Key Issues Index

RELEASE: Giant Protest Sends Message to Wynne Government: “We Can’t Take Any More Cuts”

(November 13, 2015) Giant Protest Sends Message to Wynne Government: “We Can’t Take Any More Cuts” (Trenton, Ontario) – At a major regional rally today in Trenton, hundreds gathered to deliver a strong message to Lou Rinaldi, the senior Liberal MPP for the region. The Take Back Our Hospitals Rally, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition […]

EVENTS: Take Back Our Hospitals: Fall Days of Action in S/E Ont, N/E Ont, and Scarborough/Durham

(October 23, 2015) Take Back Our Hospitals Days of Action in S/E Ontario, N/E Ontario and Scarborough/Durham Southeastern Ontario Rally Friday November 13, 12 p.m. Centennial Park, Trenton Buses will be traveling in from the whole region. For more info on buses email us at ohc@sympatico.ca Active citizens have succeeded in stopping cuts all across Ontario. Let’s […]

OP-ED: Conservatives are wrong to refuse debate on health care

(October 16, 2015) By: Natalie Mehra Across Ontario federal Conservative candidates have refused to attend most all-candidates debates on health care. This is a new low. Never has any political party simply refused to debate a leading issue for voters. In correspondence and the media, candidates have excused themselves, saying that “health is a provincial […]

VIDEO: How do “tax cuts” stack up against new costs as a result of health care cuts?

(October 16, 2015) We’re besieged with commercials and messages about tax cuts. But who’s paying for them and how? Here’s a 2 minute video that you’ll want to know about:

Federal Election 2015 – Vote Health Care!

(October 2, 2015) Canadians share a deeply held belief that access to health care should not be based on how rich we are, but on our medical need. Most of us believe that our government will not purposely destroy public health care. But privatization is a serious threat and it would dismantle health care for […]

ADVISORY: Memorial Draws Attention to Violence in Long-Term Care

(September 30, 2015) Memorial Draws Attention to Violence in Long-Term Care: Health Coalition, Seniors Call for Minimum Care Standards On October 1, seniors, families of long-term care residents, advocates and care workers of all stripes will gather to remember those who have died due to homicide in Ontario’s long-term care homes and to highlight the […]

RELEASE, ANALYSIS & BACKGROUNDER: Hundreds of Millions in Home Care Funding Going to Profit, Duplicate Administration and ‘Impossibly Complex and Bureaucratic’ Home Care System: Auditor’s CCAC Home Care Report

(September 23, 2015) Health Coalition Calls for Streamlined Public Home Care System Raises Questions About Lack of Transparency in Contracted Home Care Companies Toronto – Ontario’s Auditor General released a thorough and thoughtful review of the Community Care Access Centres (CCACs) that reveals in detail how impossibly complex the home care system in Ontario has […]

CAMPAIGN: Petition to save hospital services at Brockville General Hospital

(July 29, 2015) Click here for Petition (PDF)

EVENTS: Southwestern Ontario’s Day of Action to Stop Privatization and Protect Our Public Healthcare and Services!

(July 6, 2015) Thank-you to everyone that came out to support Southwestern Ontario’s Day of Action on Friday, June 26. Over 200 people stood outside Deb Matthew’s office in London to raise awareness about the serious cuts that are happening to our hospitals and services. Stay tuned via Facebook, Twitter and/or our website for further events […]

VIDEO: Stopping Health Care Cuts

(June 8, 2016) This was taken by Al Dupuis, from one of our public meetings with the Ottawa Health Coalition. Watch OHC Executive Director Natalie Mehra with Dr. John Lister, and Marlene Rivier, Ottawa Health Coalition’s Co-chair. Analysis

EVENTS: Join us at the upcoming Southwestern Ontario Day of Action

(June 3, 2015) On June 26, at 12 p.m., please join us as we bring our Regional Days of Action to Southwestern Ontario to Minister Deb Matthew’s office in London, Ontario. We invite you to share the posters around and spread the word to your friends and family. Click here for Poster

EVENT: Giant Rocking Chair Tour 2015

(June 3, 2015) “Rock in” Ontario’s Way to Comfort, Safety and Care Come out and show your support as we, make time to care! Join the Ontario Health Coalition, local health coalitions, friends and allies as we tour the province, pushing for improved access to care and improved levels of care in Ontario’s long-term care homes. A giant 10-foot tall rocking chair will […]

EVENTS: Join us at the upcoming Ottawa Region Day of Action

(May 29, 2015) Our next Regional Day of Action is fast approaching!

RELEASE: Homecare Roadmap has potential, but beware of some dangerous pitfalls: Health Coalition

(May 13, 2015) The Ontario government’s plan to reform home care is short on details. The broad steps outlined in it contain potential for a strong and progressive vision to emerge, but there are also perils that Ontario Health Coalition is urging Health Minister Eric Hoskins to avoid. “We want to be positive and we […]

CALL-OUT: It’s Time to Take a Stand! Regional Days of Action to Stop Hospital Cuts and Hospital /Home Care Privatization

(May 11, 2015) Days of Action Rallies at senior government Ministers’ offices Hamilton/Niagara 10 a.m. Rally @ Cabinet Minister Ted McMeekin’s office, 299 Dundas St. E., Waterdown *For ride/carpool from Hamilton, meet by 9 a.m. at the Steelworkers’ Hall, 350 Kenilworth Ave. N., Hamilton. For more information contact Rolf Gerstenberger 289-260-9547 Hamilton residents will then […]

ADVISORY: Ontario Budget Watch and Pre-Budget Briefing

(April 22, 2015) Advisory – Ontario Budget Watch: Health Coalition Representatives Available to Respond to Budget *Please see below for Pre-Budget Briefing (Toronto/Chatham-Kent/Cornwall/Niagara/North Bay/Peterborough/Sault Ste. Marie/Scarborough/Sudbury/Windsor) – Health Coalition representatives will be available to share our responses to and analysis of the Ontario Budget tomorrow after the budget is released. While the announced plans for […]

RELEASE: Hundreds Rally to Stop Health Care Cuts and Privatization in First Day of Action — Protests Planned Across Ontario

(April 17, 2015) (Sudbury, Ottawa, Hamilton, Niagara, London) – In response to severe hospital cuts and the threat of privatization of home care and hospital services, organizations representing hundreds of thousands of seniors, patients, health care workers, nurses, health professionals and concerned citizens have joined forces to call for mass protests in each region of […]

ADVISORY: Leaders of Organizations Representing More than Half-A-Million Ontarians Join Forces to Stop the Hospital Cuts & Hospital/Home Care Privatization

(April 15, 2015) Advisory: Leaders of Organizations Representing More than Half-A Million Ontarians Join Forces to Stop the Hospital Cuts & Hospital/Home Care Privatization (Toronto) – Hospital wards, emergency departments, even entire hospitals are being closed down. Hundreds of nurses have received lay-off notices in recent months. Health professionals’ services are being systematically cut […]

FULL REPORT: Planned Closure of Five Hospital in Niagara Puts Patients At Risk, Warns International Health Expert

(April 2, 2015) Planned Closure of Five Hospitals in Niagara Puts Patients At Risk, Warns International Health Expert Coalition is Concerned that Niagara Closures Pave the Way for Hospital Closures Across Ontario (Toronto) An international health policy expert warned that the plan to close five hospitals in Niagara risks patient safety, “lacks any rational justification” and […]

ADVISORY: Media Conference with International Expert Condemning Niagara Hospital Closures

(April 1, 2015) MEDIA ADVISORY Media Conference with International Expert Condemning Niagara Hospital Closures (Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Health Coalition will be hosting a media conference with an international health policy expert with decades of experience analyzing global health policy reform who has conducted a full review of the plans to close five community […]

RELEASE & REPORT: International Health Policy Expert Finds Plan to Close Five Hospitals in Niagara Threatens Patient Safety and Contains “Glaring Omissions”

(March 30, 2015) (Welland/Niagara Falls) An international health policy expert warned that the plan to close five hospitals in Niagara risks patient safety, “lacks any rational justification” and contains “glaring omissions”. In two press conferences today in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Dr. John Lister, author of two books on global health reform and professor at Coventry […]

RELEASE: Home Care Panel Report Missing Core Principles of Public Medicare: Coalition Warns of “Deep Privatization”

(March 12, 2015) Home Care Panel Report Missing Core Principles of Public Medicare: Coalition Warns of “Deep Privatization” Toronto – The Ontario Ministry of Health’s “expert” panel on home care released its recommendations today for home care reform. The recommendations caused deep concern among public health care advocates in the Ontario Health Coalition because they […]

FULL REPORT: Ontario Home Care in Disarray, Unable to Keep Up: Heath Coalition Proposes Reform Based on Principles of Public Medicare

(March 10, 2015) Ontario Home Care in Disarray, Unable to Keep Up: Heath Coalition Proposes Reform Based on Principles of Public Medicare

RELEASE: Leamington Day of Action at Queen’s Park

(March 5, 2015) Pregnant Women, Mothers, Midwives and Community Members Issue Plea to Save Birthing Services (Toronto) A group of pregnant women, mothers, midwives and community members traveled to Queen’s Park today to raise the alarm about the proposed closure of birthing, maternity and maternal-newborn care at the Leamington Hospital. The closure would mean that […]

RELEASE: Protest at Liberal Cabinet Minister Deb Matthews’ Office to Stop Closure of Birthing Services, Cuts to Smaller Community Hospitals

(February 28, 2015) (London) – More than 60 women, children, families and activists joined forces to protest the proposed closure of birthing and other obstetrical services at Leamington’s hospital outside MPP Deb Matthews’ office on Saturday in London, Ontario. A large group, including pregnant women, travelled from Leamington to London to bring their message to […]

SUBMISSION: to the Standing Committee on Finance & Economic Affairs

(January 29, 2015) Click here for OHC Budget Submission

ADVISORY: Essex County Residents to Deliver Hundreds of Newborn Hats to Cabinet Minister Deb Matthews’ Office in Rally to Save Maternity Services

(February 13, 2015) Get on the Bus! Your support matters, please let us know if you plan to attend by calling 519-325-0226 or 519-800-3040 by Friday February 20. All are welcome!

RELEASE: Privatized P3 Hospitals & Projects Cost $8 Billion More

(January 13, 2015) Privatized P3 Hospitals and Projects Cost $8 Billion More Ontario Auditor General’s Report Vindicates More than 10 Years of Work by Health Coalition: Government Must Stop P3 Privatization Now (Toronto) – All justifications are now stripped away. Ontario’s government must stop the P3 privatization of public infrastructure projects including hospitals, and put […]

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

(January 6, 2015) *Info on rallies below 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. […]

RELEASE: Home care cuts undermining Medicare

(November 25, 2014) Toronto Star Letter to the Editor by Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, in response to Health Minister. Click here for Letter

EVENTS: Photos from Rally at Queen’s Park

(November 21, 2014) Many thanks to the thousands of people who came out to the November 21 Rally at Queen’s Park. Thanks to your support and hard work, the event was a huge success! The sun was shining as more than 3000 participants from across Ontario gathered to call on Ontario’s government to Stop the […]

ADVISORY: Thousands Rally at Ontario Legislature to Stop Unprecedented Cuts and Privatization that Threaten Community Hospitals All Across Ontario

(November 18, 2014) Thousands Rally at Ontario Legislature to Stop Unprecedented Cuts and Privatization that Threaten Community Hospitals All Across Ontario Where: In front of main doors (South doors) of Main Legislative Building, Queen’s Park When: Friday November 21 at 12 noon What: A massive rally at Queen’s Park with more than 3000 people in […]

CALL-OUT: Get on the bus to join the November 21 Giant Rally at Queen’s Park!

(November 10, 2014) STOP private clinics SAVE our local public hospitals 12 p.m. Friday November 21 Giant Rally @ Ontario Legislature, Queen’s Park Toronto www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca Buses will be coming from all over Ontario! Please see below for a list of buses and who to contact to get on the bus in your community + more information on […]

URGENT: Save Our Community Hospitals Upcoming Meetings and Events across Ontario

(November 4, 2014) The government of Ontario is undertaking an aggressive plan to dismantle community hospitals and contract-out hospital surgeries and diagnostics to private clinics. In the most aggressive cuts plan that we have ever seen, after more than five years of budget slashing, they plan to close all of the outpatient services that they […]

CALL-OUT: November 21 Giant Rally at Queen’s Park to STOP the private clinics

(October 24, 2014) STOP private clinics SAVE our local public hospitals 12 p.m. Friday November 21 Giant Rally @ Ontario Legislature, Queen’s Park Toronto

PRESENTATION: Private Affluence, Public Austerity: P3s, Economic Crisis, and the Public Response

(October 19, 2014) Postdoctoral Fellow at University of British Columbia, Heather Whiteside, slide presentation to OHC Assembly and Conference October 2014 on P3 Privatization and the impact on cost and health care cuts. Private Affluence, Public Austerity: P3s, Economic Crisis, and the Public Response

RELEASE: User fees threatened for patients across Canada if court challenge negotiations fail to uphold Medicare

(September 29, 2014) At a press conference this morning, speakers Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, Dr. Rupinder Brar, Board Member of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, Dr. Ryan Meili, Vice-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare and Steven Shrybman, LL.B., Partner, Sack Goldblatt Mitchell raise the alarm about the threat of user fees […]

RELEASE: More than 80,000 Ontarians Vote to Stop Wynne Government Plan to Cut Local Community Hospitals and Contract Out Care to Private Clinics: Health Care Advocates Call On the Premier and New Health Minister to Stop the Privatization Plan

(July 8, 2014) One of the first major controversial issues faced by Ontario’s new Health Minister is the government’s plan to cut clinical services from local public hospitals and contract them out to regional private clinics. Today at the Ontario Legislature, hundreds of health care advocates representing every region of Ontario gathered to deliver more […]

REPORT: A Rural Nurse Speaks Out: New Report Appeals for Devastating Cuts to Small Community Hospitals to Stop

(June 5, 2014) The OHC has released a new report by Shirley Roebuck, RN, and a number of rural active or retired rural physicians, administrators and community members on the devastating cuts to small rural community hospitals across Ontario. The report includes a list sampling of devastating cuts to small and rural hospitals across Ontario.

REPORT: Ontario Election 2014

(June 6, 2014) The OHC has issued a report, “From Mega-Mergers to Reduced Parking Fees: A Comparison of the Ontario Provincial Parties’ Health Care Platforms” comparing the health care platforms of the three major parties and warns, in particular about a plan by the PC Party that would see all of Ontario’s 146 public hospital corporations […]

RELEASE: Ontario Budget: Austerity Continues For Community Hospitals Plus Some Good News on Minimum Wage, Pensions

(May 1, 2014) In today’s Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance pledged “what we will not do is sacrifice important public services”. But for the fifth year in a row, community hospitals will see their funding levels set below the rate of inflation which will result in further cuts to needed care services, movement of […]

RELEASE: More than 56,000 Ontarians vote to stop the dismantling of community hospitals in volunteer-led referendum: Health Coalition

(April 7, 2014) Over the last two and a half weeks, hundreds of volunteers with the Ontario Health Coalition have opened public voting stations to collect opinions about the government’s plan to cut services from local community hospitals and contract them out to high-volume private clinics. Balloting at over 100 voting stations and over 200 […]

RELEASE: VOTE SATURDAY APRIL 5th TO SAVE OUR LOCAL HOSPITALS!

(April 4, 2014) Vote to stop the Ontario government’s plan to cut local public hospitals and contract clinical services out to private clinics. Ontarians are asked to vote for one of the following statements in voting booths across Ontario: I support our local public hospitals. I do not want the government to cut their services […]

REPORT: Private Health Clinics Using Manipulative Tactics to Over-Bill Patients: Ontario Health Coalition Report

(March 25, 2014) Ontario Government’s Plan to Cut Medical Services from Local Public Hospital and Contract Them Out to Private Clinics Called a Significant Threat to Single-Tier Medicare.

REPORT: Proposed Scarborough-West Durham Hospital Merger: New report highlights $30 million cost and exposes plans to close hospital sites

(February 20, 2014) The Ontario Health Coalition in conjunction with the Scarborough Health Coalition released a new report today entitled “Look Before You Leap” highlighting concerns surrounding the proposed hospital merger in Scarborough-West Durham.

SUBMISSION: OHC Provincial Budget Submission

(January 16, 2014) Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Pre-Budget Hearings. Click here for Submission

RELEASE: Scarborough-Ajax Facing Among the Worst Hospital Cuts in Ontario: Campaign Launched to Protect Services

(October 15, 2013) Today the Scarborough Health Coalition launched a campaign in Scarborough to protect hospital services. According to hospital documents, $28 million in “savings” must be found next year, meaning millions of dollars in hospital service cuts are underway and even more are being planned. The campaign will include town hall meetings, mass leafleting […]

RELEASE: Ontario’s Wynne Government Plans to Bring In Private Clinics: Threatens Non-Profit Community Hospital Care

(October 8, 2013) The Ontario government plans to introduce private specialty clinics to take the place of local community hospitals’ services. The government’s proposal would bring in legal regulations under the Independent Health Facilities Act and the Local Health System Integration Act to usher in private clinics and shut down services in community hospitals.

OP/ED: Ottawa edges away from public medicare

(July 8, 2013) With the National Health Accord set to expire next year, the Harper Conservatives show little interest in working with the premiers to improve the system, write Ontario Health Coalition director Natalie Mehra and Canadian Health Coalition national co-ordinator Mike McBane’s commentary in the Toronto Star. Click here for Toronto Star OP/ED

RELEASE: Coalition Slams “Bullying” Tactics by Premier and Health Minister to Force Through P3 Hospital Privatization Without Public Accountability: Kingston Hospital Latest in More than $4 Billion in Hospital P3 Privatization Under Ontario’s Liberal Government

(May 29, 2013) A bus load of volunteers from Kingston Ontario travelled to Toronto today to deliver 10,000 ballots from a community referendum they held recently to stop the P3 privatization of their community’s new hospital. Almost 10,000 residents voted with 96 per cent opposing the P3 privatization scheme. Kingston’s new hospital is the latest […]

OPEN LETTER: to the Health Minister on Home Care User & Drug Fees

(April 3, 2013) Open letter endorsed by over 70 Seniors’ and Health Advocacy organizations expressing opposition to the Ontario Senior’s Strategy proposal for income-tested user fees and drug fees for Home Care. Click here for Open Letter

SUBMISSION: OHC Submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs questions lack of P3 audit

(March 22, 2013) OHC Director Natalie Mehra queries why no audit done of $4 billion in privatized P3 Projects amidst new international evidence of exorbitant profit-taking in P3 hospitals — at the same time regular Ontarians are told to accept deep cuts to needed local hospital care and services.

RELEASE: Giant Rocking Chair Tour: “Rock-in” for Improved Long-Term Care

(May 21, 2014) The Ontario Health Coalition is working with hundreds of groups to tour the province with a giant 10-foot tall rocking chair. The goal is to raise awareness about levels of care and access to care in Ontario’s long-term care homes.

SUBMISSION: Submission on the proposed new regulation under the Independent Health Facilities Act (IHFA), 1990 and the proposed amendment to regulation 264/07 under the Local Health System Integration Act (LHSIA) 2006

(October 10, 2013) The Ontario government is proposing regulatory changes that would appear to transfer some or all funding and oversight of private clinics (IHFs) to the LHINs regime, allow Cancer Care Ontario to fund private clinics and expand the private clinic/IHF model in order to cut and privatize public hospital services. On October 10, […]

BRIEFING NOTE: New Legal Regulations Planned by Ontario’s Liberal Government to Cut Community Hospital Services and Expand Private Clinics

(October 8, 2013) Ontario’s Liberal government has announced plans to bring in new legal regulations to expand the use of private clinics to take hospital services out of our community hospitals. Is this the end of our community hospitals as we know them? In the Ontario government’s vision for health care, community hospitals are the […]

FACT SHEET: Comparison of Public Hospitals Act to Independent Health Facilities Act

(October 8, 2013) Item Under Public Hospitals Act Under IHFA Comparison Power to approve new facilities, and sell, lease or dispose of facilities. Minister must approve new hospitals. Minister must approve articles before they are filed under the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. (These establish the name and location of the hospital, among other provisions.) Minister must approve expansions, […]

Update: Over 2000 Attend Mass Rally to Demand Federal Leadership in Health Care

(July 16, 2013) Update: Over 2000 Attend Mass Rally to Demand Federal Leadership in Health Care Many thanks to everyone for coming out to last week’s Shadow Summit and Mass Rally to Uphold National Public Medicare and win a Renewed Health Accord in 2014. More than 2000 people came out to call on the Premiers […]

RELEASE: Bad News Budget Will Result in Health Care Cuts and Privatization

(May 2, 2013) Rural communities funding and community care claims are merely “Smoke and Mirrors” says Health Coalition.

ANALYSIS: Ontario Health Coalition Analysis of the First Ministers’ Health Accord

(February 11, 2003) A reading of the new “Health Accord” reached last week at the First Ministers’ meetings leads to more questions than answers.

OPEN LETTER: Formal Complaints Lodged Against LHIN: Request for Disclosure Launched in Ottawa Hospital Cuts and Privatization Scheme

(March 11, 2013) The Ontario Health Coalition and OPSEU have launched formal complaints about the Champlain LHIN’s process regarding the decision by the Ottawa Hospital to cut and privatize thousands of surgeries and other health care services.

RELEASE: Myth Buster: OHC Challenges Health Minister’s Claims – Hospital cuts and privatization are not offset by home care

(March 5, 2013) The Ontario Health Coalition responded today to the Health Minister’s attempt to downplay and minimize the cuts to – and privatization of – hospital services that she and her government are making.

RELEASE: “OHC Austerity Index Part II” details how Hospital Cuts and Privatization Reach New Levels: Coalition Announces “S.O.S.” – Save Our Services – Day of Action

(January 25, 2013) At a Queen’s Park press conference this morning, the Ontario Health Coalition, representing more than 400 organizations dedicated to protecting public health care, warned that the Ontario government’s austerity budget is causing unprecedented cuts to and privatization of hospital services.

OPEN LETTER: Hospital CEO Does Chatham-Kent Community a Disservice

(January 23, 2013) Chatham-Kent Hospital CEO Colin Patey made headlines last week when he advocated for-profit privatization…

RELEASE: Ontario Government Seniors’ Strategy Attacks Universality for Seniors’ Health Care; Thin on Improvements to Access

(January 9, 2013) The Ontario Health Coalition, representing more than 400 organizations dedicated to protecting public health care, warns that the Ontario government’s …

REPORT: The Austerity Index Part I: Health Care cuts and deficits across Ontario

(December 5, 2012) Ontario’s health care funding, already nearly the lowest per person in the country, is being curtailed by $3 billion, resulting in unprecedented hospital and home care service cuts across the province. The Ontario Health Coalition has produced a tally of the cuts by region and community.

RELEASE: Kingston Health Coalition: “Provincial Official Misleads City Council on St. Mary’s P3 Hospital”

(December 5, 2012) Dale McClintock, senior vice-president of Infrastructure Ontario (IO), the provincial agency telling Kingston to rebuild St. Mary’s Hospital as a privatized P3 hospital, told city council,”I believe a P3 will save 10…20…25 % over a traditional approach” yet no facts were given to support his opinion.

RELEASE: Health Minister’s Veiled Threat Likened to Bullying: Health Coalition Livid over Health Minister’s Tactics

(November 9, 2012) Response by the Ontario and Niagara Health Coalitions to threats by Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews’ to cancel the proposed hospital of Niagara. According to Matthews, if Niagara municipal leaders criticize her appointee’s choice of location for a still-fictional new hospital, the project – which has never been approved anyway – may […]

RELEASE: Mike Harris: One More Reason to Create a Public Home Care System

(November 8, 2012) Mike Harris infuriated nurses by (wrongly) opining that they had gone the way of the hula-hoop. Now, a decade-and-a-half after promulgating massive hospital cuts and privatizing home care, Harris is opening a private for-profit home care company.

OPEN LETTER: Stop For-Profit Hospital Chain’s Expansion in Ontario UPDATE: Sale stopped, thanks for your help!

(September 28, 2012) UPDATE: The purchase of the Shouldice Hospital by Centric Health a for-profit corporation with an ambitous expansion agenda has been stopped. A big thank you to all of you who sent letters into the Minister of Health to ask her to stop the deal. The Ontario and Canadian Health Coalitions have teamed up with the Council of Canadians […]

ANALYSIS: Ontario Conservative Party Health Paper A Recipe for Privatization

(September 10, 2012) The Ontario PC party has released its White Paper on Health Care. The OHC has issued an analysis of the White Paper in response.

National Day of Action for a 2014 Health Accord a success!

(July 19, 2012) Over 75 people came out to participate in the National Day of Action for a 2014 Health Accord held on Wednesday July 18 at Riverdale Park East in Toronto, despite the extreme heat.

RELEASE: Schedule 28 Update: Weak amendments to McGuinty omnibus budget bill facilitate sweeping privatization – Citizens’ groups call for privatization clause to be struck down

(June 15, 2012) The Council of Canadians and Ontario Health Coalition are outraged that despite promises made by Ontario’s government, proposed amendments are too weak to stop the mass privatization of public services in Budget Bill 55, Schedule 28.

RELEASE: McGuinty Reneging on Years of Progress in Long-Term Care Homes’ Inspections & Enforcement: Betrays Longstanding Promises to Ontario Seniors

(June 13, 2012) The Ontario Health Coalition expressed its deep frustration at today’s reports quoting Health Minister Deb Matthews who said that Ontario’s long-term care homes will not be subject to annual inspections

Backgrounder on Schedule 28 of the Budget Bill (Bill 55)

(June 11, 2012) The Budget Bill (Bill 55) contains a dangerous section that, if implemented, could facilitate the largest privatization of public assets and services in Ontario’s history. Schedule 28 of the Budget Bill creates an über “Minister of Privatization”. This Schedule sets up new powers for cabinet and a new Minister to override existing legislation and […]

RELEASE: Withdraw Schedule 28 from the Ontario Omnibus Budget Bill entirely, says community and health advocates

(June 11, 2012) The Council of Canadians, Ontario Health Coalition, and the Social Planning Network of Ontario are disgusted by the Ontario government’s attempt to hide a massive privatization agenda in the 327 paged omnibus budget bill.

RELEASE: Ontario-Wide Tour to Visit 15 Communities Warning of Ontario Budget Cutbacks to Health Care

(May 7, 2012) Most Ontarians don’t realize that the McGuinty government’s recent “austerity” budget will catapult the health system into another round of cuts and restructuring.

RELEASE: Response to Niagara Hospital Consolidation Proposal

(May 3, 2012) Niagara Health System’s government-appointed Supervisor Kevin Smith has released an interim report recommending hospital restructuring in Niagara, including the closure of all the local hospitals outside of St. Catharines and the eventual construction of a new “mega hospital”. The OHC released a response to this proposal.

RELEASE: Budget: OHC Releases Four Demands to Protect Public Interest – Warns Ontario Budget Puts Health Care in Peril

(April 2, 2012) As the Ontario budget debate begins in the legislature, the Ontario Health Coalition warned that the budget as it is now written would dismantle community hospitals and curtail access to care for thousands of elderly residents on wait lists.

RELEASE: Ontario Budget Leaves More than 30,000 Ontarians Waiting for Health Care

(March 27, 2012) In a provincial budget that notes Ontario is a “low tax” (and low service) province that spends the least on public services of any province in Canada, the government has unapologetically written a provincial budget that will lead to ballooning health care wait lists, more out-of-pocket costs, and unsafe conditions for Ontario patients.

REPORT: Protecting the Public Interest in Toronto’s Long-Term Care Homes: A Review of the Evidence on Privatization

(March 26, 2012) Students from the Introduction to Health Policy class at the University of Toronto in partnership with the Ontario Health Coalition reviewed the body of research from across Canada and the United States …

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Webinar on the Drummond Report

(February 18, 2012) This is a recording of the OHC Webinar consisting of a full briefing and analysis of the Drummond Report.

ANALYSIS: Drummond Report: Summary and Analysis

(February 16, 2012) The Ontario Health Coalition has issued a document summarizing and analyzing the Drummond Report.

REPORT: Health Coalition Issues Pre-Drummond Report Warning of Major Health Cuts: First Do No Harm

(February 10, 2012) Though Ontario’s public has never been properly informed about the plans, the provincial government is planning severe curtailment of health care funding growth that will result in $3 billion or more to be carved out of hospitals and OHIP, warned the Ontario Health Coalition …

BRIEFING NOTE: Today’s Minister of Health Speech on Health Reform

(January 30, 2012) The Ontario Health Coalition’s analysis and response to Minister of Health Deb Matthews two speeches made today at exclusive business and executive audiences to launch a new round of health care reform.

RELEASE: The Drummond Commission & Public Service Cuts: Public Interest Groups Deeply Concerned About Undemocratic Process

(January 27, 2012) The McGuinty government is planning sweeping public service cuts and restructuring without public input and proper democratic processes, public interest groups revealed in a press conference this morning at Queen’s Park.

BACKGROUNDER: The Drummond Commission: A Cover for Cuts and Privatization

(January 23, 2012) The Ontario Health Coalition exposes the Drummond Commission, Drummond’s history of dismantling our social safety net and privatizing public assets when he was in government …

RELEASE: McGuinty Warned to Stop Health Care Privatization: OHC Responds to Drummond Commission

(December 7, 2011) The Ontario Health Coalition warns that the McGuinty government’s Drummond Commission must consider the vast body of evidence against health care privatization when drafting its report on public service reform in a press conference today at the Ontario Legislative building.

PANEL NOTES: Long Term Care

(November 20, 2011) Professor Hugh Armstrong, Carleton University, speech to OHC Assembly and Conference, November 2011. My assignment is to discuss long-term residential care, and to suggest how it can be better integrated with other health care sectors. Let me start with long-term residential care itself, and more specifically with what are usually called nursing […]

RELEASE: Home Care Administrative Costs: Four Tiers of Administration Before Home Care Funding Reaches Front Lines

(September 26, 2011) The Ontario Health Coalition today reiterated its findings from a home care report it released in April this year. The report includes figures from Ontario’s Auditor General, showing the cost of home care administration through the CCACs.

Public Consultations On Niagara Health Care & Hospital Restructuring

(August 11, 2011) In September, the Ontario & Niagara Health Coalitions will release a report evaluating the hospital restructuring in Niagara. At these meetings we’ll share our research findings, and we are asking the public to provide your input on this important report. How has the HIP affected you? What gaps in health care services […]

REPORT: No Vacancy: Hospital Overcrowding in Ontario, Impact on Patient Safety and Access to Care

(July 21, 2011) The OHC’s new report finds that Ontario has the fewest hospital beds per person of all provinces in Canada. The result is serious hospital overcrowding that puts patients at risk.

RELEASE: Coalition Applauds McGuinty Government for Taking Steps to Safeguard Single-Tier Medicare

(June 21, 2011) All Ontario Political Parties Should Make Clear Commitment Against For-Profit Privatization of Health Care Before October 6 Provincial Election

LEAFLET: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Health Care and Taxes

(Summer 2011) A newspaper leaflet by the Ontario Health Coalition is ready for distribution across Ontario.

OPEN LETTER: Public Service Reform: Open Letter to Dalton McGuinty

(May 31, 2011) Open letter from the OHC to the Premier to express concern that the mandate of the “Commission on Broader Public Service Reform” announced in the provincial budget in April.

NEWSLETTER: “The Pulse” OHC Newsletter and Action Alert

(May 1, 2011) The May 2011 issue of The Pulse includes news about a new OHC report that finds 10,000 people are waiting for home care, the hospital secrecy law, how the Canada-Europe Free Trade deal (CETA) could negatively impact the health care system, a review of Colin Leys’ new book “The Plot Against the NHS” […]

CORRESPONDENCE: between Tom Closson and Natalie Mehra

(May 1, 2011) This is correspondence between Tom Closson, President and CEO of the Ontario Hospital Association and Natalie Mehra, Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, regarding the hospital secrecy clause in Budget Measures Bill (173).

NEWSLETTER: “The Pulse” OHC Newsletter and Action Alert

(May/June 2011) The May 2011 issue of The Pulse includes news about ta new OHC report that finds 10,000 people are waiting for home care, the hospital secrecy law, how the Canada-Europe Free Trade deal (CETA) could negatively impact the health care system, a review of Colin Leys’ new book “The Plot Against the NHS” […]

NEWSLETTER: “The Pulse” OHC Newsletter and Action Alert

(May-June 2011) The May 2011 issue of The Pulse includes news about a new OHC report that finds 10,000 people are waiting for home care, the hospital secrecy law, how the Canada-Europe Free Trade deal (CETA) could negatively impact the health care system, a review of Colin Leys’ new book “The Plot Against the NHS” […]

RELEASE: McGuinty Government Fails to Take Hospital Secrecy Off the Table – Amendment to Budget Bill Gives Hospitals Wide Berth to Hide Information

(April 29, 2011) Public interest and patient advocates are calling on Premier McGuinty to withdraw a controversial clause slipped into the Budget Bill that will enable hospitals to hide information from the public.

RELEASE: OHC Calls on McGuinty Government to Stop NHS Privatization Plan in Welland

(April 28, 2011) The Niagara Health System is planning to close about 120 hospitals beds at the Welland Hospital.

REPORT: Still Waiting: An Assessment of Ontario’s Home Care System After Two Decades of Restructuring

(April 4, 2011) A new report by the Ontario Health Coalition on the state of Ontario’s home care system finds more than 10,000 people on wait lists for services and reveals that major problems reported by Ontario’s Auditor Generals since 1998 are still not resolved.

RELEASE: McGuinty Government Fails to Take Hospital Secrecy off the Table – Amendment to Budget Bill Gives Hospitals Wide Berth to Hide Information

(April/May 2011) The Ontario Health Coalition released a report appealing for equity and improved access to hospital services in rural Ontario. The report “Toward Access and Equality: Realigning Ontario’s Approach to Small and Rural Hospitals to Serve Public Values” is based on input received from more than 1,150 people who attended 12 hearings in regions […]

Federal Election Action Alert: Health Care Checklist

(March 22, 2011) In the upcoming federal election issues pertaining to public health care are crucial.

REPORT: Rural and Northern Framework/Plan

The Ontario government has released its “Stage 1” report from the Health Minister’s panel on Rural and Northern Health Care.

REPORT: Rural and Northern Framework/Plan

(March 8, 2011) The Ontario Government has released its “Stage 1” report from the Health Minister’s panel on Rural and Northern Health Care. The Ontario Health Coalition has filed its written submission to the panel.

BACKGROUNDER: B.C. Private Clinics Challenge to Single-Tier Health Care

(January 1, 2011) For-profit health care has mushroomed in British Columbia. In our 2008 report Eroding Public Medicare: Lessons and Consequences of For-Profit Health Care Across Canada we found that B.C. and Quebec were ground zero for private clinics. In B.C. alone, there were 25 private surgical hospitals and 12 for-profit MRI/CT clinics in the […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Responds to Auditor General’s Report on LHINs and Consultants

(October 19, 2010) Ontario Auditor General Jim McCarter is releasing his report on use of consultants by the Ontario Ministry of Health, LHINs and hospitals.

REPORT: Health Spending and Revenues in Ontario: A closer look at financial trends and the recommendations of TD Economics

(September 22, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition’s critical review of the findings of the Ontario government commissioned TD Economics report on health spending finds that the TD report is rife with inaccuracies and contradictions.

VIDEO: “LHINs Under Fire” on TVOntario’s The Agenda

(September 13, 2010) Panel discussion featuring OHC Director Natalie Mehra, Health Policy analyst Steven Lewis, Globe & Mail columnist Adam Radwanski and Erie St. Clair LHINs CEO Gary Switzer.

REPORT: The Economic Case for Universal Pharmacare: Costs and benefits of publicly funded drug coverage for all Canadians

(September 13, 2010) The Canadian Health Coalition has released an important and timely report in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

RELEASE: OHC Applauds Ombudsman’s Report on LHIN Spin: Sends McGuinty Open Letter Calling for LHINs Review, and Investigate Poor LHIN Decisions to Cut Hospital Care for Thousands

(August 10-11, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition applauds Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin’s report “The LHIN Spin” but the Coalition is deeply concerned that the McGuinty government has evaded its legislative requirement to conduct a full review

ANALYSIS: Ontario Health Coalition Analysis of the Peterborough Hospital peer Review and Hospital Improvement Plan (HIP)

(June 21, 2010) According to a detailed analysis conducted by the OHC, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Hospital Improvement Plan (HIP) recommends draconian cuts to staffing levels and proposes significant cuts to hospital beds and services.

LEGAL OPINION: on Retirement Homes Act (Bill 21): Concerns for Human Rights and Public Interest

(May 31, 2010) According to the legal opinion from Sack Golblatt Mitchell LLP, “This Bill raises significant questions in relation to safeguarding the public interest in regulating Ontario health facilities and respecting fundamental human rights.

RELEASE: Equality and Access: Realigning Ontario’s Approach to Small and Rural Hospitals to Serve Public Values

(May 17, 2010) This report contains a number of recommendations regarding the LHINs as well as descriptions of the LHINs’ impact on rural access to health care services.

REPORT: Toward Equality and Access: Realigning Ontario’s Approach to Small and Rural Hospitals to Serve Public Values

(May 17, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition released a report appealing for equity and improved access to hospital services in rural Ontario. The report “Toward Access and Equality: Realigning Ontario’s Approach to Small and Rural Hospitals to Serve Public Values” is based on input received from more than 1,150 people who attended 12 hearings in […]

SUBMISSION: OHC Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy Regarding Bill 21: An Act to Regulate Retirement Homes

(May 10, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition, while applauding the provincial government for bringing in new legislation to govern retirement homes, is deeply concerned about significant portions of the legislation.

RELEASE: OHC Response to Provincial Budget: McGuinty Must Stop “Over the Top” Crisis Rhetoric Used to Justify Hospital Cuts

(March 25, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition is warning Ontarians that the rhetoric used by the McGuinty government to justify hospital cuts is “over the top” and is not supported by the facts.

RELEASE: OHC Response to Throne Speech: Fears that New Hospital Funding System Threatens Patient Access, Leads to Privatization

(March 8, 2010) Premier Dalton McGuinty is planning changes to hospital funding systems, according to his Throne Speech today.

RELEASE: OHC Calls For Coroner’s Inquest in the Death of Reilly Anzovino

(January 25, 2010) The Ontario Health Coalition is requesting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Reilly Anzovino after a Boxing Day car accident.

SUBMISSION: OHC’s Response to 2nd Set of Draft Regulations under Bill 140 the Long-Term Care Homes Act

(October 15, 2009) Our analysis and response to the second set of draft regulations put out by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

RELEASE: Documents Revealed Through Freedom of Information Request Show Increasing Privatization and Consolidation of Ontario’s Medical Laboratory Services

(October 8, 2009) Documents released after a two-year Freedom of Information battle reveal almost complete control of Ontario’s community medical laboratory services by three multinational corporations. Three multinational corporations are the big winner while local communities are losing lab services. Click here for Media Release

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Is Health Spending Out of Control?

(June 24, 2009) Dr. Gordon Guyatt of McMaster University busts myths about health spending and uses facts to prove that Canadian health spending is stable and that privatization costs more and generates worse health outcomes.

REPORT: Putting Patients at Risk: Interviews with Ontario Paramedics on the Consequences of Closing Local Emergency Departments

(June 18, 2009) A new report, based on interviews with 50 paramedics across Ontario, on what the provincial government’s planned emergency room closures would mean for patient care in communities across the province.

REPORT: Putting Patients at Risk: Interviews with Ontario Paramedics on the Consequences of Closing Local Emergency Departments

RESPONSE: Long Term Care: Final Response to Draft Regulations

(June 5, 2009) Updated For those of you who are particularly concerned about long term care homes, please find attached the draft OHC response to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care draft regulations under the new Long Term Care Homes Act.

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION: Long Term Care Homes: High Level Briefing and one-day Conference

(March 31, 2009) This March the Ontario Health Coalition and the Alliance of Seniors/Older Canadians Network hosted a conference on regulating Long Term Care Homes to improve care which reviewed the recent history of LTC in Ontario, critical issues, best and worst practices, and prospects for the future.

RELEASE: Ontario Budget Will Not Help Save Hospitals from Closures, Cuts, Mass Layoffs

(March 26, 2009) In hard economic times, McGuinty’s failure to sustain local hospitals is out of line with the values and priorities of Ontarians.

RELEASE: Budget Will Not Help Save Hospitals from Closures, Cuts

(March 26, 2009) “This budget does not provide even what is needed to maintain existing services, or save our local hospitals from major cuts,” noted Dora Jeffries, coalition co chair. “In hard economic times hospital closures, cuts to services and lay offs are the worst possible option. In many communities, the local hospital is vital […]

EVENTS: Thousands Join Rally at Ontario Legislature to Stop Hospital Cuts

(March 26, 2009) More than 3,000 people came by bus, car pool and public transit to the front lawn of Queen’s Park on April 29, 2009 to demand that Premier Dalton McGuinty stop the cuts and closures of local hospitals across Ontario.

RELEASE: Budget Will Not Help Save Hospitals from Closures, Cuts

(March 26, 2009) “This budget does not provide even what is needed to maintain existing services, or save our local hospitals from major cuts,” noted Dora Jeffries, coalition co chair.

ANALYSIS/SUBMISSION: Brampton P3 Audit: Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in ‘Mistakes’ in Brampton P3 Finances

(December 8-9, 2008) The Auditor-General has revealed cost overruns at Brampton’s privatized P3 hospital. The Ontario Health Coalition is providing an analysis of the AG’s findings, our submission to the Auditor-General made in March and a link to the AG’s report itself.

RELEASE: Briefing Note on Ontario’s Hospital Cuts and Restructuring 2008

(December 2, 2008) A major round of hospital restructuring and cuts is underway in every health region in the province causing major layoffs, privatization and threaten local Emergency Rooms, birthing facilities and hospital beds.

RELEASE: Briefing Notes on Ontario’s Hospital Cuts and Restructuring 2008/2009

(December 2, 2008) A major round of hospital cuts and restructuring is underway in every health region in the province causing major layoffs, privatization and threatening local Emergency Rooms, birthing facilities and hospital beds. This new briefing note by the Ontario Health Coalition examines the cuts region by region.

BRIEFING NOTE: on Ontario’s Hospital Cuts and Restructuring 2008/2009

REPORT: Home Care: Change We Need – Report on the Ontario Health Coalition’s Home Care Hearings

(November 17, 2008) A independent report on Ontario’s home care sector by Patricia Baranek, Carol Kushner and the late Marion Dewar. A non-partisan independent review of the current research along with input received through 78 presentations and 69 written submissions to five public hearings held across Ontario in June 2008. The report makes 20 recommendations […]

Backgrounder: McGuinty Government Wiping Out Elected Hospital Boards

(October 29, 2008) KEY FACTS: The McGuinty government is using its extraordinary powers under the Public Hospitals Act with unprecedented frequency to appoint Supervisors to take over community hospitals. Hospital Supervisors are appointed by Cabinet and are given Terms of Reference by Cabinet. They report directly to the Minister of Health. In three communities recently, […]

REPORT: Private Clinics Report: Eroding Public Medicare: Lessons and Consequences of For-Profit Health Care Across Canada

(October 6, 2008) groundbreaking report on the growth and practices of for-profit surgical, MRI and boutique physician clinics across Canada. Where are they? How are they making their profits? How are they promoting two-tier medicare? Where do they get their staff from? What does this mean for public health care in Canada. Click here for […]

RELEASE: Health Coalition Announces Major Campaign in Response to Hospital Supervisor’s Refusal to Compromise

(August 26, 2008) Midland – No matter how Dr. Kevin Smith – provincially appointed supervisor for Huronia District Hospital- wants to dress it up, he is still recommending the elimination of the voting rights of 2400 community members and the 100 year history of democratic hospital governance, said the Southern Georgian Bay Health Coalition in response to […]

BRIEFING NOTE & ANALYSIS:Briefing Note and Analysis of Shirlee Sharkey Report

(June 23, 2008) The general approach taken in the report, the evaluation of the evidence, and the recommendations run counter to the core proposals made by the Ontario Health Coalition and many other groups that participated in Shirlee Sharkey’s consultation. Some of the recommendations may actually be less than what currently exists or are certainly […]

REPORT: Violence, Insufficient Care, and Downloading of Heavy Care Patients

(May, 2008) An evaluation of increasing need and inadequate standards in Ontario’s nursing homes.

RELEASE: 2008 Ontario Budget: OHC’s Pre-Budget Analysis & Hospital Deficit “Hot Spots” Map

(March 20, 2008) The Ontario Health Coalition released a media briefing note and a map of hospital deficit “hot spots” to watch in advance of Ontario’s budget scheduled for Tuesday.

ANALYSIS & SUBMISSION: Review of Staffing and Care Standards for Long-Term Care Homes

(January 31, 2008) The Ontario Health Coalition has, in consultation with seniors’ groups, nurses’ organizations, physicians, community coalitions, unions, members of residents’ and families’ councils, come to a consensus set of key recommendations regarding quality of life and quality of care in long term care homes. Chief among our concerns is the lack of daily […]

SUBMISSION: OHC Submission to the Minister’s Appointed Facilitator, Shirlee Sharkey

(January 31, 2008) Review of Staffing and Care Standards for Long-Term Care Homes.

RELEASE: OHC Applauds Temporary Respite for Hamilton Non-Profit Homecare

(January 23, 2008) OHC calls for complete end to competitive bidding. Protests are scheduled for Guelph (Jan 24) and Sudbury (Jan 25).

BRIEFING NOTE: The loss of 100 years of non-profit home nursing in Hamilton

(January 23, 2008) Outlines how competitive bidding has had a very negative result on homecare health delivery, including the loss of two major non-profit home care providers in Hamilton.

REPORT: When Public Relations Trumps Public Accountability

(January 7, 2008) The Evolution of Cost Overruns, Service Cuts and Cover-Up in the Brampton Hospital P3.

COMMENTARY: Brampton P3 Hospital Target of Massive Community Protest

(December 10, 2007) Province need to Help Out Hospital and Stop Secrecy Click here for Commentary (December 10, 2007)

FACT SHEET: What’s Happening to Brampton’s Hospital?

(December 9, 2007) Information on the crisis at Brampton’s P3 hospital. Click here for Fact Sheet (December 9, 2007)

REPORT: Risky Business II – The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre: Ontario’s first P3 hospital

(November 23, 2007) Hidden costs, security breaches, poor design, two-tier health delivery and very expensive water: one year later at the secretive Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ontario’s first P3 Hospital.

REPORT: Private Clinics Report: First Do No Harm

(October 1, 2007) Lessons from Ontario’s Experiences with For-Profit Diagnostic and Hospital Clinics. Click here for Media Release Click here for Full Report

BACKGROUNDER: Backgrounder on Long Term Care Facilities Minimum Care Standards

(September 9, 2007) Last week the government made public its plans to appoint a “facilitator” to conduct consultations on a care standard for long term care homes. Among the coalition’s concerns: 1. Another round of consultation is redundant. The government already heard from dozens of participants in every community during cross-province hearings about Bill 140 […]

RELEASE: Coalition Decries McGuinty’s Failure to Fulfill Promise to Improve Care Levels in Nursing Homes

(September 9, 2007) Dalton McGuinty’s government promised a regulated care standard to guarantee adequate levels of care for residents in nursing homes, but has instead announced a review that will delay, if not permanently derail such standards.

PETITION: ACTION: Save Community Health Services – Midland and Penetanguishene

(July 18, 2007) Fight the undemocratic merger of the Huronia District Hospital with the Penetanguishene General Hospital.

PETITION: ACTION: Help Save Uxbridge Hospital

(July 18, 2007) Fight the loss of ER Services at the Uxbridge Hospital.

Neglect shouldn’t be an option.

(July 3, 2007) Ontario has no regulated staffing level for its publicly- funded long term care homes. Isn’t it time it should? Most provinces and U.S. states have set standards of care for seniors living in publicly-funded long term care homes. While these jurisdictions were adopting and improving these standards, in 1995 former Premier Mike […]

Neglect shouldn’t be an option.

(July 3, 2007) Ontario has no regulated staffing level for its publicly-funded long term care homes. Isn’t it time it should? Most provinces and U.S. states have set standards of care for seniors living in publicly-funded long term care homes. While these jurisdictions were adopting and improving these standards, in 1995 former Premier Mike Harris […]

BRIEFING NOTE: on the Ontario Hospital Association/Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Report on Core Services in Small, Rural and Remote Hospitals

(June 29, 2007) Review and analysis of the report by a Joint Policy and Planning Committee (JPPC) of the MOHLTC and the OHA.

REPORT: Risky Business I – The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre: Ontario’s first P3 hospital

(June 22, 2007) Report finds that the Royal Ottawa Hospital P3 was behind schedule, opened with almost 100 fewer beds than promised and was $51 million over budget.

RELEASE: North Bay Hospital Cover-Up Tactics

(June 18, 2007) “The Ontario Government has resorted to cover-up tactics to evade public scrutiny.”

BACKGROUNDER: Canadian Constitution Foundation Challenge Against Single-Tier Medicare

(May 31, 2007) According to a press conference held this month, the Canadian Constitution Foundation is funding a Charter challenge to single-tier Public Medicare in Ontario. Click here for Backgrounder

RELEASE: Tory’s Health Platform: A Recipe For Privatization

(May 24, 2007) Click here for Media Release

APPEAL: Long Term Care Minimum Standards Campaign

(May 18, 2007) Join in the Long Term Care Petition Campaign to raise Minimum Care Standards.

RELEASE: Secret Costs of Brampton P3 Hospital Revealed

(May 9, 2007) A court ordered release of secret documents related to the Brampton P3 hospital secret documents are analysed by Lewis Auerbach, former Director of Audit Operations – Office of the Auditor General of Canada and OHC lawyer Steven Shrybman.

(May 8, 2007) TO: Ontario Public Service Employees Union Service Employees International Union Ontario Council of Hospital Unions Ontario Health Coalition FROM: Steven Shrybman (Ext. 2456) DATE: May 8, 2007 Matter No: 06-643 RE: William Osler Health Centre P3 1. On April 26, 2007 the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (the Ministry) filed […]

SACK GOLDBLATT MITCHELL LLP MEMORANDUM

(May 8, 2007) On April 26, 2007 the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (the Ministry) filed the record of its approvals for the William Osler Health Centre (WOHC) P3 hospital with the Ontario Divisional Court despite the determined efforts by the private consortium involved in the P3 to prevent its details from being […]

RELEASE: Legal Challenge to Medicare: Charter Challenge against Medicare in Ontario opportunistic and dishonest

(May 2, 2007) Click here for Media Release

Ontario Petition for Minimum Care Standards in Nursing Homes

(May 1, 2007) To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: o Whereas understaffing in Ontario nursing homes is a serious problem resulting in inadequate care for residents and unsafe conditions for staff; o Whereas after the Harris government removed the regulation providing minimum care levels in 1995, hours of care dropped below the previous 2.25 hour/day […]

Public Forum: Health care shouldn’t be a race.

(April 2, 2007) But Premier Dalton McGuinty is restructuring our health care system and turning service delivery into a big competition. He got the idea from Great Britain, where the result has been a race to the bottom. Hear about the British experience from former British health minister Frank Dobson; With speakers from the Ontario […]

UPDATE: OHC Hospital P3 Tracker

(April 1, 2007) Detailed information on the status of the P3 projects.

RELEASE: Private Clinic Aligns with Conservatives in Misleading Campaign to Privatize Health System

(March 22, 2007) Click here for Media Release

BACKGROUNDER: Ontario Health Coalition Backgrounder on Private Clinics

(March 22, 2007) Evidence from the system-wide experiment in Britain and some Quick Facts Click here for Backgrounder

OHC: URGENT ALERT

(March 22, 2007) This is urgent. Supporters of public medicare – your help is needed today. Please read and forward to all your contacts. Thank you very much. Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition John Tory and the Ontario Conservatives have aligned themselves with for-profit health interests and have launched an aggressive offensive to try to […]

Save Public Medicare! Information

(March 20, 2007) OHC: URGENT ALERT This is urgent. Supporters of public medicare – your help is needed today. Please read and forward to all your contacts. Thank you very much. Natalie Mehra, Ontario Health Coalition John Tory and the Ontario Conservatives have aligned themselves with for-profit health interests and have launched an aggressive offensive […]

RELEASE: Ontario Health Coalition Slams Private Clinic Proposal & John Tory’s Support for Privatization

(March 16, 2007) Click here for Media Release

RELEASE: Health Coalitions Accuse Harper Government of Allowing Privatization and Not Improving the Public System

(February 5, 2007) Click here for Media Release

BRIEFING NOTES: Minimum Care Standards in Long Term Care Facilities Briefing Notes

(January, 2007) Why Is A Minimum Care Standard So Important?

ANALYSIS & SUBMISSION: Letter to Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Regarding Minimum Care Standards

(January 18, 2007) Dear Ken, There are several issues to be addressed in our discussion regarding implementing a minimum care standard in Ontario. The first is a recognition that a care standard should be adopted in principle. The second is the model for such a standard. The third is the reporting and evidence needed to […]

SUBMISSION: Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy Regarding Bill 140: An Act Respecting Long-Term Care Homes

(January 16, 2007) There are 75,282 long term care beds in Ontario. In these homes tens of thousands of vulnerable and dependent adults live, thousands of volunteers help out, and additional tens of thousands of Ontarians work. The new act respecting conditions and standards for these homes will impact millions of Ontarians in intimate and […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Why Protect Public and Not For Profit Long Term Care Facilities?

(January 16, 2007) Why Is Protecting Public and Non-Profit Long Term Care Homes So Important?

SUBMISSION: OHC Submission Regarding Bill 140: An Act Respecting Long-term Care Homes

(January 16, 2007) Presented to the Standing Committee on Social Policy at Queen’s Park.

ADVISORY: Bill 140: Long-term Care Hearings Imminent – Coalitions Respond Across Ontario

(December 12, 2006) The new act covering nursing homes has passed second reading. Bill 140 has been referred to committee to be sent out to hearing across Ontario.

RELEASE: Two-Tier Health Clinic in Kingston Contravenes Law: OHC Calls on Ministry to Take Action

(December 12, 2006) Click here for Media Release

ANALYSIS & SUMMARY: Bill 140 – Ontario’s New Long Term Care Act Preliminary Summary & Comments

(November 25, 2006) Currently there are 49,700 nursing home beds of which about 10,200 are non profit. Currently there are 24,700 homes for the aged and rest homes beds of which 16,700 are public (municipal) and the rest are non profit (8,000). (Total figures: 39,500 for profit, 18,200 non-profit, 16,700 public.) These beds are governed […]

BRIEFING NOTES: Bill 140: Comparison of Long Term Care Act to Our Key Issues

(November 25, 2006) A checklist rating Bill 140 against what is needed in legislation.

ANALYSIS: Bill 140: Ontario’s New Long Term Care Act – Preliminary Summary & Comments

(November 25, 2006) A clause by clause analysis of the draft of the Long Term Care Act as well as a comparison of the Bill with recommendations made by the provincial auditor.

ADVISORY: 16 Ontario Communities Chosen to Host National Campaign “Medicare Works: We Can’t Afford Private Health Care”

(November 14, 2006) Click here for Media Advisory

RELEASE: McGuinty Government Fudging Costs

(November 2, 2006) The Ontario Health Coalition charged the McGuinty government with fudging the numbers during its grand opening of the privatized P3 hospital in Ottawa this week. Hugh Mackenzie, an independent economist, reports that the new Royal Ottawa Hospital will cost $88 million more over the life of the project under the privatized financing […]

RELEASE: Secret Tenders Issued by McGuinty Government to Private Companies for P3 Hospitals

(October 27, 2006) The Ontario Health Coalition criticized the McGuinty government for issuing secret tenders for at least seven hospitals across the province, including; Bluewater Health Sarnia; North Bay Regional Health Centre; Quinte Healthcare; Sault Area Hospitals; St. Joseph’s Health Centre London; Sudbury Regional Hospital, and; Trillium Health Centre in Mississauga.

Save Public Medicare! Information: LHINS Update

(October 17, 2006) On the following pages is an update regarding the status of the LHINs strategic plans and consultations. This information is being sent over our local LHINs listserves for each region. We will not be sending further notices specific to local LHINs over this central OHC list. If you would like to join […]

UPDATE: regarding the status of the LHINs strategic plans and consultation

(October 17, 2006) An update regarding the status of the LHINs strategic plans and consultations.

RELEASE: Unprecedented Privatized Hospital “News Blackout”

(October 13, 2006) Secret tenders issued to private companies for seven hospitals MEDIA RELEASE

BRIEF: Urgent Issue Brief

(October 3, 2006) OHC comments on Government announcement regarding long term care.

RELEASE: McGuinty should stop emergency room privatization: For-Profit Med-Emerg is not a solution for doctor shortages

(September 27, 2006) MEDIA RELEASE

MEDICARE WORKS! Town Hall Reports

(Fall 2006) Click here for MEDICARE WORKS! Town Hall Reports (printable version)

RELEASE: George Smitherman on the right track in war of words against two-tier healthcare: must stop his own government’s privatization

(September 11, 2006) MEDIA RELEASE

Message to Members: Pharmacies and Lobby Information

(May 30, 2006) Click here for Information

Ontario Health Coalition: Submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 102, Transparent Drug System for Patients Act, 2006

(May 29, 2006) In this bill, the government proposes several key initiatives to control the cost of drugs in Ontario including supporting the widening of the use of generics to replace the higher cost brand name drugs, reducing the mark up on drugs and ensuring that the provincial government pays pharmacies for the actual cost […]

BRIEF: Regarding Bill 102, an Act to Amend the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act and the Ontario Drug Benefit Act

(May 29, 2006) Presented to the Standing Committee on Social Policy of the Ontario Legislature on Monday, May 29, 2006 on behalf of the Medical Reform Group by Joel Lexchin, MD, Professor of Health Policy at York University and Norman Kalant, PhD, Professor of Medicine (Ret.) at McGill University. Click here for Brief

Fact Sheet: Pharma Facts and Figures

(May 29, 2006) FACT SHEET

RELEASE: Ontario Health Coalition Supports Drug Legislation

(May 29, 2006) Drug legislation will contain escalating drug costs without harming patients. Click here for Media Release