(November 3, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ————– Introduction Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff […]

RELEASE: New Report on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Health Care Workplaces Shows Growth in Cases Far Surpass the General Population in Schools, Retail, Public Services: Data & Communication Still Poor, Only One Public Health Unit is Reporting All Outbreaks with Names of Businesses

(November 3, 2020) Toronto – As COVID-19 cases in Ontario’s general population hit an all-time, increasing 24% in two weeks from October 13, 2020 to October 28, 2020, the Ontario Health Coalition released its most recent outbreaks report for non-health care settings. It is available here: https://www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca/index.php/report-tracking-of-covid-19-outbreaks-in-non-health-care-settings-data-updated-to-october-28 The Ontario Health Coalition reported that clear data […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Health Care Settings – Data Updated to October 28

(November 3, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———- Introduction COVID-19 cases in Ontario’s general population hit an all-time high in this period both in single day total positive cases and in the rolling […]

RELEASE: Ford’s 4-hour long-term care announcement too late: Need commitment to deal with staffing crisis now

(November 2, 2020) While the Ontario Health Coalition is happy that the Ford government has finally adopted the 4-hour minimum care standard as policy, the timeline that they have given is so long that it is meaningless for the people who are suffering and dying in long-term care now, warns the Coalition. The Coalition has […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Health Care Settings – Data Updated to October 13

(October 26, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———- Introduction As wave two has now officially hit Ontario, we have tracked devastating increases in workplace infections outside of the health care industry. Our tracking […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Supports Interim Recommendations from Long-Term Care Commission: Calls on Ford Government to Implement Them Immediately

(October 23, 2020) The Ford government’s Long-Term Care Commission’s interim recommendations support the need for immediate action on improving care levels by increasing the supply of PSWs and an appropriate staff mix including nurses to meet the complex care needs of residents. They also validate the Coalition’s long-standing call for a minimum average care standard […]

RELEASE: Ford Government’s New Legislation Will Make It Significantly Harder to Hold For-Profit Long-term Care Homes Liable for COVID-19 Harms

(October 21, 2020) Toronto – The Ford government has introduced legislation that would make it significantly harder for residents and families to hold long-term care homes liable for harm resulting from exposure to and infection with COVID-19. The legislation covers any individual, corporation or entity and includes the crown (which means the government and its […]

EVENT: Quick Cross-Ontario Summary & Media from Powerful Day of Action for LTC

(October 16, 2020) Congratulations on a Powerful Day of Action for Long-Term Care See just a small sampling of the media coverage from communities across the province below, including heart-wrenching stories from residents’ families and care workers. Thank you all for helping to send a powerful message!!! Our Day of Action for Long-Term Care […]

RELEASE & EVENT ROUNDUP: Cross-Province Protest Decries Ford’s Inadequate Response to Long-Term Care Crisis

(October 8, 2020) Toronto – Outside the Ontario Legislature and in 25 towns across Ontario, the Ontario Health Coalition held protests today to call upon the Ford government to take action to address the critical shortage of staffing and care in long-term care homes. In Ottawa, families and staff describe conditions in which residents were […]

EVENT: Vital Briefing Meeting on Long-Term Care Announcements & Outbreaks

(October 7, 2020) On Tuesday October 6 at noon, we held a briefing meeting where we discussed what is happening in long-term care with recent outbreaks, new funding and new staffing announcements. Please watch the video and please help us to put pressure on the government to create change. This is what you can do […]

EVENT: Day of Action on Long-Term Care

Updated as of October 5. PDF version can be found at the bottom of this post. Ontario Health Coalition UPDATED LIST BELOW Day of Action on Long-Term Care Thursday October 8 9:30 Queen’s Park & 11:00 Across Ontario** ** In keeping with the Toronto Chief Medical Officer of Health’s call this week to limit […]

RELEASE & ANALYSIS: Health Coalition Calls for Government to Flow Urgently Needed Money to Hospitals and Long-Term Care; Staffing Announcements Far Less Than Other Provinces

(October 2, 2020) Toronto – Over the last week, the Ford government has rolled out a series of media announcements about health care funding and staffing. Today the Ontario Health Coalition issued the following statement to break down what has been announced, what it means, and whether it is enough. “Hospitals are reporting across Ontario […]

RELEASE: Throne Speech: Premiers Should Not Play Partisan Politics with Health Care; Concrete Commitments Needed From Provincial & Federal Governments

(September 29, 2020) Health Coalitions across Canada were pleased with Throne Speech promises to expand public health care to create a universal comprehensive public pharmacare program and to set national standards for long-term care. However, concrete commitments are conspicuously absent. As reported in the speech, more than 9,000 Canadians have died in the last six […]

PRIVATIZATION EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Privatization Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Privatization: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Healthcare Settings – Data Updated to September 22

(September 25, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———- Introduction As Ontario faces growing numbers of COVID-19 cases with increasing infection among younger Ontarians[1], it is more important than ever to make sure that […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Huge Jump in COVID-19 Cases in Schools and Child Care, Increase in Workplace Outbreaks: Health Coalition Releases Updated Tracking of the Virus Spread in Non-Health Care Industries

(September 25, 2020) Toronto – Since June, the Ontario Health Coalition has been tracking COVID-19 outbreaks in non-health care industries, adding to its regular updates on the spread of the virus in health care settings. Both sets of reports are available on the Coalition’s website here. In the most recent period (end of August to […]

HOME CARE EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Home Care Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Home Care: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

HOSPITALS EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Hospital Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Hospitals: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

RELEASE & BACKGROUNDER: Health Coalition Demands that Ford Government Stop Privatizing Health Care Under Cover of COVID-19: “There is no excuse not to use reopen & ramp up existing capacity in public system”, Coalition will do everything in its power to stop the undermining of public health care

(September 24, 2020) Toronto – The Health Coalition expressed deep concern about the Ford government’s privatization of health care services, the lack of a coherent plan for a second-wave of COVID-19, and cuts and layoffs at public hospitals while the government shifts funding to private companies for COVID-19 related services. On Monday, Premier Ford said, […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Rate of Increase in COVID-19 among Staff, Residents, and Patients in Ontario’s Health Care Settings More Than Doubled: Coalition Fears Second Wave in Long-Term Care

(September 23, 2020) Toronto- The Ontario Health Coalition released its most recent report detailing the COVID-19 outbreaks it has tracked from reliable sources in health care settings since the beginning of the pandemic. The OHC has tracked 90 currently active outbreaks, 33 of which started from the end of August. Ottawa has 11 outbreaks in […]

RELEASE: Ford Government’s Failure to Release a Plan for COVID-19 Underscored by Alarming Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Homes in Ottawa, 11 Residents Have Died, Problems Apparent with Testing, Isolation, PPE: Ontario Health Coalition Calls for Province-Wide Protests

(September 22, 2020) In Ottawa, the alarming spread of COVID-19 in long-term care homes underscores the lack of a clear plan and action on the part of Ontario’s Ford government to address the issues that have been raised repeatedly. More than 100 residents have contracted COVID-19 in Ottawa’s long-term care homes in recent weeks. As […]

LONG-TERM CARE/CHRONIC CARE EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Long-Term Care/Chronic Care Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Long-Term Care/Chronic Care: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

FACT SHEET: Fact Sheet on Revera Inc. For-Profit Long-Term Care & Retirement Home Chain Owner

(September 16, 2020) October 3 Update: Information on what action can be taken to end for-profit long-term care and what you can do to help make Revera public, along with follow up to a virtual town hall meeting that took place on September 16, can be found below the fact sheet. Revera Fact Sheet Who […]

BRIEFING NOTE: COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Litigation & Legal Actions

(September 16, 2020) Click here for printable version of the briefing note found below. ——- There have been at least two dozen legal actions as a result of the conditions in long-term care and the responses to the spread of the virus, exposed during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, including filing […]

RESOURCES: List of Ontario COVID-19 Assessment Centres & Their Individual Criteria

(November 5, 2020) As of November 1, 2020- The Ontario Health Coalition has compiled this list from trusted media sources, hospital and public health websites, and by calling hospitals and assessment centres directly to confirm information. Please note things are changing rapidly. Different assessment centres have different criteria for access. Some do testing on site, […]

RELEASE: Victory for Patients Over Private Clinics in B.C. Court Challenge: Historic Victory Against Profit-Driven Health Care

(September 10, 2020) Toronto – A ten-year legal attack launched by one of the largest private for-profit surgical centres in Canada seeking to strike down key protections for single-tier health care has reached a critical juncture. Today a B.C. Court ruled on the case upholding the provisions in British Columbia law that protect our system […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Ford Government Must Be Transparent About COVID-19 Outbreaks, Improve Public Access to Information: Health Coalition Releases Updated Reports on Outbreaks in Health & Non-Health Sectors

(September 9, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition, which has been tracking COVID-19 outbreaks since the beginning of the pandemic, released two new reports today tracking the trends in outbreaks to the end of August in health care settings and in non-health care industries. The Coalition has highlighted in each report the information that […]

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Healthcare Settings – Data Updated to August 29

(September 9, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ———- As of August 12th, all of Ontario entered Stage Three of the pandemic reopening plan, allowing more restaurants, entertainment venues and other workplaces to open. […]

PRIMARY CARE EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Primary Care Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Primary Care: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Public-Private Partnership Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Public-Private Partnership: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

MENTAL HEALTH EASY ACCESS LIST: Major Mental Health Reports, Analyses, Backgrounders, Fact Sheets, Briefing Notes & Media Releases

On this page you can find a roundup of Ontario Health Coalition Mental Health: Reports & Analyses Backgrounders, Facts Sheets & Briefing Notes Media Releases Reports/Analyses Backgrounders/Fact Sheets/Briefing Notes Media Releases

RELEASE & REPORT: Updated Tracking Reports Shows New 30 Outbreaks & Increase in Deaths in Health & Congregate Care Settings; New Outbreaks in Agriculture, Retail, Shelters and other Non-Health Care Industries

(July 23, 2020) Toronto – Since mid-March as COVID-19 began to spread in Ontario’s health care system, the Ontario Health Coalition has been tracking the numbers of residents/patients and staff that have contracted the virus in health and congregate care settings. As Phase 2 reopening began, the Coalition began tracking outbreaks in other industries. Two […]

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Non-Health Care Industries – Data Updated to July 14

(July 23, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report found below. —- Introduction & Summary As most of Ontario enters Stage 3 of reopening, excluding the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe, there continue to be significant numbers of COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in non-health care of industries. This […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Care Settings – Data Updated to July 13

(July 23, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. —- Introduction Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff […]

RELEASE & REPORT: 95% of Ontario Long-Term Care Staff Report Staffing Shortages Leaving Basic Care Needs Unmet: Health Coalition Releases Staffing Survey Calling for Ford Government to Take Action

(July 22, 2020) Toronto – Staff describe it as “heartbreaking”, “wrong” and “a far cry from what they deserve”. The Ontario Health Coalition released the results of a survey today of more than 150 long-term care staff about staffing and care levels in Ontario’s long-term care homes. The survey asked whether staffing is worse, better […]

RELEASE, ANALYSIS & BACKGROUNDER: “There are not enough staff for existing beds & why should more money go to profit? We need care, urgently.” Health Coalition Responds to Ford Government’s Announcement of Enriched Capital Funding for LTC Homes

(July 16, 2020) Toronto – In Thunder Bay there are more than 60 long-term care beds that have not been able to open for years because there is a critical shortage of long-term care staff despite a wait list that numbers almost as many as the total available beds and stretches to more than five […]

URGENT SURVEY: Ontario Health Coalition Long-Term Care Staffing Survey

(July 10, 2020) In order to complete the survey, please download the word document found at the bottom of the page, edit the document on your computer to fill in the survey, and email it to us at ohc@sympatico.ca. You can also complete the survey by copying and pasting the survey found below into the […]

REPORT: COVID-19 Outbreaks Spreading outside of the Health Care Industry – Data Updated to June 29

(July 3, 2020) Click here for full version of the non-health care outbreaks report found below. —— Introduction As Ontario starts to reopen as most of the province has gone to Stage 2, outbreaks have spread from health care settings to workplaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has cut a path of grief and devastation through health […]

BLOG: On Canada Day let us celebrate & let us recommit to those fundamental values that so many of us share

posted July 1, 2020

(July 1, 2020) It is Canada Day and after such a challenging winter and spring, it is time to celebrate. One of our greatest achievements as a society is public health care for all. For all of the pain and grief that COVID-19 has caused, it has also reminded us all of our interdependence. Our […]

RELEASE & EVENTS: Actions Across Ontario to Tell Premier Ford that the priority of Ontarians is to fix the long-term care crisis, not to privatize home care

(June 30, 2020) Media events will include updates on the Ford government’s failure to respond to the crisis in long-term care, and on their attempt to push through Bill 175 the new law that privatizes and removes oversight for home and community care, and Bill 161 the new law to make it harder to launch […]

RELEASE & OPEN LETTER: Ford Government Given Failing Marks in Response to Recommendations on Long-Term Care COVID-19 Response in Joint Open Letter from more than 200 Organizations Representing Almost 2 Million Ontarians

(June 30, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition issued an open letter to Premier Doug Ford on May 28, 2020 calling for key improvements to safety and care in Ontario’s beleaguered long-term care homes where more than 1,860 residents and staff have died as a result of COVID-19. Recently a number of media reports, […]

OPEN LETTER: Open Letter to Doug Ford signed by over 200 organizations & almost 2 million Ontarians – LTC commission & immediate measures

(Updated: June 30, 2020) The Ontario Health Coalition sent an open letter to Premier Doug Ford signed by family councils, health professionals, social organizations, cultural organizations, seniors’ and retirees’ groups, health coalitions, legal clinics, and many others who collectively represent almost 2 million Ontarians. The letter is below. If your organization wants to sign on […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Care Settings – Data Updated to June 17

(June 23, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ——- Introduction Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Most Recent Tracking Report Shows that Ministry of Long-Term Care & Public Health Ontario Have Discontinued Public Reporting of Vital COVID-19 Data, Outbreaks in Health Settings Down but Death Rate Continues to Rise

(June 23, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition released its most recent two-week report tracking the spread of COVID-19 among patients, residents and staff in health care settings today. The Coalition has been tracking every case it has been able to find from reliable sources (all sources footnoted) since March 12 and has regularly […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Plans Protests Across Ontario As Ford Government Pushes Through New Laws to Privatize Home & Community Care, Stifle Class Action Suits, In Midst of Pandemic & Fails to Take Action on Emergency Staffing Crisis in Long-Term Care

(June 22, 2020) Toronto – Tragically, over the last two weeks there have been several well-publicized deaths of residents in long-term care as a result of malnutrition and insufficient care. The situation is worse than ever, reports the Health Coalition. Yet the Ford government has not taken any policy action to address the staffing shortage […]

EVENTS: Day of Protest Against the Ford Government Pushing Through Its Terrible New Home/Community Care Law While Failure to Act on the LTC Care/Staffing Crisis

(June 22, 2020) June 30 update: For more information about a second day of action on the new home care act & failure to fix long-term care issues, please click here. Urgent Join the Day of Protest Against the Ford Government Pushing Through Its Terrible New Home/Community Care Law While Failure to Act on the […]

RELEASE: “It is a New Low” Behaviour of Government MPPs in Home Care Legislation Public Hearings Unprecedented and Unacceptable: Health Coalition

(June 17, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition is making a formal complaint today regarding the behaviour of three government MPPs in the public hearing into Bill 175 the Ford government’s new home and community care legislation. The Coalition reported that yesterday Ford government MPPs, Christina Maria Mitas, Robin Martin and Sam Oosterhoff on […]

RELEASE & SUBMISSION: Ford Government’s New Home Care Bill “Irredeemable” and Should Not Be Pushed Through During a Pandemic: Coalition Calls for it to be Withdrawn

(June 15, 2020) Toronto — The Ontario Health Coalition released its submission on Bill 175, the Ford government’s new home care law which guts existing home and community care legislation, dismantles public oversight and parcels out currently public home care functions to an array of providers including for-profit companies, according to the Coalition’s analysis. Coalition […]

RELEASE & STATEMENT: Statement in Support of the Protests Against Anti-Black Racism & Police Brutality

(June 5, 2020) Anti-Black Racism is a Public Health Crisis…and Much More We are at an historic crossroads for democracy, human rights and social justice in the United States and here in Canada also. Across Canada and the United States, and around the world, health sector organizations are declaring anti-Black racism a public health crisis. […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Death Toll Among Patients, Residents and Staff in Health Care Settings up 18.4% in 2 weeks: OHC Tracking Numbers Still Growing But More Slowly

(June 5, 2020) Toronto – Since the week of March 12, the Ontario Health Coalition has been tracking all people who have been infected with COVID-19 in outbreaks in health care settings including hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes, public health units, clinics and congregate care settings, as well as among other health professionals such as […]

REPORT: Tracking of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Care Settings – Data Updated to June 2

(June 5, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. ——- Introduction Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff […]

REPORT: New Report on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Settings – Data Updated to May 19

(June 2, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report with a list of all outbreaks. A summary of the report can be found below. Introduction Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff who […]

RELEASE & BRIEFING NOTE: Fact Check & Briefing Note on Inspections in Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes

(May 29, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition, which has advocated for more than two decades for annual unannounced full resident quality inspections of all long-term care homes, issued a fact checker to clarify what has happened with the homes’ inspection and enforcement regimen. The following are the facts as released today by the […]

RELEASE: Military Report on Conditions in Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes: “Beyond Frustrated” Health Coalition Calls on Ford Government to Implement Repeated Recommendations to Improve Access to PPE, Workplace Safety and Infection Control

(May 26, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition, which has released major reports annually on the state of long-term care in Ontario in recent years, expressed its frustration upon reading the description of infection control practices at the facilities to which military personnel were dispatched. The Coalition has called on the Ford government repeatedly […]

OPEN LETTER: Open Letter to Premier Doug Ford to Call for an Independent Inquiry on Long-Term Care

(May 25, 2020) We are inviting organizations to sign onto the following open letter. We are on a tight timeline and would appreciate hearing back from organizations with your approval to be added as soon as possible. Please email us at ohc@sympatico.ca with your clear approval and the full name of your organization. For individuals […]

RELEASE: Inquiry into Long-Term Care & COVID-19 Cannot Preclude Immediate Actions that are Needed, Must be Independent and Transparent: Health Coalition

(May 19, 2020) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition, which has called for a full public commission or inquiry into the province’s response to COVID-19, responded to the Ford government’s announcement today supporting an independent commission or inquiry into long-term care, with some caveats. The Coalition called for the commission into long-term care to be […]

REPORT: COVID-19 outbreaks in health settings almost doubled, death toll up by 333.7% – Data updated to May 5

(May 12, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. Each number included in this tracking data represents a human being who is loved and who has experienced the terrible toll of COVID-19: staff who have gone to work despite the risk and the fear; residents and patients who […]

RELEASE & REPORT: Staff & Patients Infected by COVID-19 Outbreaks in Health Care Settings Almost Doubled, Death Toll increased by 333.7 % in 2-weeks: Outbreaks are Not Under Control

(May 12, 2020) Toronto – By every measure COVID-19 outbreaks in health and congregate care settings, including hospitals, long term care, retirement homes, public health units and clinics are increasing dramatically, reported the Ontario Health Coalition today as it released its most recent data tracking 7,894 staff, patients and residents infected. The report, COVID-19 UPDATE: […]

RELEASE & ANALYSIS: COVID-19 Death Rates in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes Significantly Higher and Increasing in For-Profit Homes vs. Non-Profit and Publicly-Owned Homes: New Data Analysis

(May 6, 2020) Toronto – A new analysis released today by the Ontario Health Coalition shows a significantly higher death rate as a result of COVID-19 in long-term care homes that are owned by for-profit corporations as compared to non-profit and public (municipal) homes. The research, done by Rabbi Shalom Schachter, LL.B., executive member of […]

EVENT: Online Day of Action to Fix Long-Term Care This Friday!

(April 30, 2020) Join us for an online Day of Action to Fix Long-Term Care! [See event details and RSVP on the Ontario Health Coalition Facebook event here!] Join the online Day of Action to Fix Long-Term Care This Friday COVID-19 is spreading exponentially in Ontario’s long-term care homes. The homes already suffered critical staffing shortages […]

RELEASE: COVID-19 numbers still escalating in a “devastating” way in Ontario’s long-term care homes: Health Coalition calls a Day of Action to press Ford government for more concrete measures to stop the spread and stabilize the sector

(April 30, 2020) Toronto – As the Ontario Health Coalition is completing the gargantuan task of updating its tracking of the spread of COVID-19 in health care settings that now encompasses thousands of staff, patients and residents, it is reporting that the infectious disease continues its devastation through long-term care and retirement homes. The Coalition […]

RESOURCES: What are our governments doing and how do they compare? COVID-19 federal and provincial support resources

(April 29, 2020) Click here for printable version of the comprehensive list found below. —— Here is a comprehensive list of Federal and Provincial Support available for individuals who are experiencing income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you scroll down you will find information and contact information for the supports as they apply […]

UPDATE: Hospital and Long-Term Care Health Care Workers & Long-Term Care Residents Infected with COVID-19 – Data updated to April 21

(April 23, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. Compiling this list has been a heartbreaking task and we must pause to recognize the real human toll of COVID-19 — patients, residents, staff and families who are affected– you are in our hearts and we send you our […]

RELEASE: COVID-19 Outbreaks Have Grown Exponentially In Health Care Settings: Health Coalition tracking report finds 3,783 people infected and 435 patients/residents/staff deceased

(April 23, 2020) Today, the Ontario Health Coalition released a 70-page report tracking 1,127 confirmed staff, 1,936 residents/ patients and 720 additional confirmed cases (for whom public health authorities did not specify whether they are health care staff or patients) for a total of 3,783 people who have been infected with COVID-19 in health care […]

RELEASE: Action Plan to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Inadequate: Ford government must match rhetoric with stronger, concrete measures to protect residents and staff

(April 16, 2020) Toronto – The Ford government’s Action Plan to address COVID-19 outbreaks in Ontario’s long-term care homes is still less than what is needed stop the spread of the virus and stabilize the workforce, warned the Ontario Health Coalition today, and is inconsistent with the “iron ring” rhetoric and promises for widespread testing […]

CALL TO ACTION: Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care

Long-term care deaths from COVID-19 now account for almost half of all of Ontario’s deceased. The numbers of staff and residents who have tested positive is escalating at a devastating pace. Following an emergency meeting of the Ontario Health Coalition long-term care committee including family councils, unions, health professionals, seniors’ advocates and experts on long-term […]

ANALYSIS & RESPONSE: New Directive and Guidelines for COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Homes Inadequate: Coalition Calls for Full Testing, Better Access to PPE, Respect for Human Rights in Care

(April 9, 2020) Long-term care deaths from COVID-19 now account for almost half of all of Ontario’s deceased, according to the provincial data on infections. The numbers of staff and residents who have tested positive is escalating at a devastating pace. Following an emergency meeting of the Ontario Health Coalition long-term care committee including family […]

UPDATE: Hospital and Long-Term Care Health Care Workers & Long-Term Care Residents Infected with COVID-19 – Data updated to April 7

(April 7, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. Compiling this list has been a heartbreaking task and we must start by recognizing the people affected by the outbreaks– patients, residents, staff of all classifications — you are in our hearts and we send you our very best […]

UPDATE: Hospital and Long-Term Care Health Care Workers & Long-Term Care Residents Infected with COVID-19 – Data updated to April 2

(April 2, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. The following lists the public reports that we have found regarding hospital staff and patient infections and long-term care staff and resident outbreaks. All our best wishes and hopes go to them and their families and to all Ontarians […]

RELEASE: COVID-19 Spreading in Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes: Updated List & Call for Ford Government to Take More Concrete Action

(April 2, 2020) The Ontario Health Coalition, which has been tracking and posting confirmed cases of COVID-19 in health care settings since the third week of March, released its latest update with new outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care. The Coalition has tracked 198 of the 226 confirmed cases among health care staff reported by […]

RELEASE: COVID-19 Roundup: Health Workers/LTC Residents Infected, Government Supports & Relief Measures

(April 2, 2020) A printable version of the COVID-19 roundup can be found here. ———- We have gathered the following information (sources are included) for your information. This round up includes: List of COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Ontario Number of cases/status in Ontario List of hospital and long-term care health care workers & long-term care […]

UPDATE: Hospital and Long-Term Care Health Care Workers & Long-Term Care Residents Infected with COVID-19 – Data updated to March 30

(March 31, 2020) Click here for full version of the health care outbreaks report found below. The following lists the public reports that we have found regarding hospital staff and long-term care staff and residents that have tested positive, as of March 30. All our best wishes and hopes go to them and their families […]

RELEASE: Why Are So Few Ontarians Being Tested and Tracked? Health Coalition Raises Questions About COVID-19 Numbers

(March 31, 2020) Around the world, stories are emerging from jurisdictions that have done thorough testing and tracking of COVID-19 cases. There is a deep consensus that more testing and tracking can be a key component of reducing the transmission of the virus. Indeed, on February 24, the World Health Organization recommended countries outside China […]

ANALYSIS: Key Message & Quick Analysis of Ford Government Economic Statement Just Released

(March 25, 2020) Ontario’s government released its economic statement today. Overall, they are providing $3.3 billion for health care, another $3.7 billion in supports for people and businesses, and $10 billion for other deferrals and tax “relief”. Health Coalition key message: The overall funding announcement for health care of $3.3 billion amounts to a funding […]

RELEASE & BACKGROUNDER: Pre-budget brief: Ontario so far behind that emergency funding just brings us to where we should have been pre-COVID-19

(March 25, 2020) In advance of the Ford government’s economic statement being released this afternoon, the Ontario Health Coalition released an analysis of the numbers to date to give some context to the announcements that are being made regarding COVID-19 health care funding as follows: “We believe that governments are beginning to flow resources and […]

RELEASE: COVID-19 Roundup: Health Workers/LTC Residents Infected, Government Supports & Relief Measures

(March 24, 2020) A printable version of the COVID-19 roundup can be found here. ———- We have gathered the following information (sources are included) for your information. This round up includes: List of COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Ontario Number of cases/status in Ontario List of hospital and long-term care health care workers & long-term care […]

RELEASE: Health Coalitions’ Joint Statement on COVID-19 and Public Health Care

(March 24, 2020) Please find below an urgent call upon governments at every level in Canada to build capacity in the public health care, expand equity, and resist privatization in the face of COVID-19 from Provincial, Territorial and National Health Coalitions representing more than a million Canadians. Printable version is attached below. Deeply concerned about […]

RELEASE: Residents Plan to Step Up Pressure to Ask MPP Fedeli to Save the North Bay Hospital’s Residential Addictions Treatment Program

(March 11, 2020) North Bay – About 40 people attended a public meeting last night to plan next steps to save the North Bay hospital’s residential addictions treatment program and committed to ratcheting up the pressure to ask MPP the Honourable Vic Fedeli to step in and stop the closure. The next step will be […]

RELEASE & BACKGROUNDER: Ford Government’s Home Care Changes Dismantle Public Control, Risk Privatization

(March 5, 2020) Toronto – In a press conference at the Ontario Legislature today, spokespeople for the Ontario Health Coalition raised concerns about the Ford government’s new home care legislation that the Health Coalition reported is being rushed through the legislature at break-neck speed. The Bill, Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act 2020, […]

ANALYSIS: Analysis of the North Bay Mayor’s Roundtable Report

(February 10, 2020) North Bay — This is a very quick initial review and analysis of the Mayor’s Roundtable Report. This is the report that ostensibly led to the decision to cut 31 crisis and residential treatment beds from the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC). It is still not clear who made this “decision”, […]

REPORT: Review of the Plan to Close More than Half of the Existing Residential Addiction Treatment Beds and Hospital Crisis/Safe Beds from North Bay Regional Health Centre

(February 6, 2020) In September, North Bay mayor Al McDonald Mayor convened a meeting of organizations to discuss addictions, homelessness, mental health and poverty issues in North Bay. Out of that round table meeting and under the authorization of the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN), the government-appointed body responsible for regional health […]

RELEASE & BACKGROUNDER: Province Ignored Repeated Warnings and Evidence Leading to Yesterday’s Declaration of “State of Emergency” in Brampton Hospital, Similar Issues Apply Across Ontario

(January 24, 2020) Following the city’s declaration of a health care emergency in Brampton, on the heels of CBC’s release of new hospital overcrowding data, the Ontario Health Coalition revealed repeated warnings and reports from the District Health Council, thousands of Brampton residents, the Ontario Health Coalition and other groups showing that the community’s hospital […]

RELEASE: New CBC Hospital Overcrowding Data Should Compel Much More Substantive & Urgent Response from Ford Government: Health Coalition

(January 22, 2020) Toronto – Responding to the CBC’s release of new Ontario hospital overcrowding data that shows the majority of the province’s hospitals have been operating at gravely unsafe levels of overcrowding for more than a month out of the most recent six months measured, the Ontario Health Coalition reported that the data should […]

SUBMISSION: Ontario Health Coalition’s Pre-Budget Submission to the Ontario Legislative Assembly

(January 17, 2020) Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, presented to the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs today. Here is the Ontario Health Coalition’s pre-budget submission. It contains updated data on public health care funding in Ontario (2nd lowest rate in Canada); public hospital funding in Ontario (lowest in […]

REPORT: Caring in Crisis: Ontario’s Long-Term Care PSW Shortage

(December 9, 2019) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition released a new report today developed in partnership with UNIFOR on the Personal Support Worker (PSW) crisis in Ontario’s long-term care homes. In a press conference at the Ontario Legislature, Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Health Coalition, noted that we chose the word “crisis” carefully. […]

UPDATE: Mounting Health Care Cuts

List of the Ford government health care cuts to date: Cut OHIP+ so families with sick children will have to seek private coverage first and pay deductibles and co-payments (June 2018). Cut planned mental health funding by more than $330 million per year (July 2018). Cancelled all new planned overdose prevention sites. (Autumn 2018). Cut […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition & Broad Array of Groups Launch Campaign to Build Mass “Stadium-filling” Event to Save Local Health Care Services

(October 10, 2019) Chatham/S/W Ontario – Groups from Chatham Kent and across Southwestern Ontario are coming together to build an event that cannot be ignored. Their goal is to save the local Public Health Units and ambulance services from closure and protect their local governance. The groups are also advocating to stop funding cuts to […]

UPDATE: Mounting Health Care Cuts

An updated version of this list can be found here. List of the Ford government health care cuts to date: ● Cut OHIP+ so families with sick children will have to seek private coverage first and pay deductibles and co-payments. (June 2018) ● Cut planned mental health funding by more than $330 million. (July 2018) […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Key Issues in Long-Term Care + Public Inquiry Recommendations

(July 31, 2019) Wettlaufer Inquiry into Ontario long-term care underlines need for improved care levels not cuts Toronto – The Elizabeth Wettlaufer murders were terrible human tragedies and our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, said the Ontario Health Coalition today, on the occasion of the release of the report from Ontario’s […]

RELEASE: Ford Government Cuts to Long-Term Care Funding Risk Already Over-Stressed Care Levels

(July 10, 2019) Toronto — The Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about the Ford government’s funding cuts to long-term care. The Ontario Health Coalition has been made aware that level of care funding has experienced significant real dollar cuts. The per diem rate has been increased by 1%, which does not meet the rate of […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Ontario Health Coalition Briefing Note on Ontario Cabinet Shuffle: Deep Concerns about Ideological Positions of New Minister of Long-Term Care & Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions

(June 21, 2019) Toronto – In his press conference announcing the cabinet shuffle, Premier Doug Ford claimed that more than 80 percent of his platform had been implemented. The Health Coalition notes that nothing could be further than the truth when it comes to health care. The Coalition also raised concerns about the pro-privatization, anti-public health […]

RELEASE: Ford Governments Health Cuts Negatively Impact Patient Care: Coalition Calls Out Ford Government for “Dissembling” and Lack of Public Accountability

(June 19, 2019) Toronto – In what the Health Coalition has termed a bad news day for Ontario’s health care, the Ford government revealed that it has eliminated more than 800 full-time equivalent positions in the LHINs (Local Health Integration Network) and in the six health care agencies (including Cancer Care Ontario, Health Quality Ontario, […]

BRIEFING NOTE: List of local hospital and health services cuts/mergers/privatization

(May 30, 2019) Cut over 120 full time equivalent staff including nurses, health professionals and patient support staff from Sudbury’s Health Sciences North. After protests by the public and the Health Coalition some of the cuts were rolled back but significant cuts continued nonetheless. (November 2018) Privatized lab service, transcription, and patient transportation; outsourced microbiology […]

RELEASE: Ontario Health Coalition Statement on Today’s Mental Health Funding Announcement by Ford Government

(May 6, 2019) Toronto – Today the Ford government announced mental health funding that appears had previously been announced, and in any case is actually a cut to planned mental health funding. This is being reported by the media as if it is an increase and as if it is new money without any critical analysis. […]

RELEASE: More than 10,000 Protest to tell Ford Government to stop health privatization, cuts

(May 1, 2019) Toronto – They came from across Ontario in the middle of a work day by the thousands with a message for the Doug Ford government. From a stage in front of the Ontario Legislature Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition called on the crowd of more than 10,000 to […]

UPDATE: 13++ Reasons to Come to the Giant Health Care Rally!

Doug Ford made cuts to OHIP+ and families with sick children now need to seek private insurance and pay deductibles and co-payments on medications for their sick children. Doug Ford cut planned mental health funding by more than $330 million! Doug Ford canceled ALL new planned overdose prevention sites. Doug Ford cut over $700,000 in […]

RELEASE: Unprecedented Health Action Day Calls on Doug Ford to Halt Health Privatization Plans

Toronto – For the first time, more than 150,000 health professionals, nurses, support workers, doctors and tens of thousands of patient advocates are joining together in a Health Action Day, unified in their deep concern that the Ford government intends unprecedented health care privatization. In hospitals and other health facilities tens of thousands will wear […]

RELEASE: Ford’s ambulance and public health cuts and restructuring come with high costs, reduced services: Coalition warns

(April 18, 2019) Toronto – It has been done before and it resulted in enormous costs, not savings, and it compromised services. This was the message of the Ontario Health Coalition in reaction to the growing array of health care services that the Doug Ford government plans to restructure and cut. The Coalition released their […]

URGENT UPDATE: Undeniable signals Doug Ford intends major health care privatization

(April 18, 2019) Toronto – The signals that Doug Ford intends major health care privatization, restructuring and cuts have become undeniable: if you care about health care for all it is time to come out. Cuts: The Ontario Budget contains bad news for health care. Cuts are coming. Overall health funding increases are less than […]

RELEASE: Budget Health Care Briefing: What is being Cut, Myth Buster, What is Coming

(April 11, 2019) Toronto – In anticipation of this afternoon’s budget the Ontario Health Coalition provided a budget health care briefing for Ontarians. The Coalition will issue an update after the budget is released. “There have been a lot of re-announcements and PR spin to cover for what is the leading edge of the most […]

RELEASE, ANALYSIS & BRIEFING NOTE: Health Care Omnibus Bill Sets Up Ontario for Health System Mega-Mergers & Privatization: Worse than the Leaked Draft, Health Coalition Warns

(Updated: April 1, 2019) Click here for our submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy regarding Bill 74 (April 2019) Click here for update on health omnibus bill hearings (March 2019) Click here for printable version of health omnibus bill briefing note (March 2019) Click here for printable version of health omnibus bill media […]

VIDEO: Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott obfuscate questions on health privatization

Analysis Watch as Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott sidestep the opposition leader, Andrea Horwath’s, question in the legislature on whether private for-profit health corporations will play a role in Bill 74, the new health care legislation. The Ford government repeatedly refuses to disavow for-profit privatization of our public health care system. It is […]

URGENT UPDATE: FORD GOV’T SWEEPING HEALTH CARE RESTRUCTURING BILL

Ford government gives 2-days notice for public hearings to be in Toronto only The new health care law that the Ford government is pushing through has been “time allocated” for public hearings. That means that the Ford Conservatives have limited the time for public hearings. We have been asking for broad public hearings on this […]

EVENTS: Town Hall Meetings

(March 22, 2019) The Ford government is proposing massive restructuring to hospitals, long-term care, home care, community care, mental health, etc. The new legislation, which has been forged with no public consultation whatsoever, will take away local control of health care services. Protect our local health care services from mega-mergers and privatization. Town Hall Meetings – Locations, […]

RELEASE: Ford Government is Steamrolling Health Restructuring Law Through in “Outrageously Undemocratic” Process Warns Health Coalition: Local Services at Risk

(March 18, 2019) The Ontario Health Coalition expressed outrage at the process by which the Ford government is rushing their new sweeping health care restructuring legislation through and is demanding public hearings across Ontario. In the new law, the Ford government has given itself new powers to order the privatization of health care services, along […]

VIDEO: Better health care through innovation “The Agenda, March 4, 2019”

Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, joined a health care panel on The Agenda with Steve Paikin. A video of the panel can be found below. Analysis Click here for original video

BLOG POST: Protect Our Local Health Care from Mega-mergers & Privatization

(February 14, 2019) What you will find on this page: Submission to the Standing Committee How to contact Doug Ford and your MPP What is the new health legislation? Urgent updates Health Care Cuts BLOG POST: Mounting health care cuts RELEASE: Ford’s ambulance and public health cuts and restructuring comes with high costs, reduced services: […]

RELEASE: Warning that Leaked Health Care Omnibus Bill Would Create Health Care Chaos: Longstanding Leaders of Organizations Representing Patients, Care Workers, Doctors

Academic leaders, democracy advocates, patient advocates, front-line care workers and doctors are all speaking with one voice when it comes to the leaked health care omnibus bill that has secretly been planned by the Ford government for months: if passed, it would cause health care chaos that will last for years. Speaking at a Queen’s […]

RELEASE: Leaked Draft Health Care Legislation a “Gargantuan Nightmare Scenario”: Community and Labour Groups Join Forces for Major Fightback

(February 1, 2019) Analysis Calling it a “bombshell”: the Ontario Health Coalition and the Ontario Federation of Labour responded to a leaked document revealing a draft health care legislation written by the Ford government in secret that would create a “super agency” with extraordinary powers to restructure Ontario’s entire health care system. The Ontario NDP […]

RELEASE: Leaked omnibus health bill goes far beyond merging the LHINs

posted February 1, 2019

(February 1, 2019) Preliminary analysis reveals new unprecedented powers to order privatization and contracting out, mega-mergers and the elimination of public interest provisions in LHIN legislation By: Natalie Mehra, executive director Many of you will have heard about the new health care legislation drafted in secret by the Ford government and revealed to the […]

BLOG POST: Ford Government Health Care Report Not a Prescription for a Cure: Coalition Takes Serious Issue with Devlin’s Claims

(January 31, 2019) Toronto — Rueben Devlin’s report was released today with the central communications headline from the Ford government that more hospital beds will not solve hallway medicine. This is politically and factually untrue, warned the Ontario Health Coalition. Mr. Devlin is the former CEO of Humber River Regional Hospital, where, under his leadership, […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Extremely Concerned About LHIN Restructuring Rumours

(January 24, 2019) Health Coalition Extremely Concerned About LHIN Restructuring Rumours Toronto – Following the story that broke on CBC news this morning revealing rumours that Ontario’s fourteen local health integration networks (LHINs) will be restructured into five the Ontario Health Coalition has raised questions about the Ford government’s intentions regarding this restructuring rumour. The […]

REPORT Situation Critical: Planning, Access, Levels of Care and Violence in Ontario’s Long-Term Care

(January 24, 2019) The Ontario Health Coalition’s new report, “Situation Critical: Planning, Access, Levels of Care and Violence in Ontario’s Long-Term Care”. The report was inspired by increasingly frequent complaints by families and care workers of violence in long-term care homes (nursing homes). In its research, the Health Coalition found what it describes as “shocking” […]

RELEASE: Ontario Health Coalition releases new report SITUATION CRITICAL – HOMICIDE AND VIOLENCE IN ONTARIO’S LONG-TERM CARE HOMES

(January 19, 2019) Analysis “Intolerable” levels of violence and homicide spark renewed call for improved care standards in Ontario’s long-term care: new report Toronto—In a Queen’s Park press conference today the Ontario Health Coalition launched a 30-community tour of a new report, “Situation Critical: Planning, Access, Levels of Care and Violence in Ontario’s Long-Term Care”. […]

Open Letter

This letter calls upon our provincial, territorial and federal Health Ministers to uphold the Canada Health Act and stop private clinics extra billing and charging two-tier user fees to the patient for health care. Click here to read the letter in English and sign on. Click here to see the full list of organizations that […]

RELEASE: Thousands Demand Doug Ford Disavow Health Care Privatization and Cuts – Other Political Parties Respond Positively to Coalition’s Demand for Services to be Rebuilt & Restored

(October 23, 2018) Thousands Demand Doug Ford Disavow Health Care Privatization and Cuts, Other Political Parties Respond Positively to Coalition’s Demand for Services to be Rebuilt & Restored Toronto – “Hands Off Our Health Care” chanted a capacity crowd of an estimated 8,000 people who joined hands and encircled Queen’s Park today at the largest […]

RELEASE: Doug Ford’s planned cuts to provincial revenues on top of paying down deficit irresponsible and damaging: Health Coalition, September 21, 2018

(September 21, 2018) Reacting to Finance Minister Vic Fedeli’s speech today, the Ontario Health Coalition warned that dramatic cuts to provincial revenues planned by the Doug Ford government will be devastating if they are not stopped, and questioned why the government would pursue these cuts in light of their decision to choose a high deficit. […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Gordon Campbell – Canada’s Arch Health Care Privateer and Author of the Worst Cuts in B.C.’s History, September 20, 2018

(September 20, 2018) Briefing Note Gordon Campbell – Canada’s Arch Health Care Privateer and Author of the Worst Cuts in B.C.’s History Not only does he have an abysmal record on financial matters, but former B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, whom Doug Ford appointed to lead the Independent Financial Commission of Inquiry in Ontario, is perhaps […]

WASH, WEAR, and CARE – Clothing and Laundry in Long-Term Residential Care Pat Armstrong and Suzanne Day; McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2017.

WASH, WEAR, and CARE – Clothing and Laundry in Long-Term Residential Care Pat Armstrong and Suzanne Day; McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2017. Book review by Lynn Spink WASH, WEAR, and CARE summarizes research that uses laundry & clothing in Long-term Residential Care homes (nursing homes) as a way to explore larger questions about care and how […]

JOINT STATEMENT: Pls sign the Joint Statement Calling for Improvements in Access and Care in Ontario’s Long Term Care Homes

We asking organizations to sign onto the following Joint Statement to improve care levels and access to care in Ontario’s long-term care homes. If your organization would like to sign onto the Joint Statement, please send an email to the Ontario Health Coalition at ohc@sympatico.ca using the subject line: LTC JOINT STATEMENT. Please include your […]

RELEASE: Ontario Election 2018 Health Care Resources

Click on each heading for Ontario election resources: **New Leaflet inside (note: if printing use legal size paper) Leaflet outside (note: if printing used legal size paper) Election Platform- top issues and “asks” for our political parties Media Release Provincial Election Platform release Health Care Questions for Candidates All Candidates’ Meetings Media coverage of Health […]

RELEASE: $22 billion in cuts to funding for public services planned by Mr. Ford, worse than Harris, we are “extremely worried”

posted June 3, 2018

By Natalie Mehra, Executive Director Many Ontarians are captured by the idea of getting the same or more services for less money. But few know what the numbers might actually mean. Since Doug Ford did not release a clear platform, Ontarians know more about how much a beer may cost if the Conservative leader is […]

RELEASE: Coalition Takes to the Street in Effort to Save Hospital Services in the City of Windsor

Coalition Takes to the Street in Effort to Save Hospital Services in the City of Windsor (June 1, 2018) Toronto – At the Windsor Regional Hospital, Ouellette Campus, advocates of saving hospital services in the city of Windsor displayed lawn signs that are popping up all over Windsor. The lawn signs are really popular and […]

RELEASE: Provincial Election Discussion Should be About Rebuilding Public Hospitals & Long-Term Care Not “Efficiencies” or “Lean” or Code Words for Cuts: Health Coalition Calls for Concrete Commitments to Redress the Crisis in Access to Care

(May 16, 2018) Toronto – After touring Ontario in recent weeks, Health Coalition spokeswoman Natalie Mehra returned to Toronto this morning at a press conference outside the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital to talk about the crisis in access to health care. Noting that the Coalition’s mandate is to protect public health care in […]

RELEASE: Deeply concerned about Doug Ford’s planned revenue cuts, comparison of parties’ commitments on key health care issues

(April 13, 2018) Toronto – Following the release of Doug Fords “platform” the Ontario Health Coalition has tried to analyze how Mr. Ford’s plan will impact health care funding. Over the next four years, with four days until the provincial election we still have no firm commitment on the level of hospital funding, nor any […]

RELEASE: Doug Ford’s Figures “Way Off”: Coalition Deeply Concerned About His Statements on Hospitals in Northern Ontario

(April 13, 2018) On this week’s swing through Northwestern Ontario PC Party Leader Doug Ford cited wildly incorrect numbers for hospital bed costs and raised the spectre of another round of hospital bed cuts. Mr. Ford was quoted in Thunder Bay’s media yesterday falsely stating that comparable hospital beds cost $3,500 while long-term care beds […]

RELEASE: Better but not cured: Health Coalition responds to Wynne pre-election funding announcement

(March 22, 2018) Toronto – Today’s hospital funding announcement is a move in the right direction but still falls short, the Ontario Health Coalition reported at Queen’s Park after the announcement. Premier Kathleen Wynne announced a 4.6 per cent increase in hospital funding to be unveiled in next week’s provincial Budget, just weeks in advance […]

UPDATE: Time To Care Rally Video

Almost a thousand people came out to push Bill 33 over the top and win a regulated minimum care standard of an average of 4-hours hands-on care per day for long-term care (nursing home) residents. The crowd was joined by France Gélinas, NDP Health Critic and sponsor of the Bill which has already passed 1st […]

ACTION UPDATE: Pharmacare Ontario Tour

(February 22, 2018) Over the next few months, the Ontario Health Coalition will join the Canadian Labour Congress in the Ontario leg of a national tour to more than 25 communities. Featuring Canada’s foremost pharmacare experts and advocates, these important discussions will address why we need a prescription drug plan that covers all Canadians. Click […]

UPDATE: TIME TO CARE RALLY – February 27, 2018 at 12 p.m., Queen’s Park

Time to Care Rally So far we have hundreds coming. But we need more than that. This time, every person counts. PLEASE COME OUT TIME TO CARE RALLY February 27, 2018 12 p.m. Queen’s Park GET ON A BUS – THEY ARE COMING FROM ALL OVER ONTARIO Please see the list below. You must reserve […]

ISSUE UPDATE: Ontario Health Coalition Succeeds in Protecting & Strengthening Ontario’s Ban on Private Hospitals

(February 9, 2018) We sent out an update in early December, but it appears that many of you did not get it. Here is the final update on our campaign in late November/early December to restore Ontario’s ban on private clinics after the government removed it in their omnibus health care bill that was brought […]

BACKGROUNDER: CALL TO ACTION: Take these actions to win improved long-term care in Ontario asap: Pass Bill 33!

It’s Time to Care: Your Support Can Help Us Win Improved Care Standards in Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes Now Not Enough Care As you know, the key issue for residents, families, care workers and advocates in long-term care is that there simply is not enough care. For more than a decade, we have been advocating to […]

RELEASE: Health Minister’s hospital bed announcement welcome but it is only a temporary band aid, more is needed: Health Coalition

Health Minister’s hospital bed announcement welcome but it is only a temporary band aid, more is needed: Health Coalition (February 2, 2018) Toronto – “Although the Minister’s announcement today promising to extend funding for 1,235 ‘temporary’ hospital beds for one year is a positive step it is only a temporary band aid that will not […]

URGENT ACTION ALERT: New Bill Allows Private For-Profit Hospitals & More Private For-Profit Clinics

(November 23, 2017) The Ontario government is moving forward with legislation that lifts the ban on private hospitals, rolls private hospitals in with private clinics and renames them, offensively, Community Health Facilities, and makes it easier for private hospitals and clinics to expand and more difficult for the Minister to stop them. This legislation was brought […]

RELEASE: Public Home Care Would Benefit Ontarians Despite Claims of Vested Interests/For-Profit Home Care Companies: Health Coalition Calls for More Details

(November 6, 2017) Toronto – A leaked presentation from the Ministry of Health revealed by CBC today indicates that the government is planning some sort of public home care agency for personal support work in the home. The Ontario Health Coalition has been advocating for public home care since the 1990s and reacted with cautious […]

VIDEO: Impassioned debate in legislature on hospital cuts featuring quotes from OHC

(November 2, 2017) Analysis The Ontario Health Coalition’s media release was featured in an impassioned debate in the Legislature. Following upon revelations that more than 4,300 patients were treated on stretchers in hallways and other makeshift areas in the first four months of this year in Brampton’s hospital, many waiting 40 – 70 hours for […]

RELEASE: Thousands of Patients Lining Hospital Hallways in Brampton “Code Gridlock” Just the Tip of the Iceberg

(October 31, 2017) Coalition Calls for Long-Term Plan to Reinvest & Rebuild Hospital Bed Capacity Toronto – A memo obtained by the NDP, released in the media today, reveals that more than 4,300 patients stayed on stretchers in hospital corridors and the like for significant lengths of time, often waiting 40 – 70 hours for […]

RELEASE: Wynne Government’s Hospital Bed Announcement a Temporary Band-Aid But Health Coalition Slams Expanding Health Care Privatization

(October 23, 2017) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition congratulated the Health Minister for recognizing the crisis in Ontario’s hospitals and announcing 1,200 new hospital beds today. However, the coalition cautioned that this is only temporary band-aid that will partially alleviate the crisis but not solve it. One-fourth of the hospital money announced today was […]

RELEASE & REPORT: The Elephant at the Health Ministers’ Meetings: How Will Provinces Cope with $31 Billion Cut

(October 18, 2017) New National Report Outlines the Huge Cost of the Failed Health Accord As Health Ministers from across Canada meet in Edmonton today, Canada’s Health Coalitions released a report showing the recent bilateral health schemes pushed through by the Trudeau government have come at a huge cost. The report “Health Accord Breakdown: Costs […]

CALLOUT: Join the Campaign to fight the Hamilton hospital cuts

(August 8, 2017) Public Meeting to stop the cuts: Monday, September 25, 6:00 p.m. at USW Hall, 350 Kenilworth Ave. in Hamilton, Ont. We are collecting front-line stories about patient impacts of the cuts at the Hamilton hospitals. Do you, a friend or a family member have any? For example: patients left waiting in emergency […]

RELEASE: Hamilton’s Hospitals Have Passed the Tipping Point: Urgent campaign launched to stop $27-million in cuts

(August 8, 2017) Hamilton – Hamilton’s hospitals are already beyond their tipping point and another massive set of cuts is “reckless and irresponsible”, reported advocates today in a press conference. The Ontario Health Coalition joined leaders from the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions/CUPE to warn the public about the newest cuts which amount to $27 […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Responds to Wettlaufer Inquiry Announcement

(August 1, 2017) Toronto – The Ontario government appointed Justice Eileen Gillese from the Ontario Court of Appeal to head a Public Inquiry into the murders of eight long-term care residents by Elizabeth Wettlaufer. The Ontario Health Coalition responded by raising concerns about the duration and the narrow mandate of the inquiry, noting that in […]

RELEASE: Inquiry Should Look into All Recent Homicides, Systemic Issues in Long-Term Care: Health Coalition

(June 28, 2017) The Ontario Health Coalition is advocating for the public inquiry that the Ontario government has called as a result of the murders in long-term care homes in Woodstock and London be broad enough to cover the systemic issues that have contributed to a context in Ontario’s long-term care homes in which there […]

RELEASE: Private Clinics & the Threat to Public Medicare in Canada: Results of Surveys with Private Clinics and Patients

(June 10, 2017) From the autumn of 2016 to the spring of 2017, researchers at the Ontario Health Coalition called all the private clinics we could reach across Canada. Included in the survey are private surgical clinics including cataract surgery clinics, MRI/CT, colonoscopy/endoscopy clinics and “boutique” physician clinics. In total, we surveyed a sample of […]

EVENT: Public Consultation on Public Hospital Reform

(June 2, 2017) Now is the time when we can make a difference Organizations and individuals are invited to attend and submit oral or written submissions on reforming Ontario’s hospitals in the public interest. We are holding public hearings across the province. Your input will be used to help create a report on reforming hospitals […]

EVENT: We Can’t “Bear” to Lose Medicare Tour

(June 2, 2017) The giant teddy bear is 7-feet tall and 4 1/2 foot-wide: a much-loved and friendly prop to help educate our communities about the threat of health care privatization. Private for-profit clinics are trying to take over services from our local public non-profit hospitals. They charge user fees amounting to hundreds or even thousands […]

RELEASE: Ontario Budget Health Care Investments Do Not Meet Expectations: Hospital Funding Inadequate to Stop Cuts & Meet Community’s Needs

(April 28, 2017) Despite the hype, the Ontario Budget did not provide the relief from a decade of hospital cuts that was hoped. Overall health funding will increase by 3 percent, less than the rest of the public sector. Home and community care funding increases are positive and appear to remain at the same rate […]

RELEASE: Ontario Budget Health Care Investments Do Not Meet Expectations: Hospital Funding Inadequate to Stop Cuts & Meet Community’s Needs

(April 27, 2017) Despite the hype, the Ontario Budget did not provide the relief from a decade of hospital cuts that was hoped. Overall health funding will increase by 3 percent, less than the rest of the public sector. Home and community care funding increases are positive and appear to remain at the same rate […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Pre-Budget Note

(April 26, 2017) In a speech April 13 to the Empire Club, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa reported that in every corner of Ontario he heard from residents, civic leaders and businesses that health care and public hospitals are top priority issues, and he promised significant investments in this year’s budget. These increases will follow […]

REPORT: Our Hospitals, Our Communities: Report on Hospital Care Surveys in Chatham-Kent

(March 28, 2017) In 2016 Ontario Minister of Health, Dr. Eric Hoskins appointed a Supervisor under the Public Hospitals Act to take over the leadership of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, which includes the two Chatham hospitals on one site (Public General and St. Joseph’s) and the Sydenham District Hospital in Wallaceburg. Since his appointment, Supervisor […]

RELEASE: Health Care Advocates Dismayed with Ottawa’s Divide and Conquer Tactics: Hopes for a Canadian Health Accord Dashed as Provinces Signs Deal

(March 10, 2017) Toronto/Ottawa/Edmonton: The Ontario, Quebec and Alberta governments, which had initially held out for better, were compelled to sign onto a bilateral health funding deal with Ottawa today. In the federal election, the Trudeau government promised to break with the high-handed approach of the previous Harper government and negotiate a new Health Accord […]

RELEASE: CIHI/Commonwealth Fund study on health: the good the bad and what’s missing

(February 16, 2017) In the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s spin-off report from the annual Commonwealth Fund International Health Survey of 11 countries released today, Canada fared pretty well. Though the Canadian Institute for Health Information led its media messaging with wait times, it should be noted that the study ranks Canada at or above […]

MEDIA CONFERENCE: Canada’s Health Coalitions Call for a United Health Accord Federal Government Must Return to the Negotiation Table

(February 9, 2017) The Ontario Health Coalition was joined by provincial and territorial health coalitions across Canada in media conferences to decry the federal government’s decision to walk away from the table on negotiating a new Health Accord for Canada. The current bilateral deals pushed through by the federal government and some provinces and territories […]

RELEASE & BACKGROUND: Ontario Government Responsible for Overwhelmed Hospital Emergency Departments: Critical Bed Shortages “Systemic and Pervasive”

(January 10, 2017) Reports of critical and pervasive hospital bed shortages are streaming in from across Ontario. In Brantford, hospital officials recently reported the “emergency department is overwhelmed”. At Lakeridge Health, all four hospitals across Durham are so full that hospital managers set up an emergency “command centre”. In Ottawa and London health coalition members […]

RELEASE: As Prime Minister Trudeau meets with First Ministers, Health Coalition calls for both sides to give ground to forge a new Health Accord in the public interest

(December 9, 2016) In advance of tonight’s dinner discussion on health care between the provincial-territorial Premiers and the Prime Minister, the Ontario Health Coalition called out both sides for their intransigence and advocated a new Health Accord forged in the public interest. For months, provincial premiers and the federal government have been at odds over […]

UPDATE: 100 Patients, families and concerned residents traveled to the Ontario Legislature

100 Patients, families and concerned residents traveled to the Ontario Legislature as Wynne government forces through the mega-mergers of their local hospitals. This week, the Wynne government used extraordinary powers to order the forced merger of the hospitals in Durham and Scarborough. The merger will cost almost $50 million of dollars, taking this money away from […]

UPDATE & BRIEFING NOTES: Durham/Scarborough Hospital Merger Mania

(November 24, 2016) UPDATE POSTED NOV. 24: Minister of Health Orders Mega-Hospital Merger “By Fiat”: Health Coalition Outraged, Vows to take its Fight to the Legislature Durham/Scarborough – The Ontario Health Coalition expressed outrage in reaction to news that the Minister of Health is forcing through massive hospital mergers in Scarborough and Durham affecting more than […]

EVENT: Reforming Long-Term Care in the Public Interest Conference

(November 1, 2016) Here are the notes and presentations that were displayed at the conference. Dr. Pat Armstrong Dan Buchanan Ian Johnson Isobel Mackenzie Natalie Mehra John F. Schnelle Mary Schultz

UPDATE: Giant Teddy Bear Brings Message of Compassion to London

(October 18, 2016) We Can’t “Bear” To Lose Medicare!! The London Health Coalition is launching a Care Bear Tour today on Tuesday, October 18th. With a giant teddy bear, aptly nicknamed “Tommy”, the coalition seeks to convey the message that care (not profit) must be the centre of our public health care system. Their goal […]

RELEASE: As Health Ministers from Across Canada Meet to Negotiate Health Accord

(October 17, 2016) Months of sparring in the media may come to an end this week as Health Ministers from across Canada meet to discuss a new Health Accord. This morning, representatives of the Canadian & Ontario Health Coalitions, Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Council of Canadians gathered outside the King Edward hotel where […]

RELEASE: Coalition Applauds MPP Gates’ Call for Premier to Answer on Status of Niagara Falls Hospital

On Thursday, in advance of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s visit to Niagara Falls today, MPP Wayne Gates questioned the Health Minister in the Ontario Legislature on the slow pace of approval for a new hospital in Niagara Falls. He advocated that local contractors be used in the construction. All this is good. There is no question that the Niagara Falls hospital is old and a new one is required. Two years ago, the Niagara Health System submitted to the Ministry of Health a Phase I proposal to build a new hospital in Niagara Falls that has not yet been approved. Unfortunately, here in Niagara, as is the case in Scarborough, Durham, Picton and other areas, the government has used a vague and distant promise of a new hospital in what appears to be an attempt to stifle dissent about closure of needed health care services and a dismantling of local governance.

RELEASE: Coalition Warns Health Minister: Privatization of Ontario’s Health Systems for Patient Records and Information Will Incite Massive Public Opposition

(October 7, 2016) Banking Executive is Not Trusted to Protect Patient or Public Interest, Especially After Hydro Privatization Debacle Toronto –This afternoon, the Wynne government has made public a formal invitation from the Health Minister to Ed Clark to “assess and validate the value these [health data, e-health records and related intellectual property and infrastructure] […]

EVENT: Giant Rocking Chair Tour 2016: Rock-in for Improved Care!

(June 21, 2016) Rocking Chair Tour Update The Ontario Health Coalition’s giant 10-foot tall rocking chair with its message of the urgent need to bring in a 4-hour per day minimum care standard and improve access to long-term care has visited 17 communities (only 2 more to go!) including Prescott, Plantagenet, Orleans, Carleton Place, Almonte, Barry’s […]

SUBMISSION: Speaking Out About Protecting Health Care from International Trade Agreements

Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra presented to the Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on International Trade on May 12 in Windsor. She is speaking about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, a so-called “trade deal” among 12 countries representing about 40 percent of the global economy. There is a wide consensus among experts that this proposed agreement really […]

RELEASE: More than 94,000 Ontarians Join in Grassroots Referendum to Stop Devastating Hospital Cuts

(May 31, 2016) Massive Piles of Votes delivered to Opposition Party Leaders Outside Ontario Legislature Toronto – From across Ontario representatives from dozens of communities facing devastating cuts to their community hospitals carted thousands of ballots to the Ontario Legislature. The votes – 93,840 of them as of last night – were cast in a […]

RELEASE: Volunteer-Led Referendum Launched Across Ontario to Save Local Hospitals: Ontarians to Vote Saturday May 28

(April 25, 2016) Volunteer-Led Referendum Launched Across Ontario to Save Local Hospitals: Ontarians to Vote Saturday May 28 (Toronto, ON) […]

ADVISORY CORRECTION: Volunteers in Communities Across Ontario are Mounting Referendum to Save Local Hospitals

(April 22, 2016) *PLEASE NOTE: The Sudbury media launch has been postponed until further notice. Ontario is currently in the ninth consecutive year of real-dollar cuts to global hospital budgets, the longest stretch in Ontario’s history. These cuts mean that hospitals across the province, cannot keep up even with basic inflation. Hospitals have been […]

RELEASE: Success! Patients, Residents Travel 700 kilometres to Ontario Legislature to Save the Wallaceburg Hospital’s Emergency Department

(April 18, 2016) Breaking News: Success! Patients, Residents Travel 700 kilometres to Ontario Legislature to Save the Wallaceburg Hospital’s Emergency Department Toronto – At a press conference today at Queen’s Park, patients and concerned citizens from Wallaceburg issued an urgent plea to Ontario’s Minister of Health to stop the closure of the Wallaceburg Hospital’s […]

REPORT: “Beyond Limits”: Ontario’s community hospital cuts worst in Canada

(April 13, 2016) Toronto – The data is irrefutable. Ontario’s cuts to hospital nursing care and hospital beds are the most severe of anywhere in Canada. In a new report Beyond Limits: Ontario’s Deepening Hospital Cuts Crisis released today, the Ontario Health Coalition finds that the cuts to community hospital care are a result of […]

RELEASE: Coalition Applauds Wynne Government for Reversing Course on Seniors’ Drug Fee Increase

(April 8, 2016) Toronto — This week, Ontario’s government announced that it is canceling its plans to dramatically increase user fees for seniors’ drugs after more than 80 organizations signed onto a letter to the Premier asking her to revisit the idea. The government’s plan, announced in the 2016 Ontario Budget in February, would have […]

EVENT: Upcoming Town Hall Meetings: Attend one near you!

(April 1, 2016) TOWN HALL MEETINGS: Lindsay, Hamilton, Windsor, Chatham, Wallaceburg, Sarnia, Pelham, North Bay, Port Colborne, Toronto, Orillia, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Joseph Island Hospitals across the province are facing serious cuts to services. London’s hospitals are planning $26 million in cuts this year and more cuts are expected to be announced. Lindsay’s Ross […]

MYTH BUSTER: Hospital Funding in Ontario Budget 2016

(March 24, 2016) Real-Dollar Cuts Across Ontario Ontario’s Wynne government has been claiming that it has increased public hospital funding this year by 2.1 per cent. This would not be sufficient to meet population growth and health care inflation levels, even were it true. But the truth is that most of Ontario’s hospitals are not […]

RELEASE: Welland Hospital Awareness Day at Ontario Legislature: Patients, Residents Demand Plan to Close Welland Hospital Be Stopped

(March 21, 2016) Toronto – At a press conference today at Queen’s Park, patients and concerned citizens from Welland issued an urgent plea to Ontario’s Minister of Health to overturn the decision to close the Welland Hospital, telling him that more than 100,000 people served by the Welland Hospital will suffer worse access to […]

RELEASE: Welland Hospital Plan Unveiled: Precarious Services are No Replacement for Hospital Closure, Coalition Warns

(March 18, 2016) Welland/Niagara/Toronto: The Niagara Health System (NHS) revealed a sliver of its hospital plans today. In its email to the media, the hospital outlined its new proposal for an ambulatory care centre (outpatient clinics), an “urgent care” centre (walk-in clinic) and long-term care beds to be located in Welland. The timing of the […]

ANALYSIS: Chamber of Commerce Privatization Report Poorly Researched, Not in Public Interest: Health Coalition

(March 15, 2016) Toronto – The Ontario’s Chamber of Commerce waded into health care reform today with a poorly-researched and argued report that would cause Ontarians harm if implemented, noted the Ontario Health Coalition. The OCC report is not grounded in evidence. It is comprised of a hodgepodge of anecdotes that are often inaccurate and […]

ANALYSIS: Ontario Health Coalition Summary & Analysis of Minister of Health’s White Paper on Health Care Reform

Ontario Health Coalition Summary & Analysis of Minister of Health’s White Paper on Health Care Reform Patients First: A Proposal to Strengthen Patient-Centred Health Care in Ontario Discussion Paper issued by the Minister of Health & Long-Term Care, December 17, 2015 Process & Timelines The process of public consultation for this proposed reform is an […]

RELEASE: 2016 Ontario Budget — Minimal Funding Increases for Hospitals: Not Far Enough

(February 25, 2016) 2016 Ontario Budget — Minimal Funding Increases for Hospitals: Not Far Enough Toronto – The Ontario Budget, released today at the Ontario Legislature, has announced a $60 million increase for hospital global budgets for the upcoming year. This minimal increase, along with targeted funding, will mean that some hospitals will see […]

ADVISORY: OHC 2016 Pre-Budget Briefing

(February 25, 2016) 2016 Pre-Budget Briefing Where We Stand: Ontario’s Ranking in Public Service and Health Care Expenditures & Cuts Ontario’s government is making budget choices that cut and privatize public services and health care. These are choices, not necessities. Here’s how we compare relative to other provinces and jurisdictions on some key measures. The […]

RELEASE: Devastating Hospital Cuts & Flawed Process for Health Reform Consultation: Key Issues for this Session of the Ontario Legislature

(February 16, 2016) Toronto – Ontario’s premier stated that jobs and the economy are her priorities for this session of Ontario’s Legislature, which opened today. Impacting both jobs and local economies but not part of the Premier’s media messages, two key health care issues impacting Ontario’s communities will also be on the front-burner, including: Devastating […]

SUBMISSION: Local Coalition Submissions to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

(February 1, 2016) Folgo Della Vedova – Sault and Area Health Coalition Full Submission (PDF) Jeff Arbus – Sault and Area Health Coalition Full Submission (PDF) Shirley Roebuck – Chatham Kent Health Coalition Full Submission (PDF)

RELEASE: Patients, Concerned Citizens and Workers Rally Outside Pre-Budget Hearings to Stop Devastating Hospital Cuts, Privatization

(February 1, 2016) As MPPs from all three political parties from the Ontario Legislature traveled to Toronto for pre-budget hearings today, they were met with protests by patients, concerned residents and health care workers. The message was clear: stop the devastating cuts to – and privatization of – local hospitals across Ontario. The Ontario Legislature’s Standing […]

UPDATE: Pre-budget hearing rallies!

(February 1, 2016) Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director presented to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs at the Ontario Legislature this morning. Here is the Ontario Health Coalition’s submission with the most recent hospital spending, nursing levels (all nurse classifications), and hospital beds and overcrowding statistics. Please share with those who might be […]

RELEASE: Protect Public Medicare as first priority, as Canada’s Health Ministers gather to meet in Vancouver: Health Advocates

(January 19, 2016) Toronto/Vancouver – Urgent action must be taken to safeguard equal health care for all as a first priority as Health Ministers from across Canada gather in Vancouver this week, say advocates from the public health care watchdog the Ontario Health Coalition. “We are seeing an alarming increase in user fees charged to […]

EVENTS: Members of Provincial Parliament Traveling Across Ontario for Pre-Budget Hearings

(January 11, 2016) The Ontario Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs has chosen Hamilton, Windsor, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa and Toronto to hold pre-budget consultations. We are now entering the 9th consecutive year of hospital cuts – the longest stretch of hospital cuts in Ontario’s history. Every service cut is […]

IN THE NEWS: Health Care Wait Times – What is the Real Story?

(December 8, 2015) By: Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Ontario Health Coalition Today, a high-profile report tracking health care wait times was released from the Wait Times Alliance. Eliminating Code Gridlock in Canada’s Health Care System, is a credible summary and a useful addition to public policy decisions about health care planning. It is written by […]

RELEASE: A Thousand People Rally to Send Strong Message to Wynne Government: “Stop the Devastating Cuts to Local Hospitals”

(December 4, 2015) A Thousand People Rally to Send Strong Message to Wynne Government: “Stop the Devastating Cuts to Local Hospitals” On Monday, the Northeastern Ontario Day of Action, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition and the North Bay Health Coalition, brought together patients, seniors, health advocates, hospital workers and local citizens to address the […]