OHC in the News

London Health Coalition calls out Conservative candidate Liz Snelgrove

(October 11, 2019) By: Sayer Bogdan, Global News The London Health Coalition and Council of Canadians are demanding accountability from London West Conservative Candidate Liz Snelgrove. (Left to right) Roberta Cory with the Council of Canadians and Peter Bergmanis with the London Health Coalition. Sawyer Bogdan / 980 CFPL The London Health Coalition and the […]

Health coalition rally planned for Nov. 2

(October 11, 2019) By: Trevor Terfloth, Chatham News Citing grave concerns with cuts and mergers, health-care advocates are teaming up with labour organizations and First Nations to raise awareness on a larger scale. The Ontario Health Coalition held a media conference outside the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre last Thursday to launch its campaign and announce a […]

Ontario Health Coalition calls Niagara Health’s plans for the future ‘unsupportable’

(October 11, 2019) By: Kris Dubé, The Welland Tribune Niagara Health chief of staff Dr. Johan Viljoen and interim president Angela Zangari. – Kris Dube, Torstar Niagara Health is ignoring the needs of Fort Erie and Port Colborne residents with its planned closure of each community’s urgent care centre in the next few years, says […]

LHSC, paramedics plan pilot to offload some patients to chairs, not beds

(September 3, 2019) By: Jennifer Bieman, The London Press Southwestern Ontario’s largest hospital and the London-area ambulance service are getting ready to let paramedics drop certain patients off in waiting room chairs when no hospital beds are available. Middlesex-London paramedics Don Black and Samantha Quinlan pull out a stretcher from their ambulance. (Free Press file […]

How to end hallway medicine, Part 1: Understanding the crisis

(August 21, 2019) By: Matt Gurney, TVO ANALYSIS: Ontario hospitals don’t have enough beds, and patients often end up on stretchers in hallways — sometimes for days. So who’s to blame? Patients who’ve been assessed, triaged, and stabilized but can’t yet leave the hospital remain in the emergency room because there is nowhere else to […]

Ottawa mayor says Ford agreed in meeting to not cut long-term care home funding

(August 20, 2019) By: Victoria Gibson, iPolitics Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson poses for a photo in his office in Ottawa on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood A private meeting between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson resulted in the premier agreeing that cuts should not be made to long-term care homes, […]

Evening Brief: Watson says Ford agreed long-term care funding shouldn’t be cut

(August 20, 2019) By: iPolitics Premier Doug Ford speaks at the Grand River Transit bus garage in Kitchener in August 2019. Brent Davis/The Record Good evening. The Lead A private meeting between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson resulted in the premier agreeing that cuts should not be made to long-term care […]

Peterborough Health Coalition hosting drop-in session Ashburnham: Have your say on the state of health care

(August 12, 2019) By: Alexsandra Thompson, The Peterborough Examiner Local residents can offer input on the state of local health care at a drop-in session organized by the Peterborough Health Coalition this week. – Jason Bain/Examiner file photo Have your say about the public health system at a drop-in organized by the Peterborough Health Coalition. […]

Ontario needs $5.2B in additional health cuts to reach savings targets: Report

(August 8, 2019) By: Andrew Graham, Global News Michael Hurley, left, president for the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions and Canadian Union of Public Employees, and Peter Bergmanis, co-chair of the London Health Coalition. A new report suggests Ontario has the most underfunded healthcare system in Canada and billions in additional cuts may be required […]

Province promises to follow through on recommendations from Wettlaufer inquiry

(August 1, 2019) By: Paul Pedro, Blackburn News The Ontario government is promising to take immediate action to improve the long-term health care system, following the results of a public inquiry into how serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer was able to murder eight nursing home residents in her care. A total of 91 recommendations were made […]

Will Ontario’s restructured health-care system mean never navigating the health-care system alone?

(July 25, 2019) By: Joanna Frketich, Grant LaFleche, The Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard The model of bundled care sees different groups of providers band together, share accountability and care for the patient throughout the entire journey. It’s hard to guess what the journey of patients like Pat Coffer will look like after the […]

Provincial funding cuts will affect services at city’s long-term care homes, mayor says

(July 22, 2019) By: Elizabeth Payne, Ottawa Citizen Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is calling on the Ontario government to reverse funding cuts that will leave the city’s four municipal long-term care homes half a million dollars in debt this year, and more than a million in debt by 2020. Garry J Armstrong long term care […]

Letters to the editor: July 18 – Downtown far from ideal for new campus

(July 17, 2019) By: The Whig-Standard I believe that city council should reconsider the proposal of a downtown St. Lawrence College campus. Downtown campuses can play a very important educational role in big cities where the main campus is distant from a significant proportion of the city population and therefore not readily accessible to many […]

Doug Ford has mental health and hospitals on the chopping block as he fails to keep health care promises

(July 25, 2019) By: Gordon Guyatt, Hamilton Spectator More privatization appears on the horizon as the government takes steps backward, writes Gordon Guyatt. Premier Doug Ford at an announcement with Merrilee Fullerton, recently named minister of long term care. Fullerton is also a doctor with a long record of advocating for two-tier and privatized health […]

Province cuts 2 funds for long-term care homes

(July 24, 2019) By: PJ Wilson, North Bay Nugget ‘No specific concerns’ about funding loss in North Bay, says Coun. Chris Mayne Cassellholme Home for the Aged Nugget File Photo PICASA / JPG, NB There are “no specific concerns” about the effect of provincial funding cuts on Cassellholme at this time, according to the chairman of the Cassellholme […]

Christine Elliott downplays Premier Ford’s health-care promise

(July 15, 2019) By: Shawn Jeffords, The Canadian Press TORONTO — It will likely take longer than a year to end overcrowding in Ontario’s hospitals, despite a promise from Premier Doug Ford to tackle the problem in 12 months, the health minister said Monday. Days after Ford’s declaration, Health Minister Christine Elliott downplayed his remarks, saying he was articulating the government’s “wishes” […]

LHIN job cuts can have positive outcome, care expert says

(July 7, 2019) By: Catherine Whitnall, Kawartha Lakes This Week Agency’s role was strategic and advisory, not service delivery The recent elimination of more than 800 jobs at Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and six other health-care agencies will not have a direct impact on the City of Kawartha Lakes.But that doesn’t mean changes are […]

Ontario health minister says ending ‘hallway health care’ will take longer than Ford promised last week

(July 15, 2019) By: Rob Ferguson, Queen’s Park Bureau Health Minister Christine Elliott is walking back remarks made by Premier Doug Ford at the annual premiers’ conference last week, promising “hallway health care” would be a relic of the past by this time next year. “I can’t put a specific time line on it,” Elliott […]

Media Advisory – PC hospital cuts are worse than projected; OHC, CUPE Queen’s Park media conference Monday

(July 12, 2019) By: Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE) Recent comments by the Ontario ministry of health reveal that despite a promise (reiterated this week) by the Premier to end hallway medicine, hospital cuts will intensify. The Ontario Health Coalition and the Ontario Council of Hospital (OCHU) will hold a media conference Monday, July 15, 2019 (10 a.m.) […]

Increase long-term funding to Ontario’s healthcare system, CUPE says in new report

(July 03, 2019) By: Matt Prokopchuk, CBC News Ontario Council of Hospital Unions says Thunder Bay will be short 80 beds, 500 hospital staff needed by 2024 Michael Hurley is the president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions. (Matt Prokopchuk / CBC) The union that represents staff in Ontario’s hospitals is calling on the provincial […]

What Does Healthcare Look Like One Year into the Ford Government?

July 5, 2019 By: Megan Pounder OCHU/CUPE President Michael Hurley presents ‘Protecting What Matters Most,’ a new report by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions. Photo by Megan Pounder/SaultOnline One year ago, the PC Government made vague promises in regards to ending hallway medicine, increasing system capacity while keeping public sector staff and cutting government […]

Premier Ford can’t wish hallway medicine away and cut millions of dollars from hospitals, long-term care, public health and EMS in 2019

(July 15, 2019) By: CUPE Local 1764 TORONTO, ON – While Premier Doug Ford announced last week that, within a year, no more patients would receive care in hospital hallways, the spring 2019 provincial budget and an economic review by Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office (FAO) point to hallway medicine getting much worse as health care cuts […]

Christine Elliott downplays Premier Ford’s promise to end hallway medicine in 1 year

(July 15, 2019) By: The Canadian Press Ford said last week that PCs would end hallway medicine within 12 months Health Minister Christine Elliott says addressing the issue of overcrowding in hospitals will require the government to build more long-term care spaces, improve addictions and mental-health funding, and address hospital patient flows. (David Donnelly/CBC)It will likely […]

Hallway medicine: Expensive, frustrating and complicated. Doug Ford vowed to fix it.

(July 23, 2019) By: Joanna Frketich, Grant LaFleche, The Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard Critics say Premier Doug Ford’s massive overhaul of the provincial health-care system does not address the lack of capacity and services in hospitals, which are already stretched thin David Hartfield in his Thorold South home, May 23, 2019. Hartfield was […]

How Ontario’s new regional health teams will operate is anyone’s guess in ‘low-rules environment’

(July 20, 2019) By: Grant LaFleche, Joanna Frketich, Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard No one is sure how they will be governed or funded, or how they will function. But they will be the way forward for health care in the province. “My mom made me promise that she would never go in a […]

Did Ontario’s Local Health Integration Networks fail?

(July 20, 2019) By: Grant LaFleche, Joanna Frketich, Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard The provincial Tories have wanted to kill the LHINs since 2011 While Ontario’s most urgent problem is the thousands of people stuck on unbudging wait lists for a nursing-home bed, barriers to care can also arise once a senior secures a […]

Introducing Ontario’s new health care super power

(July 22, 2019) By: Joanna Frketich, Grant LaFleche, Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard 14 regional health districts will be replaced by Ontario Health, a new agency which will oversee everything from hospital and home care to cancer care and family medicine. Ontarians are tired of governments who are ‘tinkering around the edges’ of improving […]

Is Ontario heading toward more private health care?

(July 24, 2019) By: Joanna Frketich, Grant LaFleche, Hamilton Spectator and St. Catharines Standard Critics say the door to privatization is opening. The government says it is improving public health care. Premier Doug Ford and health minster Christine Elliott have insisted that “privatization” is not part of the government’s long-term plan but health unions are […]

Provincial funding cuts will affect services at city’s long-term care homes, mayor says

ELIZABETH PAYNE Updated: July 22, 2019 Garry J Armstrong long term care on Island Lodge Road in Ottawa. Photo by Jean Levac Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is calling on the Ontario government to reverse funding cuts that will leave the city’s four municipal long-term care homes half a million dollars in debt this year, and […]

Ontario Health Coalition says long term care funding cuts will hurt local facilities

(July 17, 2019) By: myFM News/Oldies 107.7 staff, 96.1 Renfrew Today The Ontario Health Coalition is sounding the alarm about funding changes for long term care homes that come into effect on August 1st. The Coalition says two Renfrew County owned long term care homes are going to be particularly hard hit. A release from […]

Ending hallway medicine in a year? Not so fast, Elliott says

(July 15, 2019) By: Antonella Artuso, The Kingston Whig-Standard Patients wait in the hallway at the overcrowded Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa in 2016. (Errol McGihon/Postmedia) Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott is hedging on Premier Doug Ford’s promise to end hallway medicine within a year. “I think the premier was expressing the wishes that we all […]

Health coalition blasts provincial government cuts to long-term care funding

(July 15, 2019) By: Mike Baker, Orangeville Citizen The Ontario Health Coalition has raised 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 […]

Changes to long-term care funding impacting Victoria Manor

(July 12, 2019) By: Catherine Whitnall, Kawartha Lakes This Week City of Kawartha Lakes to lose $68,000 in government support and see the end of two funding programs, valued at $79,625, for 2019 The city of Kawartha Lakes is being hit by Ford government funding cuts to long-term care, but the impact isn’t quite as […]

Healthcare townhall meeting being held over ‘super agency’ bill concerns

(June 18, 2019) By: Phi Doan, Kitchener Today A townhall meeting is being held on June 19 over concerns related to the passing of Bill 74 and what impact it could have on the Ontario healthcare system. The Ontario Liberal Party and Waterloo Region Health Care Coalition are hosting the event, being billed as […]

Fact checks and firsthand accounts of key Ford government cuts

(July 11, 2019) By: Maya Bhullar, rabble.ca The legislative assembly of Ontario will be returning from summer break after 144 days and after the 2019 federal election. Here is a comprehensive list of the cuts and canceled programs made by the Progressive Conservatives and Ontario Premier Doug Ford in their first year. Since firsthand accounts and fact […]

Ontario Health Coalition planning all out war to save health care

(July 10, 2019) By: Paul Pedro, Blackburn News The Ontario Health Coalition has big plans to try and prevent pending health care cuts. Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra was in Windsor Wednesday night to meet with the Windsor Health Coalition and brainstorm to save health units, ambulance stations and other health care cuts such as […]

Increase long-term funding to Ontario’s healthcare system, CUPE says in new report Social Sharing

(July 3, 2019) By: Matt Prokopchuk, CBC News Michael Hurley is the president of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions. (Matt Prokopchuk / CBC) The union that represents staff in Ontario’s hospitals is calling on the provincial government to spend more on healthcare over the course of its mandate, arguing that current projections will leave Thunder […]

Health coalition calls on action in response to provincial cuts

(July 4, 2019) By: Ryan Stelter, Kenora Miner & News A small, informal session was held to discuss provincial cuts to healthcare at Seven Generations Education Institute Wednesday, July 3. Ryan Stelter/Miner and News A small group of healthcare providers and concerned citizens met at Seven Generations Education Institute Wednesday, July 3 at a community […]

Round table discussions hope to resolve PSW crisis in Sudbury

(June 6, 2019) By: Jamie-Lee McKenzie, CBC News Round table discussions are happening throughout the province The round table in Sudbury focused on the critical shortage of PSWs and finding solutions to improve the situation. (Ed Hunter/CBC) The Ontario Health Coalition and Unifor are trying to find solutions to the Personal Support Worker crisis currently happening in […]

‘Stingy’ Ontario fuels PSW shortage: forum

(June 6, 2019) By: Mary Katherine Keown, The Sudbury Star Participants look on at a round table discussion focused on the shortage of personal support workers at long-term care facilities at the Steelworkers’ Hall in Sudbury, Ont. on Thursday June 6, 2019. The meeting is part of a series that the Ontario Health Coalition and […]

Sudbury briefs: PSW shortage meeting; hospital AGM; art walk

(June 5, 2019) By: Donald Macdonald, The Sudbury Star Input required on PSW shortage A round table discussion on the critical shortage of PSWs in long-term care homes takes place June 6 at 3 p.m. at the Steelworkers Hall, 66 Brady St. What does the situation look like on the ground? How can we solve […]

People’s Healthcare Act is ‘really a restructuring bill’: Natalie Mehra

(March 12, 2019) By: Luke Edwards, Niagara This Week Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to a group of St. Catharines residents Monday evening. The coalition is cautioning about changes coming under the proposed Bill 74, the People’s Healthcare Act. – Luke Edwards , Niagara This Week The Ontario Health Coalition […]

Advocates for health care anxious about timing of Ross Memorial’s ‘special legislation’

(May 24, 2019) By: Joli Scheidler-Benns, The Lindsay Advocate With recent ‘merger memories’ still top of mind, Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition (KLHC) members are alarmed over the future of Ross Memorial Hospital after reading the public notice about new special legislation initiated by Ross near the same time as the passing of the PC’s omnibus […]

Durham health unit merging with three other agencies

(May 21, 2019) By: Dave Flaherty, The Oshawa Express Durham’s health department will be amalgamated with three others under a proposed plan by the province. In its 2019 budget, the Ford government announced it would take Ontario’s 35 public health units and merge them into 10 regional planning groups. Under the proposed plan, Durham would […]

Health mergers would be bad for Sudbury, Northern Ontario: critics

(April 23, 2019) By: Jim Moodie, The Sudbury Star Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to Sudbury Star reporter Mary Katherine Keown in Sudbury, Ont. on Friday May 11, 2018. She said Tuesday that Sudbury and Northern Ontario will suffer under the province’s proposed health mergers. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia Network JOHN LAPPA / JOHN […]

What you should know if your health card is expiring?

(May 9, 2019) By: Megan DeLaire, Yahoo Canada News Diagrams of different styles of red-and-white Ontario Health Cards taken from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website. (Image from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care) There are 400,000 red-and-white Ontario health cards still circulating 25 years after work to […]

Barrie-area groups get $1.7 million for mental health, addiction services – But Ontario Health Coalition says this is actually a cut to funding for the sector

(May 10, 2019) By: Chris Simon, Barrie Advance Barrie-area Progressive Conservative Party MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin discuss the Ontario budget at Downey’s constituency office April 12. – Chris Simon/Metroland The Ontario government is giving a financial boost to local mental-health services. Six organizations will receive a total of $1.74 million for their efforts […]

Paramedics participate in rally for Ontario health care

(May 9, 2019) By: Carol Murray, Mississauga News Lack of consultation before health care restructuring is a cause for concern, writes Carol Murray Carol Murray is an Advanced Care Paramedic with Peel Regional Paramedic Services. – Joel D’Eath Peel Regional Paramedics joined thousands of other Ontario health care workers at Queen’s Park on April 30 […]

UFCW activists and allies rally to protect public health care in Ontario

(May 2, 2019) By: UFCW UFCW Canada activists from across Ontario joined thousands of health care professionals and community and labour allies at a major rally in support of keeping Ontario’s health care system public. Participants gathered on the lawns of the Ontario Legislature to protest the Ford government’s health care restructuring plans and austerity […]

Gentili: If you’re flirting with privatization, Mr. Ford, just ’fess up, would you?

For months, groups have been saying the Tories have a secret plan to privatize parts of the health care system, and the province hasn’t said much to deny it. So what’s happening here? May 2, 2019 12:00 PM by: Mark Gentili (Supplied) If Doug Ford’s Tory government is flirting with the idea of privatizing some aspects of […]

Ontarians travelling in from dozens of communities for giant rally to protect public health care

April 25, 2019 14:47 ET | Source: Ontario Health Coalition TORONTO, April 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — It is shaping up to be one of the largest public rallies at Queen’s Park since the Ford government took power. It will be held next Tuesday, April 30 at Queen’s Park. Ontarians from towns and cities across the province are […]

MEDIA ADVISORY: Press Conference regarding unprecedented Action Day to warn against health care privatization

April 23, 2019 06:00 ET | Source: Ontario Health Coalition TORONTO, April 23, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Across Ontario in more than one hundred hospitals and health care facilities, staff and patient advocates are staging a “Health Action Day” today, Tuesday, April 23. In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 150,000 health professionals and workers and tens […]

‘This is just the beginning of the fight’

Health coalition plans anti-privatization rally at Queen’s Park Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles – Published on: April 24, 2019 | Last Updated: April 24, 2019 1:04 PM EDT Thousands of teachers, students and union members came out to protest various education cuts at Queen’s Park April 6. The Ontario Health Coalition promises an equally large anti-privatization rally April 30. […]

Thousands gather at Queen’s Park to protest against Ford government health cuts

Ontario is paving the way for more privatization, diminished access to services, protesters say Nick Boisvert · CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2019 3:15 PM ET | Last Updated: April 30 Protesters marched to Queen’s Park on Tuesday to protest the sweeping health-care cuts and reforms proposed by the provincial government. (Derek Hooper/CBC) Thousands of demonstrators gathered on the south […]

Health mergers bad news for the North: Critics

‘This is like the Mike Harris era of restructuring, writ huge’ Jim Moodie – Published on: April 24, 2019 | Last Updated: April 24, 2019 4:50 PM EDT Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, believes Northern Ontario will suffer under the province’s proposed health mergers. JOHN LAPPA / POSTMEDIA The pain of a […]

Ontario Health Coalition – Ford Funding Actually a Cut & Possibly Re-Announcement

Community Submission By NNL Staff – May 6, 2019 TORONTO – OPINION – 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 […]

UPDATE: Health coalition questions Ford government’s boost to mental health spending

BY KIRK DICKINSON MAY 6, 2019 10:11AM @KDickinsonNews The Ontario government has announced an additional $174 million a year for mental health care, however, health advocates are accusing the Tories of juking the numbers. “It’s a complicated issue. It’s not one we can solve overnight,” said Christine Elliott at a Canadian Mental Health Association community centre in Toronto. “This is […]

Advocates cry foul after Ontario officials alter nursing home inspection report without explanation

By Abigail Bimman | Global National Ottawa Correspondent | Global News | Posted: April 25, 2019 5:49 pm WATCH: Residents of an Ontario nursing home are feeling the effects of severe understaffing issues. In part three of our series on Park Lane Terrace, desperate families search for answers and accountability. The Ontario government will not explain the reasons why it altered […]

150,000 Ontario health care staff and patient advocates stage Health Action Day (Tuesday) to warn against health care privatization

NEWS PROVIDED BY Ontario Health Coalition | Posted: Apr 22, 2019, 16:40 ET TORONTO, April 22, 2019 /CNW/ – Across Ontario in more than one hundred hospitals and health care facilities, staff and patient advocates are staging an “Health Action Day” tomorrow, Tuesday April 23. In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 150,000 health professionals and workers and tens […]

Coalition Raises Red Flag About Undemocratic Process Used to Cut OHIP and Mounting Health Cuts: New Cuts Made Public Today, Less Than a Week for Public Input

April 25, 2019 09:44 ET | Source: Ontario Health Coalition TORONTO, April 25, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Usually a change in a regulation under an Ontario law is posted in the Ontario Gazette and the public is given 60-days notice to give input, reported the Ontario Health Coalition today in response to new cuts to OHIP coverage that […]

Health advocates raise red flag over planned OHIP cuts

Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition speaks at the Ciaciaro Club in Windsor during a public health care rally, August 26, 2015. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld) BY PAUL PEDROAPRIL 24, 2019 8:27PM@PaulPedroNews Proposed cuts to the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) have raised the ire of the Ontario Health Coalition. The Ford government has said […]

Three busloads from Peterborough joining rally protesting Ontario health care changes

Apr 29, 2019 by Jessica Nyznik Examiner Staff Writer Ontario Health Coalition protesting at Queen’s Park on Tuesday Health Minister Christine Elliott was joined by some Durham MPPs while announcing the government is moving to an integrated health care system with the aim of ending ‘hallway health care’. From left are Durham MPP Lindsay Park, Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter […]

Health care protest expected to draw hundreds to Queen’s Park

By Jacquelyn LeBel | POLITICS | Posted: April 29, 2019 4:21 pm The front entrance of Ontario’s Legislative Building at Queen’s Park. Credit: Nick Westoll / File / Global News The Ontario Health Coalition says it’s ready to defend public and non-profit health care and is hoping to send a message to the Progressive Conservative government. Jeff Hanks with the London Health […]

Thousands descend on Queen’s Park to protest Ontario healthcare changes

By NEWS STAFF | Posted: April 30, 2019 5:37 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 30, 2019 2:03 PM EDT Thousands protest healthcare cuts at Queen’s Park on April 30, 2019. CITYNEWS A massive rally is underway on the lawn of Queen’s Park, and at hospitals across Ontario, to protest cuts and urge the provincial […]

Day of Action Against Healthcare Cuts and Privatization

PUBLIC GOODS, SOCIAL MOVEMENTS • April 26, 2019 • Ontario Health Coalition Across Ontario, in more than one hundred hospitals and healthcare facilities, staff and patient advocates staged an “Health Action Day” on Tuesday April 23rd. In an unprecedented show of unity, more than 150,000 health professionals and workers and tens of thousands of patient advocates wore a […]

Gentili: If you’re flirting with privatization, Mr. Ford, just ’fess up, would you?

For months, groups have been saying the Tories have a secret plan to privatize parts of the health care system, and the province hasn’t said much to deny it. So what’s happening here? May 2, 2019 12:00 PM by: Mark Gentili If Doug Ford’s Tory government is flirting with the idea of privatizing some aspects of our […]

Thousands storm Queen’s Park to protest Doug Ford’s cuts to health care

An estimated 8,000 outraged Ontario residents are marching on Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto today to voice their opposition against the PC government’s deep and sweeping cuts to health care services across the province. Organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, today’s protest takes aim at Premier Doug Ford’s plan to restructure the health care system under something […]

Crowd rallies at Ontario legislature against health system changes

Shawn Jeffords, The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, May 1, 2019 12:11AM EDT TORONTO — Protesters hoisting signs and chanting slogans gathered outside Ontario’s legislature Tuesday to rally against changes to the health-care system, despite government assurances that the new measures would not lead to any form of privatization. The event, organized by the Ontario Health […]

Ontario health care cuts will reduce quality of life, patient says at Queen’s Park protest

Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto Published Tuesday, April 30, 2019 4:16PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, April 30, 2019 8:03PM EDT Standing outside Queen’s Park on Tuesday afternoon, a woman who needs up to 25 injections to help manage her chronic pain says that cuts being made to Ontario’s health care system may mean she has […]

Health coalitions rally at Queen’s Park

BY MELANIE IRWIN APRIL 30, 2019 4:10PM @MIrwinCHOKNews Thousands rally against changes to Ontario’s health care system. April 30, 2019 Photo courtesy of @AndreaHorwath Twitter. A rally against changes to Ontario’s health care system, that some believe will open the door to privatization, attracted thousands of people to Queen’s Park Tuesday afternoon. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath addressed the […]

Les réformes de la santé dénoncées à Queen’s Park

Publié le mardi 30 avril 2019 à 15 h 28 Mis à jour le mardi 30 avril 2019 à 22 h 06 La Coalition ontarienne de la santé représente plus d’un demi million de personnes, issues de 400 organisations différentes. Photo: Radio-Canada / Fanny Geoffrion Radio-Canada Des milliers de personnes se sont rassemblées mardi devant l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario pour protester contre les changements apportés par le gouvernement […]

THOUSANDS RALLY AT QUEEN’S PARK PROTESTING PC’S HEALTH CARE CHANGES

CANADIAN PRESS Tuesday, April 30th 2019 – 2:41 pm Thousands of people are rallying outside Ontario’s legislature to protest the government’s changes to the health-care system. The rally was organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, which says it’s concerned that the changes will lead to privatization of some health services _ a suggestion the province […]

Londoners join Queen’s Park rally, protesting health care changes

CTV London Published Tuesday, April 30, 2019 1:38PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, April 30, 2019 4:53PM EDT Hundreds from the London region loaded onto buses and vehicles, heading to Queen’s Park to take part in Tuesday’s rally voicing opposition to provincial health care funding changes. Two busloads left London for Toronto around 8:30 a.m. headed […]

Waterloo Region Health Coalition rallies at Queen’s Park

Group concerned Bill 74 will lead to privatization of health services CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2019 1:00 PM ET | Last Updated: May 1 Thousands rally outside Queen’s Park in Toronto Tuesday against Bill 74. The Ontario Health Coalition organized the rally in protest against the bill they believe will lead to more privatized services. (Lisa […]

Crowd rallies outside Queen’s Park protesting cuts to health-care system

Natalie Mehra, executive director of Ontario Health Coalition, said the crowd was protesting the level of the government’s health-care spending, which she said will not cover the cost of inflation and is effectively a funding cut to hospitals. Apr 30, 2019 by Shawn Jeffords The Canadian Press On Tuesday, Health Minister Christine Elliott said the government is making […]

Oxford Health Coalition Joins Thousands of Protesters at Queens Park Today

Tuesday, April 30th, 2019 12:42pm photo credit Bryan Smith Well over 10,000 people, including a couple of dozen from Oxford are protesting cuts to health care outside of Queens Park in Toronto today. TORONTO – Thousands of people have flooded Queen’s Park today to protest Provincial cuts to Health Care. The protest was organized by […]

Almost 100 local residents attend Healthcare Rally at Queen’s Park

By Pamela Vanmeer – April 30, 2019 KAWARTHA LAKES-Some came carrying signs and others pushing walkers. They were boarding a bus at the Lindsay Square Mall and heading to Toronto to attend a Health Care Rally at Queen’s Park. The event was organized by the Ontario Health Coalition and the local Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition brought […]

Ontario healthcare workers at Queen’s Park to protest

Ontario Health Coalition organizes large rally to protest healthcare changes CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2019 11:33 AM ET | Last Updated: April 30 The Ontario Health Coalition expects thousands will attend a protest at Queen’s Park on Tuesday. (Andrew Foote/CBC) About 200 people from Sudbury are taking part in a rally on Tuesday at Queen’s Park. […]

Peel Paramedics Concerned Health Care Overhaul Will Hurt Patients in Brampton

by Ashley Newport on April 30, 2019 Paramedics, their unions, and other health care workers concerned about the province’s proposed health care overhaul recently took to Queen’s Park to protest the potential changes. The rally was organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC). The Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) has expressed serious concerns about a recently released EMS Vision – Ontario 2050 […]

WINDSOR-ESSEX RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN A RALLY AT QUEEN’S PARK

PETER LANGILLE Tuesday, April 30th 2019 – 6:32 am A large contingent from Windsor-Essex heads to Toronto Tuesday morning for a massive healthcare rally in Queen’s Park. Organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, delegates from across the province will protest funding cuts by the Ontario government. Windsor and District Labour Council President Brian Hogan says […]

Londoners hit the road to protest health care cuts

BY KIRK DICKINSON APRIL 29, 2019 8:39PM @KDickinsonNews Londoners will join Ontarians from towns and cities across the province at Queens Park in an effort to protect public health care from recent cuts announced by the provincial government. The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is organizing a rally at the Ontario Legislature for Tuesday at noon, which is expected to […]

Health care protest expected to draw hundreds to Queen’s Park

Jacquelyn LeBel 980 CFPL April 29, 2019 4:21 pm The front entrance of Ontario’s Legislative Building at Queen’s Park. The Ontario Health Coalition says it’s ready to defend public and non-profit health care and is hoping to send a message to the Progressive Conservative government. Jeff Hanks with the London Health Coalition said roughly 150 buses […]

Crowd rallies at Ontario legislature against health system changes

Shawn Jeffords, The Canadian Press Published Tuesday, April 30, 2019 2:39PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, April 30, 2019 6:12PM EDT TORONTO — Protesters hoisting signs and chanting slogans gathered outside Ontario’s legislature Tuesday to rally against changes to the health-care system, despite government assurances that the new measures would not lead to any form of […]

Health Coalition worried about future of small rural hospitals

David Gough More from David Gough Published on: April 26, 2019 | Last Updated: April 26, 2019 8:25 AM EDT The chair of the Wallaceburg and Walpole Island First Nation Health Coalition believes that rural hospitals in Petrolia and Wallaceburg will suffer under the health-care cuts being proposed by the Ontario government. File photo/Postmedia Network […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds town hall meeting in Brampton April 12

Legislation ‘forged in secret’ says coalition Apr 10, 2019 by Marta Marychuk Brampton Guardian The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) will be holding a town hall meeting on the province’s sweeping plans to restructure health care on Friday, April 12, in Brampton at Professor’s Lake Recreation Centre. The meeting, which is being organized in conjunction with the Peel Poverty […]

Durham Health Coalition holding town hall on PC health bill

A town hall forum against the PCs new health bill is being held in Oshawa. The Durham Health Coalition says they’re fighting for amendments to Bill 74 to stop any privatization. The PCs introduced the legislation to abolish the LHINs and create Ontario Health. Co-chair Trish McAuliffe says the forum will provide an opportunity to […]

Outrage over plans to restructure health care

April 9, 2019 | Last Updated: April 9, 2019 3:49 PM EDT TIMMINS — The prospect of the Ontario Conservatives ramming through legislation in order to introduce privatized health care in Ontario was a grave concern to those who attended a town hall style meeting at the Timmins Museum Saturday. The meeting, which was attended […]

Town hall meeting to discuss major changes to Ontario health care

The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to Ontario’s health care, says the Timmins organizer of a town-hall style meeting being held at the museum this Saturday. April 3, 2019 | Last Updated: April 3, 2019 6:33 PM EDT The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to […]

Health-care changes ‘frightening’: Health coalition

Fears more privatization, which province denies; town hall meeting Friday in Sault April 3, 2019 | Last Updated: April 3, 2019 4:17 PM EDT The public is being kept in the dark about changes coming to Ontario health care — and many will be “surprised and shocked” when they learn the truth, contends a Sault […]

Ontario healthcare bill spurs local action

April 1, 2019 | Last Updated: April 1, 2019 10:49 PM EDT Sault Ste. Marie Health Coalition will hold a town hall meeting on Friday, April 5 as part of a province-wide campaign to educate the public about the Ontario government’s plan to restructure the provincial healthcare system and create a new “super agency”. The […]

Bad medicine? If history holds true, Doug Ford’s health care cuts will cost us more money, not less

Dozens of Sudburians concerned about the future of health care participate in town hall meeting hosted by the Ontario Health Coalition on Sunday Apr 1, 2019 5:00 PM by: Carol Mulligan, for Sudbury.com Some 40 people attended a health care reform town hall meeting on March 31 in Sudbury, hosted by the Ontario Health Coalition. (Carol Mulligan) […]

Town hall meeting is looking at healthcare changes

It’s taking place Saturday at the museum Apr 1, 2019 3:00 PM by: Maija Hoggett With provincial legislation changes on the way for healthcare, a town hall meeting this weekend is talking about what it could mean. The Ontario Health Coalition event is Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at the Timmins Museum. Bill 74, the People’s […]

Ford government won’t hear from more than 1,500 on sweeping health restructuring bill: Coalition decries process as grossly undemocratic and objectionable

TORONTO, April 01, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ontario Health Coalition will appear before the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Social Policy this morning in the public hearings into Bill 74. The Ford government’s new health restructuring law, the Coalition reports, gives the Minister of Health and the government’s appointees in the new Super Agency […]

Health Coalition planning rally against proposed changes to healthcare

April 1, 2019 KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition and their Ontario counterpart say proposed new legislation gives the Ontario government sweeping new powers including the power to force privatization and restructuring of our health care. On February 26, 2019, Minister Christine Elliott unveiled the Government of Ontario’s legislation on healthcare reform. Bill 74 also […]

Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition concerned about Bill 74

April 1, 2019 in Health/Provincial by Lindsay Advocate With over 100 residents who came to the Bill 74 Town Meeting on March 27, the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition members and residents are growing concerned with the impacts of Bill 74. This new legislation is being pushed through the legislature quickly, notes a press release, with an expected passage on […]

Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition concerned about Bill 74

Published on April 1, 2019 in Health/Provincial by Lindsay Advocate With over 100 residents who came to the Bill 74 Town Meeting on March 27, the Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition members and residents are growing concerned with the impacts of Bill 74. This new legislation is being pushed through the legislature quickly, notes a press release, with an expected […]

Health Coalition planning rally against proposed changes to healthcare

By Pamela Vanmeer – April 1, 2019 KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Health Coalition and their Ontario counterpart say proposed new legislation gives the Ontario government sweeping new powers including the power to force privatization and restructuring of our health care. On February 26, 2019, Minister Christine Elliott unveiled the Government of Ontario’s legislation on healthcare reform. […]

Coalition vows to fight health-care changes

Mar 27 Health Coalitions across the province, led by the Ontario Health Coalition, are calling for the public’s help in fighting the government omnibus Bill 74 – The People’s Health Care Act, that proposes sweeping changes to how health care is administered in Ontario. At a town hall meeting recently hosted by the Chatham-Kent Health […]

Proposed health care changes could create ‘chaos’ for decades to come

Ontario Health Coalition warns of looming privatization in Ontario at Kitchener city hall Tuesday night Mar 26, 2019 KITCHENER — Proposed changes to the provincial health care system could create “chaos” that would last for decades if passed, according to the Ontario Health Coalition. Executive Director Natalie Mehra was the keynote speaker at a health […]

London Health Coalition to host town hall on health-care reform

The Ontario Health Coalition and its municipal counterparts are gearing up for a health-care fight in the wake of the Ford government’s planned health-care restructuring. A town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday evening in at London’s downtown library. “I think most Londoners and Ontarians don’t quite realize what’s taking place at Queen’s Park around […]

Ontario Health Coalition vows to stop new health care bill

The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is warning the province’s new omnibus health care bill will mean lost local services. Mar 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro) MARCH 22, 2019 8:41PM The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is taking action against the province’s new omnibus health care bill that could mean a loss of local services. […]

North Simcoe residents troubled by proposed health care changes

The proposed restructuring of Ontario’s health-care system has local residents concerned. Legislation tabled in late February revealed the government’s plan to revamp the current system organized around local health integration networks (LHINs) and create a super agency called Ontario Health. Twenty existing agencies will be absorbed into Ontario Health, including 14 LHINs, eHealth Ontario and […]

Health coalition slams proposed restructuring

March 21, 2019 | Last Updated: March 21, 2019 9:44 PM EDT Believing that patients will be negatively impacted in the long run, the Chatham-Kent Health Coalition is rallying the public to make their voices heard about the province’s proposed restructuring of the health-care system. Approximately 30 people attended a town hall Thursday night at […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds meeting in Peterborough to discuss concerns about new Ontario Health super agency

NDP Deputy Leader John Vanthof, the MPP for Temiskaming Shores, spoke during an Ontario Health Coalition town hall in Peterborough on Wednesday night. The meeting was held to discuss Premier Doug Ford’s plan to create an Ontario Health super agency that will replace 20 smaller agencies, including Ontario’s 14 local health integration networks, Cancer Care […]

Severe PSW shortage on agenda at health care Town Hall

March 19, 2019 The growing shortage of personal support workers and their difficult working conditions will be discussed at a Town Hall meeting Saturday, officials say. “The word is out. People are leaving the profession of PSW and they’re not enrolling in PSW courses at community colleges,” said Shirley Roebuck, chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Health […]

Health Coalition warns Grimsby residents of health care privatization

Despite ever-present concerns swirling around the future of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, there was only a small contingent of Grimsby residents gathered at town hall on Thursday night as the Ontario Health Coalition continued its tour through Niagara, drumming up opposition to Doug Ford’s proposed Bill 74. Representatives from the coalition wrapped up a […]

Ontario Health Coalition calls on Hamiltonians to attend rally to stop Premier Doug Ford’s health care reform

Mar 14, 2019 Ontario Health Coalition’s Doug Allan urged about 60 people at a town hall meeting March 13 at the central library to attend an April 30 rally at Queen’s Park to stop the government’s proposed health care legislation. – Kevin Werner/Metroland Ontario’s health care workers, unions, residents, and municipal politicians should be preparing […]

People’s Healthcare Act is ‘really a restructuring bill’: Natalie Mehra

Mar 12, 2019 Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to a group of St. Catharines residents Monday evening. The coalition is cautioning about changes coming under the proposed Bill 74, the People’s Healthcare Act. – Luke Edwards , Niagara This Week The Ontario Health Coalition is warning Niagara that its health-care […]

Health coalition holding town hall tour “The Sarnia Observer, March 7, 2019”

Health coalition holding town hall tour Tyler Kula, The Sarnia Observer Details of how the Ontario government plans to restructure the provincial health system are pending, and the Sarnia-Lambton Health Coalition is worried they won’t be good. Shirley Roebuck, head of the local Ontario Health Coalition chapter, said she’s concerned the provincial government’s plan to […]

A cure or a curse? Catholic hospitals weigh pros and cons of Ontario legislation “The Catholic Register, March 8, 2019”

A cure or a curse? Catholic hospitals weigh pros and cons of Ontario legislation Michael Swan, The Catholic Register Despite warnings that an overhaul of health care in Ontario could sideline Catholic values and governance, organizations that represent Catholic hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and health services are optimistic they can be players in a more […]

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

Analysis: Ontario’s proposed healthcare overhaul receives mixed response in the Kawarthas

People’s Health Care Act, tabled Feb. 26 at legislature, consolidates 20 agencies under one entity in the hopes of improving service efficiencies Mar 04, 2019 Christine Elliott, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as seen at Queen’s Park in a 2018 file photo. – Rick Madonik/Toronto Star The provincial government’s […]

Health Care Omnibus Bill Sets Up Ontario for Health System Mega-Mergers & Privatization: Worse than the Leaked Draft, Health Coalition Warns Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4182516#ixzz5lMQs6zzD

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ontario Health Coalition released its preliminary analysis of the new health care omnibus bill today. Health Coalition spokespeople expressed deep concerns about the legislation and the sweeping upheaval to come. The legislation that was made public yesterday is worse than the draft bill in significant ways: it […]

Thunder Bay Health Coalition voices concerns over provincial budget “CBC News, January 22, 2019”

Advocacy group concerned province will cut health care spending in northwestern Ontario Jeff Walters · CBC News A group of health care workers held a rally outside the Dryden, Ont., hotel were the province is holding its pre-budget consultation meetings. (Unifor) A health care advocacy group in Thunder Bay worries the Ford government will cut hospital spending, and […]

Demand increases for long-term care workers “Blackburn News, January 22, 2019”

(From left to right) Lynne Withers, Julie Sexton and Shirley Roebuck at the Coffee Lodge on Exmouth Street in Sarnia. January 21, 2019. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews) BY COLIN GOWDY JANUARY 22, 2019 The Sarnia Lambton Health Coalition is taking part in a province-wide initiative to improve care and reduce violence […]

Nursing home system ‘in crisis’ “North Bay Nugget, January 21, 2019”

PJ Wilson Peggy Smith, left, Blanche-Helene Tremblay and Ann McIntosh deliver the Ontario Health Coalition report Situation Critical on issues in the long-term care sector, Monday, in North Bay. PJ Wilson/The Nugget Ontario’s long-term care system is in crisis and failing those who rely on it. That was the message delivered Monday with the release […]

Long Term Health Care at “Situation Critical” “BayToday, January 21, 2019”

‘I am not trying to slam nursing homes or staff it is the whole system that needs change’ Chris Dawson (L to R) Author Peggy Smith and Ontario Health Coalition committee members Blanche-Helene Tremblay and Ann McIntyre at the Legion in North Bay Monday. Photo by Chris Dawson/BayToday.ca. Lack of care and even violence at […]

High rate of homicides among concerns raised in report on Ontario’s long-term care system “Chatham Daily News, January 21, 2019”

Ellwood Shreve Nicole Grainger, left, and Shirley Roebuck, members of the Health Coalition of Chatham-Kent, discussed some of the findings a report on the state of long-term care in Ontario, titled Situation Critical, released by the Ontario Health Coalition on Monday January 21, 2019. Photo taken in Chatham, Ont. Ellwood Shreve/Chatham Daily News/Postmedia Network TORONTO […]

Reason to worry if Tories rid or drastically reduce LHINs — Bisson “The Daily Press, January 18, 2019”

The Ontario Health Coalition has expressed concern about rumours the provincial government will restructure its current 14 local health integration networks into five and Timmins MPP Gilles Bisson feels it has good reason to worry. By: Thomas Perry Gilles Bisson The Ontario Health Coalition has expressed concern about rumours the provincial government will restructure its […]

Rallies to Be Held Outside Pre-Budget Hearings “Digital Journal, January 18, 2019”

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2019 — The Ontario Health Coalition is holding rallies outside of Pre-Budget Hearings that will be attended by Members of Provincial Parliament on the Standing Committees on Finance and Economic Affairs. At the same time as promising to end “hallway medicine” and adequately fund health care in Ontario Doug Ford’s government has […]

Ford government poised to dissolve regional health agencies, sources say “CBC News, January 17, 2019”

14 health care co-ordination networks to be replaced by no more than 5 oversight bodies Mike Crawley · CBC News · Ontario’s local health integration networks (LHINs) oversee nearly $30 billion in annual operating funding from the health ministry to hospitals, long-term care homes and community health centres. (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton) In what would be its first major […]

Report: more staff, better training needed to reduce senior violence “Blackburn News, January 16,2019”

File photo courtesy © CanStockPhoto.com/Leaf) BY GREG HIGGINS JANUARY 16, 2019 The horror stories that usually come out about nursing homes involve staff on resident violence, but a new report suggests residents acting violently toward staff — and each other — is much more prevalent. According […]

Ford flirts with private health care at his peril

Toronto Star, by Natalie Mehra Although it was not once mentioned in last spring’s provincial election, reasons to be concerned about the privatization plans of the Ford government are mounting. Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford talks to staff during a campaign stop at Etobicoke General Hospital in Toronto last May. “Regular Ontarians in every […]

Waits for home-care could get worse during flu season, London Free Press, December 5, 2018

Waits for home-care could get worse during flu season JENNIFER BIEMAN Updated: December 5, 2018 With dozens of Londoners waiting for home care and not enough personal support workers and nurses to meet the demand, there are fears the situation will only get worse as flu season gets underway. Home-care advocates are bracing for even […]

Hallway Medicine: It Can Be Fixed, SP The Bullet, November 23, 2018

Hallway Medicine: It Can Be Fixed PUBLIC GOODS • November 23, 2018 • Doug Allan and Michael Hurley The brief below is part of a cross province campaign begun before the summer election by the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions / CUPE to alert the public to the dangers to hospital and healthcare posed by a Doug Ford Progressive Conservative […]

Health Care in Ontario – We should all care. SAULTONLINE, November 22, 2018

SaultOnline.com By Lynne Brown November 22, 2018 Last month, Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath and MPP France Gélinas – Health Care Critic and Chief Opposition Whip, joined the Ontario Health Coalition and thousands of concerned Ontarians outside Queen’s Park to protest looming cuts to health care by the Ford government. The rally was organized by […]

Proposed hospital integration for Peterborough and Lindsay dropped, Global, November 16, 2018

Proposed hospital integration for Peterborough and Lindsay dropped VIDEO WILL BEGIN AFTER THESE MESSAGES…X Proposed hospital integration for Peterborough and Lindsay dropped – A A + Listen A proposal to integrate hospitals in Peterborough and Lindsay as one organization has been scrapped. In a release issued Friday, the boards for both Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial […]

Watchdog says Ontario’s healthcare system is sick, CTV News, November 13, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition’s public forum in Sudbury focuses on the dire situation cuts have put the province’s hospitals in. CTV Northern Ontario’s Callam Rodya talks to Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra about the group’s town hall meeting. Callam Rodya, Videojournalist, Sudbury Published Tuesday, November 13, 2018 1:04PM EST Last Updated Tuesday, November 13, 2018 […]

Sudbury’s hospital needs more money, critics argue, Sudbury Star, November 13, 2018

Sudbury’s hospital needs more money, critics argue Jim Moodie The Sudbury Star Published on: November 13, 2018 | Last Updated: November 13, 2018 2:35 AM EST Dot Klein of the Sudbury Health Coalition addresses a crowd gathered Monday at the Steelworkers Hall to discuss challenges to the health-care system. Flanking her are CUPE 1623 president […]

Ontario Health Coalition to host town hall meeting in Sudbury, CBC News, November 12, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition to host town hall meeting in Sudbury Coalition says province needs to invest more money in healthcare CBC News · Posted: Nov 12, 2018 6:00 AM ET | Last Updated: November 12 (iStock) 1 comments A provincial health care watchdog is hosting a town hall meeting in Sudbury on Monday night. The Ontario Health Coalition […]

Health coalition is seeing red flags with Ford government, The Wallaceburg Courier Press, November 10, 2018

Health coalition is seeing red flags with Ford government David Gough Published on: November 10, 2018 The Wallaceburg-Walpole Island First Nation Health Coalition is worried about what the Doug Ford government will mean to public health care in the province—so they are pushing back. The health coalition has seen red flags, as they point out […]

Coalition hopes to build support, stop hospital cuts in Sudbury, The Sudbury Star, November 10, 2018

Coalition hopes to build support, stop hospital cuts in Sudbury ‘What is it going to take to stop (hospital) cuts here?’ Mary Katherine Keown Published on: November 10, 2018 | Last Updated: November 10, 2018 1:16 AM EST Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, makes a point at a press conference in […]

Town hall to put spotlight on hospital cuts in Sudbury: coalition, The Sudbury Star, November 7, 2018

Town hall to put spotlight on hospital cuts in Sudbury: coalition Published on: November 7, 2018 | Last Updated: November 7, 2018 1:27 PM EST Health-care workers rally outside Health Sciences North on Tuesday demanding the hospital rescind recent cuts to staffing. JIM MOODIE/SUDBURY STAR The Ontario Health Coalition says it plans to release more information […]

Woodstock’s private hospital permanently shutting its doors, The London Free Press, October 31, 2018

Woodstock’s private hospital permanently shutting its doors HEATHER RIVERS Updated: October 31, 2018 Lisa Figg (Linked in) and Shelley Vanderzwaag (Facebook) A private hospital in Woodstock is permanently closing its doors as a discipline hearing for two nurses who have worked there and changes to Ontario legislation governing such facilities loom. Woodstock Private Hospital will […]

Community rallies in support of Ross Memorial; Merger not wanted

Community rallies in support of Ross Memorial; Merger not wanted Published on October 29, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Local News/Seniors by Roderick Benns Under a damp and insistent rain, more than 70 people braved the elements to fight for the local hospital they have come to believe in and depend upon. While they did so, multiple […]

Community rallies in support of Ross Memorial; Merger not wanted, The Lindsay Advocate, October 29, 2018

Hospital merger? Fighting the LHIN spin, The Lindsay Advocate, October 29, 2018

Hospital merger? Fighting the LHIN spin Published on October 29, 2018 in Around Town/Columnists/Community/Health by Trevor Hutchinson Experts like Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition have warned us that our local hospital is at risk. And as concerned residents continue to await more information on the proposed integration of the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) and the Peterborough Regional […]

Rally for the Ross Monday to stop merger; Toronto rally attracts thousands, The Lindsay Advocate, October 25, 2018

Rally for the Ross Monday to stop merger; Toronto rally attracts thousands Published on October 25, 2018 in by Roderick Benns “Hands Off Our Health Care” chanted a capacity crowd of about 8,000 people — including people from Kawartha Lakes — who joined hands and encircled Queen’s Park earlier in the week at the largest rally at the […]

Thousands rally against health care cuts at Queen’s Park, Global News, October 24, 2018

October 24, 2018 4:31 pm Thousands rally against health care cuts at Queen’s Park By Mark GiuntaVideographer, Backup News & Sports Anchor Global News The Ontario Health Coalition is calling on the Ford Government to expand public health care services while preventing cuts to the sector. – A A + Listen Armed with signs and flags, the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Thousands rally against health care cuts at Queen’s Park, Global News, October 24, 2018

Thousands rally against health care cuts at Queen’s Park By Mark GiuntaVideographer, Backup News & Sports Anchor Global News The Ontario Health Coalition is calling on the Ford Government to expand public health care services while preventing cuts to the sector. Armed with signs and flags, the Ontario Health Coalition marched at Queen’s Park on Tuesday. […]

Health Care Workers Rally at Queen’s Park, CP 24, October 23, 2018

https://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=1521438

Ontario Health Coalition Rally at Queen’s Park, CP24, October 23, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition Rally at Queen’s Park, CP24, October 23, 2018 Live video coverage: http://Ontario Health Coalition Rally at Queen’s Park, CP24, October 23, 2018

Londoners to join rally at Queen’s Park to call for end to ‘hallway medicine’, Global News 980 CFPL, Oct 23

Londoners to join rally at Queen’s Park to call for end to ‘hallway medicine’ The front entrance of Ontario’s Legislative Building at Queen’s Park. Nick Westoll / File / Global News – A A + Listen Londoners will be part of a massive rally at Queen’s Park Tuesday organized to call on the provincial government to end so-called […]

Niagara residents rallying for health care, The St. Catharines Standard, Oct 17, 2018

Niagara residents rallying for health care Queen’s Park rally planned for Oct. 23 News Oct 17, 2018 by Allan Benner The St. Catharines Standard Subject: stethascope on 18/November/2010, at 4:54 pm, wynn, spencer wrote: – File photo Long-awaited new hospitals, an overdose prevention site and adequate funding for mental health services are among the […]

Ontario Health Coalition to rally against heathcare cuts, Sarnia News, October 14, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition to rally against heathcare cuts BY LEE MICHAELSOCTOBER 14, 2018 6:53AM The Ontario Health Coalition fears the Ford government intends to make revenue cuts that could prove disastrous to the healthcare system. Local President Shirley Roebuck said the system is already in crisis. “Ontario has fewer hospital beds than almost all other […]

Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Ontario Health Coalition, Sault online, Sept 25, 2018

Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Ontario Health Coalition By Content Team Natalie Mehra – Executive Director, OHC. photo courtesy Ontario Health Coalition. Ernst + Young “Line by Line” Review Biased and Unhelpful: Health Coalition Warns it is Just Repackaging of Same Old Ideas that Have Led to Cuts, Restructuring and […]

Fighting for health care, Waterloo Region Record, September 24, 2018

Fighting for health care NEWS 07:30 AM Waterloo Region Record Jim Stewart, co-chair of the Waterloo Region Health Coaltion watches as Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Care Coalition, speaks to a small crowd at Speaker’s Corner in Kitchener on Saturday. The rally was held to bring attention to the Progressive Conservative’s plans to cut […]

Coalition rallying to guard public health care, The Sarnia Observer, September 20, 2018

Coalition rallying to guard public health care Local Ontario Health Coalition chapters looking for funding to attend Oct. 23 rally at Queen’s Park Tyler Kula Published on: September 20, 2018 Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra was in Sarnia in May as part of a provincial tour calling for more investment in hospitals and […]

Health coalition fears job losses, service impacts if Peterborough and Lindsay hospitals amalgamate, Global News, September 14, 2018

Health coalition fears job losses, service impacts if Peterborough and Lindsay hospitals amalgamate By Greg DavisVideographer/Online Journalist Global News NEWS: ONTARIO HEALTH COALITION WARNS OF SERVICE AND JOB CUTS IF PETERBOROUGH AND LINDSAY HOSPITALS AMALGAMATEX As Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay continue discussions over amalgamation, voices are being raised over the […]

Resistance is not futile: Fight for Ross Memorial because threat to services is real, says OHC, Then Lindsay Advocate, September 13, 2018

NEWS. COMMUNITY. WELLNESS. Natalie Mehra, of the OHC, says speak up to save Ross Memorial’s services. Resistance is not futile: Fight for Ross Memorial because threat to services is real, says OHC Published on September 13, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Seniors by Trevor Hutchinson In a scathing indictment of hospital mergers that have occurred with shocking regularity across Ontario the […]

Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about amalgamation of Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital administration, Peterborough Examiner, September 13, 2018

Ontario Health Coalition raises concerns about amalgamation of Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital administration by Jessica Nyznik Examiner Staff Writer About 25 citizens attend the Ontario Health Coalition meeting on integration between PRHC and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay on Thursday September 13, 2018 at the Lions Community Centre in Peterborough, Ont. – […]

Ontario Health Coalition warns of hospital amalgamation consequences, CHEX – Global News, September 10, 2018

THE MORNING SHOW ON CHEX https://globalnews.ca/video/4437816/ontario-health-coalition-warns-of-hospital-amalgamation-consequences September 10 2018 11:11am Ontario Health Coalition warns of hospital amalgamation consequences A proposed plan to merge the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Ross Memorial Hospital has been raising some eyebrows within the Ontario Health Coalition. Executive director, Natalie Mehra, joined The Morning Show today to talk about two […]

Ontario health care needs ‘system transformation’: Elliott, Toronto Sun, September 7, 2018

Ontario health care needs ‘system transformation’: Elliott Canadian PressMore from Canadian Press Published:September 7, 2018 Ontario Deputy Premier Christine Elliott talks with journalists following Question Period at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Ontario’s new government will uphold a promise to address hospital overcrowding but any action taken […]

Health Coalition organizes meetings to talk about proposed merger’s impact, The Lindsay Advocate, September 6, 2018

“We believe that the proposed integration will be devastating, with centralized surgeries, rehabilitation and palliative care moved.” Health Coalition organizes meetings to talk about proposed merger’s impact Published on September 6, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Local News/Seniors by Trevor Hutchinson Citizens concerned about the impact of the proposed ‘integration’ of the Ross Memorial Hospital and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre […]

Reopening closed health-care services urgent, says watchdog. Who suffers from cuts to public services? The public. Toronto Star, Labour Day 2018

Reopening closed health-care services urgent, says watchdog Who suffers from cuts to public services? The public. When the Ontario government sent an internal memo announcing a hiring freeze for the public sector early this summer, they set the province on a course for reduced public services and more precarious jobs. These changes will have a deeply negative […]

Planned hospital merger could be big risk for Ross Memorial, The Lindsay Advocate, August 15, 2018

Planned hospital merger could be big risk for Ross Memorial Published on August 15, 2018 in Around Town/Community/Health/Seniors by Trevor Hutchinson On November 20, 1902, medical experts travelled by train to Lindsay to be part of the opening of the $80,000 Ross Memorial Hospital, named in honour of the benefactor James L. Ross’ parents. At the time it was […]

Letter to the Editor: Thunder Bay Health Coalition shares OCHU’s concerns about hospital cuts, tbnewswatch, August 6, 2018

Letter to the Editor: Thunder Bay Health Coalition shares OCHU’s concerns about hospital cuts Michael Hurley of the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) warned us of job cuts and bed closures at the Regional Health Sciences Centre here in Thunder Bay. Aug 6, 2018 1:55 PM by: Community Submission To the editor: On June 18th Michael Hurley of […]

Campbell, Ford no friends of public health care

(July 30, 2018) By: Jules Tupker, The Chronicle Journal CUPE’s (Candian Union of Public Employees) recent warning of job cuts and bed closures needs to be taken very seriously by everyone in Ontario. In Thunder Bay, our hospital budgeted for a $5-million shortfall in the 2017-18 fiscal year. The Liberal government last year realized that […]

Proposed PC spending cuts could lead to hospital bed closures, union says CUPE says Thunder Bay hospitals could lose up to 71 beds

(July 30, 2018) By: CBC News Hospitals such as the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre could lose up to 71 beds if the Ford government proceeds with spending cuts promised during the election campaign, according to the hospital division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). (CBC) The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) […]

Unions council predicts province could cut more than 700 Ottawa hospital jobs

(July 27, 2018) By: Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen Patients wait in the hallway at the overcrowded Queensway Carleton Hospital in 2016. ERROL MCGIHON / OTTAWA SUN PHOTO BY ERROL MCGIHON Between 748 and 1,634 Ottawa hospital jobs could be cut if Ontario’s new Progressive Conservative government fulfils its campaign promises, according to projections by the hospital division of […]

Far from ending hallway medicine, Ontario stands to lose 3,712 more hospital beds, more than 16,000 staff under Ford programs

(July 26, 2018) By: CUPE Already funded and staffed at levels well below other provinces, Ontario’s hospitals’ hallway medicine and bed crisis will deepen under Premier Doug Ford’s public service “efficiency” program and promised tax cuts, the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) warned today in Toronto. OCHU, the hospital division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (OCHU/CUPE), has […]

Don’t be surprised if Gordon Campbell’s inquiry aligns with PC ideology, says his former chief of staff

(July 19, 2018) By: Jeremy Nuttall, StarMetro Vancouver VANCOUVER—The appointment of British Columbia’s former premier Gordon Campbell to oversee an inquiry into Ontario’s finances is political, charge health care advocates in the province. Campbell’s former chief of staff in B.C. agrees. Earlier this week the new Ontario Progressive Conservative government lead by Premier Doug Ford […]

Doug Ford gives former PC president job as health adviser with $350K salary

(July 6, 2018) By: Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press Ford appoints Dr. Rueben Devlin as the PC party healthcare adviser. TORONTO — Ontario’s new premier has appointed a former Progressive Conservative party president as a special adviser on health care. Premier Doug Ford has named Dr. Rueben Devlin as chair of a new council on […]

Doug Ford gives ex-PC president job as health adviser with $350k salary

(July 6, 2018) By: The Canadian Press Ontario Premier Doug Ford picks former PC president as health advisor. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin TORONTO — Ontario’s new premier has appointed a former Progressive Conservative party president as a special adviser on health care. Premier Doug Ford has named Dr. Rueben Devlin as chair of a […]

Ontario Health Coalition calls for public consultations on OHIP+ reform

(July 4, 2018) By: Sara Cain, 900 CHML The Ontario Health Coalition is raising concerns over Premier Doug Ford’s plan to alter OHIP-plus coverage. OHIP-plus was first rolled out by the Liberal government in January 2018. It offered kids and adults under 24 free prescription medication. This included more than 4,400 drugs in the Ontario […]

Doug Ford kicks off premiership with a pay freeze on public service managers

Doug Ford kicks off premiership with a pay freeze on public service managers (June 30, 2018) By: Justin Giovannetti, Globe and Mail Ontario’s new premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives have put the brakes on government spending only hours after taking office, freezing the pay of managers in the Ontario public service and putting […]

Ford’s top five priorities a daunting challenge

(June 24, 2018) By: Antonella Artuso, Toronto Sun Premier-designate Doug Ford takes office Friday with a new cabinet, a majority of the 124 newly-elected MPPs and a short but daunting to-do list. The Tories provided that list when asked what Ontarians should expect. NUMBER ONE: “Put more money in your pocket. Scrap the carbon tax, […]

Public could lose voice with hospital

(June 21, 2018) By: Jules Tupker ONTARIO’S new Not-for-profit Corporations Act, 2010, isn’t expected to come into force until 2019, but it’s already having some unintended and unfortunate consequences. Some provisions in the act have worried the board of directors of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre enough that it proposes to change the […]

What ‘hallway health care’ looks like in Ontario’s most crowded hospital system

(June 20, 2018) By: Mariam Mishriki, TVO In London’s main hospital network, medical staff treat patients in corridors, storage areas and other “unconventional spaces” when beds aren’t available. LONDON — On a summer night three years ago, Alex Godfrey was admitted to the emergency room at Victoria Hospital in a manic state. What was supposed […]

NATALIE MEHRA ON CBC RADIO ONE, Election Commentary, June 7, 2018

NATALIE MEHRA ON CBC RADIO ONE – ELECTION COMMENTARY TONIGHT Dear Members and Supporters, Our executive director, Natalie Mehra has been asked to be on CBC Radio One tonight providing commentary on the election results as they come in. You can listen for her after approx. 9:30 p.m. once the results start to become clear.

Hospitals running at crisis levels, says watchdog

(June 6, 2018) By: Mary Katherine Keown, The Sudbury Star Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, speaks to Sudbury Star reporter Mary Katherine Keown in Sudbury on Friday. John Lappa/Sudbury Star/Postmedia It should be no surprise that Sudbury (and Ontario) is facing a health care crunch. But it has become a […]

Ontario Health Coalition wants spotlight on proposed mega hospital leading up to election

(June 1, 2018) By: CTV Windsor The Ontario Health Coalition is putting the spotlight on the proposed mega hospital with less than a week to go in the provincial election campaign. Executive director Natalie Mehra doesn’t think residents are informed enough about the decision. “The so-called mega hospital is one hospital to replace all of […]

Group Opposed To Hospital Site Gears Up For Election

(June 1, 2018) By: Mark Brown, Blackburn News Members of a group opposed to the new Windsor-Essex hospital plan demonstrate outside Windsor Regional Hospitals Ouellette campus on June 1, 2018. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News. Windsor-Residents opposed to the planned location of a new Windsor-Essex hospital are trying a new approach. Members of the Ontario […]

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 […]

Long-term care system in crisis

(May 30, 2018) By: Doug Diaczuk, Thunder Bay News Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, said staffing shortages is an issue impacting long-term care homes across the province. (Photos by Doug Diaczuk – Tbnewswatch.com). THUNDER BAY – When Mariann Jollineau had to move her father into long-term care, the experience was stressful […]

Doc in your pocket: would you pay for a healthcare app?

(May 30, 2018) By: Amanda Ferguson, City News You can order your dinner online. And a ride. Well how about an app that replaces going to a doctor’s office? That’s what Maple is all about — an online service where you can pay to see a doctor online and even get a prescription. The app’s […]

Hospital crowding: Why all 3 major Ontario parties are promising more LTC beds. All parties promising new long-term care beds, but PCs not talking about hospital funding

(May 25, 2018) By: Joanne Chianello, CBC News Hallway medicine has become commonplace in overcrowded Ontario hospitals. (Raj Dabb/Twitter) For Nancy Parker, it began about three years ago when her husband — who suffered from complications from a previous heart attack — had to endure a 48-hour wait in the Ottawa Hospital emergency room before getting a bed. […]

Ontario Health Coalition talks provincial election at Durham hospitals

(May 24, 2018) By: Jennifer O’Meara, Clarington This Week Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra, along with Charlie Courneyer, the co-chair of the Durham Health Coalition, were in front of Lakeridge Health Oshawa on May 18. They discussed the facts and myths from the health-care platform from all parties involved in the 2018 election […]

Parties urged to do more for healthcare

(May 23, 2018) By: Joel Wittnebel, The Oshawa Express Natalie Mehra, the executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition and Charlie Couraneyea, the co-chair of the Durham Health Coalition, were at Lakeridge Health for a press conference urging the political parties to make healthcare a priority in this election. (Photo by Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express). […]

London Health Coalition criticizes PC candidate for failing to commit to healthcare debate

(May 23, 2018) By: CBC News Peter Bergmanis, chair of the London Health Coalition, said Susan Truppe is the only candidate among all the major parties who has failed to commit to participating in a debate on health care. The London branch of the Ontario Health Coalition is “calling out” the Progressive Conservative candidate for […]

Candidates agree on more funding for health care

(May 23, 2018) By: Taylor Campbell, Windsor Star Analysis There seems to be little argument. Health care will be a major issue in the upcoming provincial election. All nine local candidates at a debate Tuesday night agreed health-care funding needs to increase. A 5.3 per cent increase to Ontario’s public funding, as recommended by the […]

Candidates’ debate on health care Thursday in Grimsby

(May 22, 2018) By: Grimsby Lincoln News Candidates from the Niagara West Riding will be tackling the issue of health care Thursday night. A special health-care debate will take place Thursday, May 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Livingston Activity Centre, 18 Livingston Ave. in Grimsby. The event one of four that were organized across […]

Rebuild Hospitals and Long-Term Care

(May 20, 2018) By: LeftStreamed After touring Ontario in recent weeks, Ontario Health Coalition spokeswoman Natalie Mehra returned to Toronto on 16 May 2018 at a press conference outside the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital to talk about the crisis in access to healthcare. Noting that the Coalition’s mandate is to protect public healthcare […]

Health debate to be focus of all-candidates meeting Tuesday

(May 18, 2018) By: Anne Jarvis, Windsor Star Health care is the hottest topic in the provincial election, right up there with skyrocketing hydro bills, and local candidates will be asked how they’ll address it. Erie Shores HealthCare Tyler Brownbridge / Windsor Star Health care is the hottest topic in the provincial election, right up […]

Health Coalition Calls for Concrete Commitments

(May 16, 2018) By: Lynne Brown, saultonline.com After touring Ontario in recent weeks, The Ontario Health Coalition’s Executive Director, Natalie Mehra, returned to Toronto and held a press conference outside the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Hospital. Mehra emphasized that there is a crisis as it relates to access to health care. Mehra stated that […]

Les libéraux ont-ils vraiment ouvert 24 « nouveaux » hôpitaux en Ontario? CBC, May 16, 2018

Les libéraux ont-ils vraiment ouvert 24 « nouveaux » hôpitaux en Ontario? Publié le mercredi 16 mai 2018 à 6 h 52Mis à jour le 16 mai 2018 à 6 h 53 La première ministre de l’Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, lors d’une annonce de financement à l’Hôpital général de North York le 22 mars 2018 Photo : Radio-Canada/Claudine Brulé La chef du Parti libéral […]

Candidates grilled on health care platforms

(May 15, 2018) By: The Chatham Voice Candidates in the upcoming June provincial election took part in their first local debate Thursday night. From left is Liberal Margaret Schleier Stahl, Green Party Mark Vercouteren, NDP Jordan McGrail and sitting PC MPP Rick Nicholls. In the first official debate for the Chatham-Kent Leamington provincial election candidates, […]

LETTER: Health questions for provincial candidates

(May 13, 2018) By: The Kingston Whig-Standard The Kingston Health Coalition proposed to the campaign managers of Kingston’s provincial candidates to hold an all-candidates meeting on the topic of health care in Ontario. The representatives replied that they already had received from Health City Ontario a request for such […]

Wynne commits to hiring 3,500 nurses as she argues PC plan means health care cuts

(May 10, 2018) By: CBC News Announcement is welcome, Ontario Health Coalition says, but ‘it’s not the end of the story and it can’t be’ A Liberal government will hire 3,500 more nurses in Ontario, Kathleen Wynne said Thursday, as she took aim at the Progressive Conservatives’ promises to cut the corporate tax rate and […]

Candidates square off on health; Local advocates press party standard-bearers on issues ranging from wait times to water quality

(May 11, 2018) By: Trevor Terfloth, The Chatham Daily News On such issues as funding, wait times and water quality, local advocates pressed provincial candidates on health care during a debate in Chatham on Thursday night. The Chatham-Kent Health Coalition and the Registered Nurses’Association of Ontario hosted the event for those running in Chatham-Kent-Leamington, with about 50 […]

Health-care ‘crisis’ topic of upcoming debates, St. Catharines Standard, May 11, 2018

Health-care ‘crisis’ topic of upcoming debates St. Catharines Standard Fri May 11 2018 Byline: Allan Benner It will take more than fleeting election promises to resolve the crisis that is brewing in hospitals across Ontario, says Ontario Health Coalition board member Doug Allan. As people contend with overcrowded hospital emergency departments and lengthy wait lists to access […]

Hospitals Running at Crisis Levels – Watchdog

(May 11, 2018) By Mary Katherine Keown, North Bay Nugget Ontario hospitals need about $1 billion to operate properly, says Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition. (Postmedia file photo) It should be no surprise that Ontario is facing a health care crunch. But it has become a hot topic in the upcoming election and […]

Health coalition calls for major funding hike

(May 11, 2018) By: Sharon Hill, Windsor Star Ontario’s health-care system is in crisis and it’s vital to get all political parties to commit to increasing funding for hospitals before the June 7 election, Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra said Monday. “At this point, the downsizing has simply gone too far,” Mehra told local residents Monday at a lunch […]

Ontario Health Coalition: It’s time to rebuild Ontario’s health care system

(May 11, 2018) By: Matt Durnan, sudbury.com Ontario has the lowest number of hospital beds per person in the country Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra stopped in Sudbury on May 11 to talk about the organization’s platform with a group of Sudburians, including the chair of Sudbury’s health coalition, Dot Klein (right). (Matt […]

Health-care ‘crisis’ topic of upcoming debates

(May 10, 2018) By: Allan Benner, The St. Catharines Standard Doug Allan and Sue Hotte from the Ontario Health Coalition discuss plans for a series of debates in Niagara’s provincial ridings on the delivery of health care services. – Allan Benner , The St. Catharines Standard It will take more than fleeting election promises to […]

CKL candidates debate health care

(May 10, 2018) By: Trevor Terfloth, Chatham Daily News Local health-care advocates hosted an all-candidates night at Aristo’s Banquet Hall in Chatham on Thursday. From left are Chatham-Kent-Leamington provincial candidates Margaret Schleier Stahl, of the Liberal party, Mark Vercouteren, of the Green party, Jordan McGrail, of the New Democrats, and Rick Nicholls, of the Progressive Conservatives. […]

CK-Leamington Candidates Debate Health Care

(May 10, 2018) By: Kirk Dickinson, Blackburn News Candidates for the Chatham-Kent Leamington riding debate health care at Smitty’s Family Restaurant in Chatham, May 10, 2018. From left, Margaret Schleier, Mark Vercouteren, Jordan McGrail, and Rick Nicholls. (Photo courtesy of Chris Bright) With provincial election campaigns in full swing, the chair of the Chatham-Kent Registered Nurses’ […]

Time to fix health-care crisis, coalition says

(May 9, 2018) By: Tyler Kula, Sarnia Observer The head of the Ontario Health Coalition is pushing for all political parties to reinvest in hospitals and boost the number of nursing home beds in Ontario to fend off what she calls a crisis in health care. “What we’re saying is we have to turn the corner on […]

Health-care watchdog group calling for more hospital and nursing home funding

(May 8, 2018) By: Tyler Kula, Sarnia Observer Ontario Health Coalition Executive Director Natalie Mehra was in Sarnia Tuesday. It was a stop on her provincial tour calling for more investment in hospitals and long-term care. (Tyler Kula/Sarnia Observer) The head of the Ontario Health Coalition is pushing for all political parties to reinvest in […]

Health Coalition Says Hospital Care In Crisis

(May 8, 2018) By: Lee Michaels, Blackburn News Main entrance at Bluewater Health’s Sarnia hospital. Photo by Meghan Bond. The executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition says there are two major things the next provincial government must do to fix our broken health care system. Natalie Mehra stopped in Sarnia on Tuesday during her […]