News + Events

LETTER: Coalition continues fight against privatized health care

(September 20, 2023) By: BarrieToday OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at dave@villagemedia.ca or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a referendum held earlier this year about the privatization of health care in Ontario. It’s not only the Greenbelt […]

Ontario Healthcare Coalition says situation is dire

(September 20 2023) By: 88.7 myFM News staff In a press conference held by the Ontario Healthcare Coalition on Friday morning, September 15th, the dire state of healthcare in Ontario took center stage. The numbers tell a grim story. In 2022, there were 848 hospital emergency room closures, and this year, they are on track […]

EVENT: Major Protest to Stop the Ford Government’s Privatization of Our Public Hospitals’ Core Services

(Updated: September 21, 2023) MAJOR PROTEST OPENING DAY OF THE ONTARIO LEGISLATURE Monday, September 25, 2023 at 12 Noon TORONTO at Queen’s Park outside the Main Legislative Building at 12 Noon THUNDER BAY at Mini Queen’s Park at South James St. at 12 Noon DRYDEN outside MPP Greg Rickford’s office, 439 Government St. at 11:30 a.m. CST (Dryden time) […]

Ford draws protesters at ribbon-cutting for new Markdale hospital

(September 15 2023) By: Scott Dunn, The Owen Sound Sun Times Ontario Premier Doug Ford helped cut the ribbon to ceremonially open the nearly $70-million Markdale hospital Thursday, and drew a crowd of protesters. The community has waited more than 20 years for a new hospital and on Sept. 24, a Sunday morning, it will […]

Increasing ER closures worry Grey-Bruce residents

(September 15 2023) By: Scott Miller, CTV News Summer vacations are all but over, but the hospital emergency room closures in Grey and Bruce County are on the rise. “Here we are, the leaves are changing and the ER closures are still increasing. Personally, here in Chesley, we have a real concern about the viability of […]

Going south: Simcoe County Health Coalition members taking train to Toronto protest later this month

(September 14, 2023) By: Chris Simon, simcoe.com Commuters may be taking a seat beside a resident actively fighting for the public health-care system Sept. 25. Simcoe County Health Coalition members will be riding the rails between the Barrie South GO Transit station and downtown Toronto that morning, as they prepare for a large demonstration against health-care privatization at Queen’s Park later […]

BRIEFING NOTE: Sampling of Recent Ontario Hospital Service Closures

(September 15, 2023) The following briefing note gives a sampling of local hospital emergency, ICU, birthing and other vital service closures across Ontario in 2023. There are many more. Dr. David Savage has been tracking Ontario emergency department closures. He found 848 emergency department closures in 2022. In 2023, up until the end of August […]

Privatization of health-care services topic of local forum

(September 12 2023) By: MidlandToday Staff Dr. Marty McNamara will speak about changes that ‘are already affecting local citizens’ at Thursday meeting taking place in Penetanguishene A meeting this week in Penetanguishene will draw attention to the privatization of health-care services. Don Copping and Fran Moreau, who represent north Simcoe with the Ontario Health Coalition, have organized […]

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Port Dover Chapter Of Ontario Health Coalition Hosting A Town Hall Meeting On Monday

(Sep 8, 2023) By: 98.9 myFM News/Oldies 99.7 staff The Port Dover Chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition wants the community to gather to show their concerns regarding Bill 60. 98.9 myFM news spoke to Dr. Gail Taylor regarding the Bill and what it means for the healthcare sector moving forward – specifically the […]

OPEN LETTER: Open Letter to CMA on their private health care campaign with Globe & Mail

(September 8, 2023) Re. Canadian Medical Association/Globe and Mail Hearings on Health Care Privatization Dear Dr. Ross, We are writing with deep concern about the activities of the Canadian Medical Association in partnership with the Globe and Mail. We have seen your promotion of your “consultation” on privatization in health care. On the front of […]

Labour Day ‘Solidarity March’ in Sault Ste. Marie

(September 4, 2023) By: Mike McDonald, CTVNorthernOntario.ca Workers gathered in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for the 65th Annual Labour Day Parade. More than a hundred people took part in this year’s ‘Solidarity March,’ with this year’s theme being ‘Lifting Everyone Up.’ “When we look at the health and safety issues that are happening in […]

‘We don’t need to privatize health care’: Penetanguishene residents voice concern about direction of public health-care system

(August 29, 2023) By: Andrew Mendler, Midland Mirror Don Copping and Fran Moreau are growing increasingly concerned about the direction the provincial health-care system is headed in. The Penetanguishene residents, who are north Simcoe’s representatives with the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), are calling on the public to push back against what they view as an increasing […]

New, upgraded long-term care beds announced for Essex County

(August 18 2023) By: CBC News Hundreds of new and upgraded long-term care beds will open for residents in the coming years, provincial health officials announced Friday at events in Belle River and Leamington. The announcements cover 125 new beds and 195 “upgraded” beds, according to a provincial statement. A new home in Belle River […]

Eric Bunnell’s People: A show of peace in Pinafore Park

(August 10, 2023) By: Eric Bunnell A gentle nudge floats lanterns Sunday onto Lake Pinafore at a commemoration of the anniversary of the Second World War devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by atomic bombs. Eric Bunnell PHOTO BY ERIC BUNNELL /jpg, SF, apsmc “As we float these lanterns on the water, it is my wish that the […]

Aug. 26 rally in Minden protesting hospital closures

(August 10 2023) By: Martin Halek, MyHaliburtonNow Thousands of people are expected at the Minden Fairgrounds on Aug. 26, to rally against rural hospital closures. Patrick Porzuczek, founder Patrick Porzuczek, founder of the Save the Minden ER campaign, says people from all over Ontario are banding together at 1:00 p.m. that day to protest hospital reductions and […]

Critics fume as OHIP denies coverage of local woman’s U.S. appendix surgery

(August 8, 2023) By: Jennifer Bieman, The London Free Press New Democrat MPP France Gelinas is photographed on Monday August 15, 2022. John Lappa/Sudbury Star A Southwestern Ontario woman who pursued appendix surgery in the U.S. after being unable to access timely medical care in the province has lost her bid to make Ontario’s health […]

Stabbing victims arrive at southwestern Ont. emergency department overnight only to find it’s closed

(August 3, 2023) By: Brent Lale, CTV News London Videographer Three teenagers who were stabbed at a sweet 16 birthday party in Clinton, Ont. late last month were driven to the local hospital, only to find out the emergency department (ED) was closed. Following a triple stabbing at a house party on Raglan Street in Clinton on […]

Climb aboard privatization protest bus

(July 20, 2023) By: Lisa Gervais, The Highlanders The Haliburton Highlands Long-Term Care Coalition is planning to join provincial allies for a massive rally at Queen’s Park in September, but wants people to know the deadline for getting a seat on their rally bus is July 20. Spokesperson Bonnie Roe said the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Doug Ford is Quietly Planning to Privatize Maintenance Services at New Hospitals in Ontario

(July 19, 2023) By: Mitchell Thompson, PressProgree The Ontario government’s multi-billion dollar hospital construction plan quietly includes a proposal to privatize hospital maintenance services. According to a document from Infrastructure Ontario, the Ford government’s multi-billion hospital plan – including The Ottawa Hospital’s new Civic campus, its new Windsor/Essex regional hospital, the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital and its addition to Toronto’s […]

NEED FOR LOCAL PEDIATRIC CARE

(July 13, 2023) By: The Morning Drive, AM800 Dan and Megan are joined by Sherry Roebuck, from Ontario Health Coalition, to talk about the need for local pediatric care to avoid separating families and sending them out during a vulnerable time. Click here for original audio

Toronto hospital network apologizes after patients charged for test covered by OHIP

(July 12, 2023) By: CBC News Akio Maroon, a patient at Toronto General Hospital, said she had to draw attention to a mistake the hospital made in charging patients for a test covered by OHIP. (Doug Husby/CBC) A Toronto hospital network is apologizing and issuing refunds after it charged patients for a test covered by OHIP, […]

RALLIES PLANNED OUTSIDE PORT COLBORNE AND FORT ERIE URGENT CARE CENTRES PROTESTING REDUCED HOURS

(July 5, 2023) By: Bonnie Heslop, Newstalk610 Two protest rallies are planned in south Niagara today as Niagara Health closes its urgent care centres in Port Colborne and Fort Erie during the overnight hours. As of today, Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., […]

Rally protests service cuts at Port Colborne urgent care centre

(July 5, 2023) By: Sarah Ferguson, Port Colborn Leader Ontario’s health care is currently in crisis mode and the situation won’t be solved by reducing the hours of service at Port Colborne and Fort Erie’s Urgent Care Centres (UCC). That was the main message of a rally held at Niagara Health’s Port Colborne General site […]

UPDATE: Update on Ford government’s attempt to push through expansion and redevelopment of Orchard Villa

(June 29, 2023) Under Bill 23 the Ford government gave itself extraordinary powers to override municipal governments and force through developments. This applies to housing developments and also long-term care homes. On March 7, Southbridge, the for-profit company that owns Orchard Villa, applied for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) to rush through the process of […]

Most health referendum results against private care

(June 14, 2023) By: Review Newsroom The results are in from an unofficial referendum on private healthcare in Ontario. The Ontario Health Coalition, which conducted the referendum with regional health coalitions, delivered the results to the Ontario government. Among the results received so far, 98 per cent of them opposed privatization of public hospital services. […]

Ontario releases new details on private clinic OHIP surgeries

(June 13, 2023) By: Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto Multi-Platform Writer The Ontario government has released new details on how OHIP-covered surgeries will be performed at private clinics. The proposed regulations, which were posted publicly on June 9, builds on Premier Doug Ford’s plan to allow private clinics to conduct more surgeries covered under the Ontario Health Insurance […]

The Ottawa Hospital lifts most mask requirements, but some say it’s too soon

(June 12 2023) By: Natalia Goodwin, CBC News Ottawa If you visit any of The Ottawa Hospital’s locations today, you may notice a big change: fewer people wearing masks. The hospital has announced that as of June 12, masking will be optional in public spaces such as hallways, cafeterias, and meeting rooms, as well as in clinical […]

London hospital boss grilled at forum over ending LHSC-St. Joe’s pact

(June 12 2023) By: Norman De Bono, The London Free Press London Health Sciences Centre leaders are tearing apart a cohesive health-care system that works, adding bureaucracy and cost as service integration is unraveled, a local advocate warned at a weekend public forum held by the hospital. LHSC is scrapping a long-standing collaboration agreement with […]

Politicians change health care at their peril

(June 10 2023) By: David Shearman, Owen Sound Sun Times (Print Edition) The hospital in Minden, Ont., closed its doors on June 1. There is now a telephone beside the door which will connect you with the hospital in Haliburton, about 25 minutes away. To put that into Grey Bruce terms, imagine that instead of […]

Gélinas calls for more action to keep emergency rooms open

(June 9 2023) By: Sudbury.com Staff NDP health care critic said is not taking health concerns seriously and that residents are worried about emergency room closings and the move toward private health care Ontario official opposition health critic France Gélinas is pushing the Ontario government to take more action to keep emergency rooms open and to […]

‘I can’t believe that I am seeing this happen …’: Community reacts to urgent care service reduction

(June 7, 2023) By: Sarah Ferguson, Richard Hutton, Port Colborne Leader When Bob Saracino first learned the urgent care centres (UCC) in Fort Erie and Port Colborne will no longer operate overnight he was overcome with emotion. As of July 5, both UCCs will provide service between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. To deal with […]

Niagara health care ‘in a real crisis’: coalition chair

(June 6, 2023) By: Richard Hutton, Fort Erie Post Health-care advocates are calling for the province to step in and keep south Niagara’s urgent care centres operating 24 hours a day. Niagara Health announced last week that as of July 5, operating hours at urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne would be cut […]

North Bay council urges the province to rescind Bill 60

(June 7 2023) By: Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles, North Bay Nugget Henri Giroux, chairman of the North Bay Health Coalition, garnered enough support from council to pass a motion to lobby the province to rescind Bill 60. But it didn’t come with unanimous support. Mayor Peter Chirico, Coun. Gary Gardiner and Mark King voted against the motion that would see […]

For-profit clinics should not be funded with public money: Huntsville reader

(June 5 2023) By: Huntsville Forester In late May, the Ontario Health Coalition held a citizen-led referendum asking Ontarians if they support the steps the government is taking toward privatizing our health care. Ninety-nine per cent of the nearly 400,000 people who participated voted “no” to privatizing health care, and voting results from participants in Muskoka matched […]

Fight for south Niagara urgent care centres to continue at Queen’s Park

(June 5 2023) By: The St. Catharines Standard Health coalition and advocates to hold media conference Tuesday Click here for original article

Votes gathered to stop privatized health care

(June 5 2023) By: Somer Slobodian, Niagra Now The Niagara Health Coalition was one of many coalitions that participated in a citizen-run referendum against new rules for health care across the province. The referendum was held nearly two weeks ago by the Ontario Health Coalition in response to the provincial government’s passing of Bill 60 which allows […]

Minden Emergency Department Permanently Closes

(June 3 2023) By: Tieja MacLaughlin Despite an inspiring community push to save it, Minden’s Emergency Department has permanently closed as of June 1. Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) made the decision to close the Minden Emergency Department citing a nursing and medical staffing shortage. “The on-going shortage of nursing and medical staff means we need to […]

Referendum: 98% against private, for-profit health care

(June 1, 2023) By: Joanne Shuttleworth, Wellington Advertiser GUELPH – The Guelph and District Health Coalition is pleased with the results of the referendum on health care the group – in conjunction with the larger Ontario Health Coalition – held last weekend. The coalition is hopeful the government will hear the message that people value […]

98% of Ontario referendum participants do not support Bill 60 & the privatization of healthcare

(June 1, 2023) By: Samanah Ali, The Pointer Janine Herrmann-McLeod was consistently having trouble getting to sleep. She would often crawl into bed at a normal hour, but consistently find herself staring at the clock as it struck 5 a.m. When she did finally drift off, she wouldn’t wake up until 3 p.m., her alarm […]

Niagara votes against privatized healthcare services

(June 1, 2023) By: Mike Balsom, Niagara-on-the-Lake Local The results are in from voting booths set up across Niagara by volunteers with the Niagara Health Coalition. The results are in from voting booths set up across Niagara by volunteers with the Niagara Health Coalition. Almost 120 volunteers ran more than 50 voting stations across Niagara […]

Waterloo region against private for-profit health care

(June 1, 2023) By: Cambridge Today Waterloo Region Health Coalition says 99 per cent of local voters want to protect public healthcare and prevent private-for-profit hospital services and clinics The results are in for Cambridge voters who took part in the province-wide, citizen-led referendum on healthcare last Friday and Saturday. The Waterloo Region Health Coalition says […]

Local voters reject paying private clinics to reduce surgical backlogs

(June 1, 2023) By: Scott Dunn, Owen Sound Times Grey-Bruce voted almost unanimously against the Ontario government’s decision to expand publicly funded medical procedures, diagnostic imaging and surgeries done in private clinics. The Ontario Health Coalition vote May 27-28 had 9,889 votes against and 132 in favour of changes the government enacted May 18 in […]

Advocates say ‘people’s referendum’ results massively against privatization of Ontario health system

The Ontario Health Coalition released its survey results on Wednesday. (May 31, 2023) By: Ottawa Citizen Ninety-eight per cent of people who participated in a cross-province “people’s referendum” voted against privatization of Ontario’s public health services, the Ontario Health Coalition says. With more vote results still coming in, the coalition said in a news release […]

Over 380K Ontarians vote against private health care in referendum conducted by advocates | CityNews Toronto

(May 31, 2023) By: Tina Yazdani, CityNews Toronto Health care advocates took to at Queen’s Park Wednesday to oppose what they call “the gutting and dismantling of public hospitals.” Almost 400,000 people voted across Ontario, including 100,000 in Toronto in what’s being described as a citizen-led referendum organized by the advocacy group Ontario Health Coalition. The ballots […]

BLOG: The Power of a People’s Referendum

posted June 1, 2023

(June 1, 2023) By Natalie Mehra, Executive Director We know that the overwhelming majority of Ontarians do not want our public hospitals privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics. We know this because we hear it in our families, in our communities. The polls reveal that the opposition to the privatization of our hospital services is […]

Oxford Residents Vote Against Privatization of Hospitals

(May 31, 2023) By: Marcie Culbert, 104.7 Heart FM A citizen-led vote took place last week. Over 4,400 ballots were collected in Oxford County and 98.6 percent of them were against the privatization of hospitals. OXFORD COUNTY – The votes are in and it looks like Oxford County residents are against the privatization of hospitals. […]

Ontario Health Coalition says majority of Ontarians against privatized healthcare

(May 31, 2023) By: Global News More than 400,000 ballots from a community-run referendum on privatized healthcare found 99 per cent of those who voted are against publicly funded hospital services being privatized. Marianne Dimain reports. Link to video coverage

Ontario Health Coalition Continues To Speak Out Against Bill 60

(May 30, 2023) By: 98.9 myFM News/Oldies 99.7 staff The Ontario Health Coalition has formed a province-wide referendum campaign to speak out against Bill 60, which they call “the most undemocratic attack on our public healthcare in memory.” In part, Bill 60 expands the scope of services private clinics can offer and it passed on […]

Referendum Shows Local Support for Public Health Care – 99.1 FM CKXS | Your Music Variety

(May 31, 2023) By: 99.1 News Local health care advocates are joining their counterparts across Ontario today, delivering results of a citizen-led referendum to Queen’s Park. The Ontario Health Coalition held a two-day province-wide vote asking if residents are in favour of allowing public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics. With […]

‘The people have spoken’: Windsor-Essex voters opposed to privatized health care, according to OHC survey

(May 30, 2023) By: Chris Campbell, CTV News Windsor Almost 99 per cent of voters in Windsor and Essex County are opposed to privatization of public hospitals, according to the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) referendum results revealed Tuesday morning. Since April, the citizen-led group had been asking Ontarians to vote in person or online answering […]

RELEASE: More than 400,000 Ontarians vote to stop the privatization of Ontario’s public hospitals: Health Coalition announces results of Huge People’s Referendum

(May 31, 2023) The Ontario Health Coalition announced the results of a mass community-run referendum, where Ontarians were given the opportunity to have their say on if they would like their public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics. A massive pile of ballots were delivered to the government this morning, as […]

Nearly 99% of local referendum voters say ‘no’ to private healthcare

(May 30, 2023) By: Alex Flood, Soo Today ‘It’s not even a debate about what’s in the best interest of the public,’ says local spokesperson for Ontario Health Coalition, which organized citizen-run ‘referendum’ The local and provincial results from the Ontario Health Coalition’s citizen-run referendum on healthcare privatization were announced on Tuesday during a gathering […]

Ontario Health Coalition referendum results are in

(May 30, 2023) By: Rob Cooper, CTV News Barrie A small but passionate group gathered at Sunnidale Park in Barrie Tuesday morning to call out the province’s plan to privatize public health services. Over the past several weeks, the Simcoe County Health Coalition took part in a province-wide referendum asking people if they want public […]

98% of London voters oppose Ontario’s privatization health care plan

(May 30, 2023) By: Amy Simon, Global News London When asked “Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics?” Roughly 98 per cent of voters in London, Ont., said no. That’s according to the results from the province-wide citizen-run referendum that was launched last month against the government’s […]

99% of Algoma voters oppose health-care privatization: Ontario Health Coalition – WITH PHOTO GALLERY

(May 30 2023) By: Jeffrey Ougler Those who cast ballots – physically and electronically – have “overwhelmingly rejected” what the Ontario Health Coalition contends is the path toward increased health-care privatization in this province. A May referendum, which saw more than a thousand voting stations set up provincewide last weekend, workplaces polled earlier in the month and […]

Votes are counted: Ontario Health Coalition reveals results from informal health care survey

(May 30, 2023) By: Brent Lale, CTV News London The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) said more than 382,000 people voted in their informal survey. For the past six weeks they’ve been asking Ontarians to vote in person or online on whether they want public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics. “We’d […]

Overwhelming support for public healthcare in referendum results : My North Bay Now

(May 31, 2023) By: Richard Coffin, North Bay Now About 3,500 people cast ballots in the North Bay and District Health Coalition’s citizen-led referendum on public versus private healthcare. Henri Giroux, local coalition chair, says all but 43 people voted no, they do not want public hospital services to be privatized to a for-profit hospital […]

99% of Peterborough-area voters against health-care privatization: health coalition referendum

(May 30, 2023) By: Greg Davis, Global News Peterborough Nearly 99 per cent of voters in the Peterborough, Ont., area are against the privatization of public hospitals, according to a citizen-led referendum held late last week. On Tuesday morning, the Peterborough Health Coalition — part of the Ontario Health Coalition — reported that of the […]

OHC reports regional ‘people’s referendum’ results

(May 30, 2023) By: TBnewsWatch The more than 8,500 Northwestern Ontario residents who participated in a ‘people’s referendum’ on the privatization of hospital services nearly unanimously oppose the Ford government move, organizers report. THUNDER BAY – Organizers with a provincial ‘people’s referendum’ campaign against the Ford government’s health care privatization plans have reported results showing […]

Kingston-area residents vote ‘no’ to health-care privatization

(May 30, 2023) By: Meghan Balogh, Kingston Whig-Standard More than 10,000 residents in the Kingston region voted against privatizing health care during a provincewide referendum vote organized by the Ontario Health Coalition. During the voting process on May 26 and 27, Ontarians were asked at more than 1,000 polling stations across the province: “Do you […]

Almost 100% of Ontario Health Coalition ballots in Cornwall/SDG cast against privatization

(May 30, 2023) By: Hugo Rodrigues, Cornwall Standard Freeholder Of the area residents who voted in the Ontario Health Coalition’s referendum on the expansion of the privatization of public hospitals on May 26-27, 99.6 per cent supported the coalition’s call to reinvest in public hospitals. Results of the provincewide referendum were announced in communities across […]

Nearly 99% of local referendum voters say ‘no’ to private healthcare

ONTARIO HEALTH GROUP SET TO RELEASE RESULTS OF REFERENDUM THIS WEEK

(May 29, 2023) By: Christine Ross, Zoomer Radio Premier Doug Ford is firing back after being asked by the opposition NDP about a referendum vote by the Ontario Health Coalition on the government’s hospital privatization plans. ” I don’t call it a referendum, it was political poll, driven one side, but in saying that, we […]

Local referendum results opposing health care privatization being announced Tuesday

(May 29, 2023) By: Ellwood Shreve, Chatham Daily News The results of a provincewide referendum regarding a provincial government plan to expand the private delivery of public health care will be announced Tuesday. Voting stations were set up across the region on Friday and Saturday by a legion of volunteers working for the Chatham-Kent and […]

Ontario Health Coalition forms province-wide referendum campaign against Bill 60

(May 29, 2023) By: 94.1 myFM News staff The Ontario Health Coalition is forming a province-wide referendum campaign to speak out against Bill 60, which they call “the most undemocratic attack on our public healthcare in memory.” In part, Bill 60 expands the scope of services private clinics can offer and it passed on May […]

Referendum against privatization of health care in Ontario begins | CityNews Kitchener

(May 28, 2023) By: Brad Kraemer, CityNews Kitchener A referendum vote that is being run by the Ontario Health Coalition on the Ford Government’s hospital privatization plans is happening in Kitchener on Sunday. Votes will be brought in from across Ontario and brought to the legislature at Queen’s Park to be delivered to the government. […]

Thousands cast their ballots in community-referendum on hospital privatization in Ontario

(May 28, 2023) By: Christian D’Avino, CTV News Barrie A “community-led” referendum is asking thousands of Ontarians to weigh in on whether the privatization of the province’s healthcare system is good for the future. Thousands of ballot boxes were placed in communities across Ontario on Friday and Saturday by the Ontario Health Coalition, asking residents […]

Ontario Health Coalition referendum wraps up, votes being counted

(May 28, 2023) By: Brent Lale, CTV News London The votes are being counted… “It’s going to be a resounding no to profitization of public hospital services,” said Peter Bergmanis, co-chair of London Health Coalition. The Ontario Health Coalition started a referendum in April, asking people to choose whether they want public hospital services privatized […]

Have you voted yet in the Ontario Health Coalition’s provincewide referendum?

(May 26, 2023) By: Adelle Loiselle, Blackburn News Time is running out to vote in a provincewide referendum against Bill 60, the Ford government’s Your Health Act. The bill allows private clinics to conduct some publicly-funded surgeries, procedures, and diagnostic tests. The Ford government argues it will shorten wait times, but the Ontario Health Coalition […]

Vote in person in Muskoka, Almaguin in Ontario Health Coalition referendum against hospital privatization

(May 26, 2023) By: MuskokaRegion.com Nearly a thousand voting stations will be staffed by thousands of volunteers across Ontario this Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, in a citizen-run effort to force the Ford government to “respect democratic process and input on their hospital privatization plans,” says the Ontario Health Coalition. The Ontario Health Coalition […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds ‘community-run referendum’ against privatization of health care

(May 26, 2023) By: John Lawless, Global News Kingston People across Ontario are casting ballots in a “community-run referendum” that is weighing a heavy question on the privatization of health care. In March, the Ford government passed a bill that would allow more private clinics to offer some publicly funded surgeries to help reduce the […]

NDP calls on provincial health minister to reverse local decision to close Minden emergency department on June 1

(May 26, 2023) By: Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay, kawarthaNOW With less than a week before the Minden emergency department is set to close for good, NDP health critic and Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas and Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra held a media conference on Thursday morning (May 25) to again urge accountability from Ontario […]

NDP calls on provincial health minister to reverse local decision to close Minden emergency department on June 1

Ontario Health Coalition gears up for referendum against private clinics

(May 24, 2023) By: Darren Taylor, Newmarket Today Citizen vote to be held May 26 and 27 on Ford government’s Bill 60, which privatizes public hospital services, OHC spokesperson says The Ontario Health Coalition is urging residents across the province to cast a ballot in favour of maintaining a single-tier publicly funded health-care system. The OHC will […]

EVENT: HUGE people’s referendum to stop hospital privatization Friday & Sat: maps & list of all vote counts/announcements

(May 25, 2023) Almost a thousand voting stations will be staffed by thousands of volunteers in a massive effort to force the Ford government to respect democratic process and input on their hospital privatization plans Vote counting & results announcement information listed here A map listing all voting stations across the province is available online […]

Health coalitions across Ontario prepare for citizens referendum

(May 23, 2023) By: Doreen Nicoll, Rabble Bill 60 essentially proposes to expand for-profit health care in Ontario by allowing a still undefined range of procedures and services to be carried out in new facilities called ‘integrated community health services centres.’ This will lead to poorer patient access, safety and outcomes at a greater overall […]

Ontario Health Coalition to hold citizen referendum on Your Health Act in Napanee Friday and Saturday

(May 22, 2023) By: Adam Prudhomme, The Napanee Beaver Ontario Health Coalitions across the province will be holding a public referendum May 26 and 27 to gather public opinion on the Ontario government’s Your Health Act. In Napanee a pair of polling stations will be set up at Metro and downtown at Dundas Street W […]

Renfrew County Health Coalition sounds alarm over Bill 60 and private healthcare

(May 19, 2023) By: Pembroke Observer and News Some Renfrew County residents are calling code red on the healthcare system proposed by the province’s Bill 60, which they believe allows for private companies to arrange healthcare services with less qualified health caregivers, less transparency and less accountability. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your […]

Chesley Residents Visit Queen’s Park To Advocate For Hospital

(May 18, 2023) By: Claire McCormack, Bayshore Broadcasting A group of Chesley residents and local representatives are visiting queen’s park today. The aim of their visit the Ontario Legislature to try to get a firm commitment from the Ford government to save their hospital emergency department and restore its services. In recent years, the Chesley […]

Ballots for health-care referendum coming to Cornwall and area

(May 15, 2023) By: Todd Hambleton, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder Local organizers of what’s being called the people’s referendum on the privatization of public hospitals in Ontario say about 5,000 ballots are being distributed to workplaces in the lead-up to the May 26-27 event. “This is important for two reasons (including access to ballots),” said Louise Lanctot, […]

Ontario Health Coalition Overseeing Private Healthcare Referendum

(May 11, 2023) By: 100.1 News The Ontario Health Coalition is overseeing a referendum being held on May 26th and 27th to not have privatized healthcare. The Guelph and District Health Coalition will be among the regions holding a referendum at various locations across Guelph and Wellington County. The worry for hospitals and the health […]

Over $42K in wrongful fees charged to Ontario patients by clinics since 2018

(May 9th, 2023) By: Isaac Callan & Colin D’Mello, Global News As one of the biggest changes to how health care is delivered in Ontario for a generation passes its third reading — and advocates raise concerns about widespread privatization — new data shows complaints about improper charges for health care have been relatively rare […]

Ford government passes private surgical clinics bill

(May 9th, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, The Trillium Ontario has passed legislation to enable the expansion of surgeries performed in private clinics. Bill 60, the Your Health Act, passed over the objections of opposition MPPs, who vowed Monday to continue to fight the changes it will bring to the health-care system by allowing companies […]

Upcoming community vote disputes healthcare action by government

(May 9th, 2023) By: Guelph Today Several voting locations are opening later this month in Guelph and Wellington County, as the Guelph District Health Coalition (GDHC) joins others in opposition to privatizing health care services in Ontario. They are calling it a “citizen-led community opinion vote,” held by the Ontario Health Coalition, which describes itself as a […]

Ontario Health Coalition plans a referendum to halt the implementation of a two tier health system

(May 9, 2023) By: Burlington Gazette When the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) warned last spring leading into the election that the Ford government was planning to privatize surgeries and diagnostic services , Ford repeatedly denied that was his plan. Those claims are shown to be totally false with Bill 60 , the Ford government’s hospital […]

Upcoming community vote disputes healthcare action by government

Ford government passes private surgical clinics bill

(May 9th, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, The Trillium A nurse is silhouetted behind a glass panel at the Bluewater Health Hospital in Sarnia, Ont., on Jan. 25, 2022. Chris Young/The Canadian Press Ontario has passed legislation to enable the expansion of surgeries performed in private clinics. Bill 60, the Your Health Act, passed over […]

Over $42K in wrongful fees charged to Ontario patients by clinics since 2018

Simcoe County Health Coalition holding health-care referendum

(May 8th, 2023) By: Midland Today The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) is gravely concerned with the current government’s plans to convert our local public hospitals’ core services into for-profit hospitals and clinics. Similarly, the SCHC is disturbed by the government’s expedition of the passing of Bill 60, which will open the door to further […]

Ontario passes health-care bill allowing private clinics to conduct more surgeries

(May 8th, 2023) By: Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto The Ontario government has passed a bill allowing private clinics to conduct more OHIP-covered surgeries as advocates warn of potential legal action. The legislation was first tabled in February by Health Minister Sylvia Jones, who argued it was necessary to reduce the province’s large surgical backlog. “People should not […]

UPDATED: Provincial health-reform bill passes, but advocates, workers and opposition politicians vow to keep fighting

(May 8th, 2023) By: Elizabeth Payne, The Ottawa Citizen Ontario’s contentious Bill 60, which allows private clinics to provide more surgeries and health procedures in the province, was passed into law Monday — even as organizations representing health-care workers, advocates and opposition politicians vowed to continue fighting it. Premier Doug Ford said in the Legislature […]

UPDATE: Bill 60, the Ford government’s hospital privatization bill passed final vote yesterday: Health Coalition statement & update on the fightback

(May 9, 2023) When the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) warned last spring leading into the election that the Ford government was planning to privatize surgeries and diagnostic services , Ford repeatedly denied that was his plan. Those claims are shown to be totally false with Bill 60 , the Ford government’s hospital privatization legislation passed into law yesterday. With […]

UPDATED: Provincial health-reform bill passes, but advocates, workers and opposition politicians vow to keep fighting

Ontario passes health-care bill allowing private clinics to conduct more surgeries

(May 8th, 2023) By: Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto The Ontario government has passed a bill allowing private clinics to conduct more OHIP-covered surgeries as advocates warn of potential legal action. Bill 60, also known as the Your Health Act, was passed by the Doug Ford government Monday at Queen’s Park and will go into effect once […]

ONTARIO PASSES HEALTH-REFORM BILL BUT ADVOCATES VOW TO KEEP FIGHTING

(May 8th, 2023) By: Christine Ross, Zoomer Radio Bill 60 has officially passed in the Ontario legislature that will allow more private clinics to offer some publicly funded surgeries and procedures in an effort to cut long wait lists for care. But advocates and the opposition like NDP leader Marit Stile have major concerns about the […]

Ontario passes health-reform bill that expands private delivery of care

(May 8th, 2023) By: The Canadian Press Ontario has passed a health-reform bill that will allow more private clinics to offer certain publicly funded surgeries and procedures in an effort to cut long wait lists for care. Cataract surgeries and diagnostic imaging and testing will be expanded while the government will create an entirely new […]

Bill 60 passes at Queen’s Park

(May 8th, 2023) By: Randy Thoms, Dryden Now The bill that gives private health care clinics an expanded role has passed at Queen’s Park. The Ford government says Bill 60 will address the surgical backlog, but opponents say it’s a step toward two-tiered health care. The Ontario Health Coalition’s Natalie Mehra says they have already […]

Simcoe County Health Coalition holding health-care referendum

Sad Day for Public Health Care, MPP Steves Says

(May 8th, 2023) By: Allan Benner, Niagara Falls Review Bill 60 allows more non-urgent medical procedures in private clinics. West Lincoln MPP Sam Oosterhoff says legislation will help relieve pressure on Ontario hospitals while enhancing access to care for patients. St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens, however, called the provincial government’s approval of the legislation a […]

‘Sea of Yellow’ expected at Queen’s Park to fight Minden ER closure

(May 8th, 2023) By: Greg Davis, Global News Patrick Porzuczek hopes the public gallery at the Ontario legislature is awash in yellow as he and residents return to Queen’s Park this Wednesday in another effort to save the emergency department at the hospital in Minden. As of early Monday afternoon, the Minden resident said “over […]

Simcoe County Health Coalition holding health-care referendum

(May 6, 2023) By: Collingwood Today The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) is gravely concerned with the current government’s plans to convert our local public hospitals’ core services into for-profit hospitals and clinics. Similarly, the SCHC is disturbed by the government’s expedition of the passing of Bill 60, which will open the door to further […]

Public to Vote on Healthcare ‘Privatization’

(May 4th, 2023) By: Tina Yazdani, CityNews Toronto As the Ford government moves to deliver more medical procedures at for-profit clinics, a healthcare advocacy group is asking the question: Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized? Tina Yazdani reports. Link to video coverage

A province wide citizen led referendum hopes to garner one million votes

(May 4th, 2023) By: Blake Ellis, The Independent The Sarnia Lambton Health Care Coalition is holding a citizen-led referendum on May 26 and 27 in a province-wide effort to send a message to the government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford to stop privatizing health services. Chair Shirley Roebuck, Co-Chair June Weiss, and Executive Member Lorraine […]

Public healthcare advocates booted from MPP’s office entrance

(May 4th, 2023) By: Sean Irvine, CTV News London Members of the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) were asked to leave an area near the entrance of Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack’s office on Thursday. They were a few minutes away from starting a news conference to gauge public opinions on for-profit healthcare. London Health Coalition Co-Chair […]

A province wide citizen led referendum hopes to garner one million votes

DEFENDING AND EXPANDING PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

(May 4, 2023) By: The Council of Canadians In another broken promise from the Ford government, the administration moved ahead with their plan to privatize diagnostic and surgical procedures. Council of Canadians’ chapters have been working closely with local members of the Ontario Health Coalition to oppose the latest attempt to dismantle our public […]

The Ottawa Hospital says it has boosted capacity to shorten breast cancer surgery wait times:

(May 4, 2023) By: Elizabeth Payne, The Ottawa Citizen The focus on cancer surgery comes after this newspaper reported that some women are waiting up to six months for breast cancer surgery at the hospital’s General campus. The Ottawa Hospital says it is dramatically reducing long wait times for breast cancer surgery by increasing surgical […]

Vote to Stop the Privatization of Public Health Care

(May 4, 2023) By: Krystine Therriault, Seaway News On April 18, 2023, a press conference was held by the SDG/Cornwall Health Coalition outside the Cornwall Community Hospital. A local chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition, the SDG/Cornwall coalition is participating in a province-wide community referendum on May 26 and 27 to stop the Ford Government […]

Minden residents ramp up their efforts to stop the closure of their Emergency Department; the Ontario Health Coalition announces locations of their voting stations ahead of its referendum.

(May 4, 2023) By: Noor Ibrahim, Global News Peterborough Click here for Part 2 of the original video

Minden residents ramp up their efforts to stop the closure of their Emergency Department; the Ontario Health Coalition announces locations of their voting stations ahead of its referendum.

(May 4, 2023) By: Noor Ibrahim, Global News Peterborough Click here for Part I of the original video

Public to Vote on Healthcare ‘Privatization’

Province-wide vote on healthcare privatization to move forward despite Bill 60 being set to pass next week

(May 4th, 2023) By: Casey Taylor, City News Kitcherner Health coalitions across Ontario continue to gear-up for a province-wide vote on healthcare privatization later this month despite the bill their fighting being expected to pass in a vote at Queen’s Park next week. The Ontario Health Coalition has released a list of the first 500 […]

Volunteers needed for Ontario Health Coalition referendum vote

(May 4th, 2023) By: Ellwood Shreve, The Stratford Becon Herald The Ontario Health Coalition is holding a citizen-led referendum on the provincial government’s plan to privatize some health services and local volunteers are needed for a vote taking place later this month across Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. Lorraine Cameron, left, June Weiss and Shirley Roebuck, with […]

A deep, moral obligation’; Doctors showed ‘strength and stamina’ during COVID, OMA head says

(May 2, 2023) By: Jeffrey Ougler, Sault Star It’s probably unprecedented that the public has seen so many doctors up close and personal. Since the pandemic reared its head more than three years ago, the mainstream media have banked heavily on expert commentary from those on health-care front lines. And, in turn, those in the […]

Grey-Bruce group against health-care privatization having online town hall

(May 1, 2023) By: Rob Gowan, Owen Sound Sun Times A Grey-Bruce group that is part of a provincewide movement to hold a referendum against the privatization of some public healthcare services is holding an online town hall meeting. The Grey Bruce County Health Coalition is holding the town hall meeting on Zoom Thursday […]

Grey-Bruce group against health-care privatization having online town hall

Celebrate International Workers Day 2023 by taking action!

(May 1, 2023) By: OPSEU May 1 is International Workers Day, also known as May Day – a day for workers around the world to celebrate worker solidarity and recommit to the fight for workers’ rights everywhere. There are lots of ways OPSEU/SEFPO members can celebrate and take action on May Day, and throughout the […]

‘Not okay with the status quo’: Ontario health ministry offers input following creation of Renfrew county health coalition

(April 29, 2023) By: Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Ontario’s Ministry of Health has responded to the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide’s April 27 story ‘New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county’ about the creation of the Renfrew County Health Coalition, a chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition. While Metroland had reached out to local MPP John Yakabuski’s office […]

Ontario Health Care Coalition Referendum

(April 28, 2023) By: Judith Marsh, The Millstone Do you care about accessible healthcare? This is your opportunity to make your opinion heard! On January 16th, the Ontario government announced plans to take thousands of surgeries and diagnostic tests out of local public hospitals and move them to for-profit hospitals and clinics. In response, the […]

New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county

(April 27, 2023) By: Derek Dunn, Arnprior Chronicle-Guide The Ford government’s significant privatization of Ontario hospital services at some locations has prompted the creation of a new organization in Renfrew county, and it wants citizen input on a “referendum.” The PC plan to use specialized private clinics to reduce wait times for hip and knee […]

New coalition advocating for public hospitals in Renfrew county:

(April 27, 2023) By: Derek Dunn, Arnprior Chronicle-Guide Ford government continues to privatize services; MPP remains silent The Ford government’s significant privatization of Ontario hospital services at some locations has prompted the creation of a new organization in Renfrew county, and it wants citizen input on a “referendum.” The PC plan to use specialized private […]

Time to restore our health-care system

(April 25, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, Exeter Lakeshore Times Advance The Sarnia Lambton Health Coalition is part of the Ontario Health Coalition; both groups advocate for public health care and ,in particular, public hospitals. Lambton County has a large community hospital, Bluewater Health, and a small rural hospital, Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in […]

Health coalition holding ‘referendum’ on for-profit clinics expansion plan

(April 20th, 2023) By: Tyler Kyla, Chatham Daily News A provincial health care watchdog group is asking people to vote on whether they’re in favour of a provincial plan to expand the private delivery of public health care. The goal is to get one million participants, said Shirley Roebuck with the Ontario Health Coalition’s Sarnia-Lambton […]

Health coalition holding ‘referendum’ on for-profit clinics expansion plan

Ontario Health Coalition holds rally against privatizing healthcare services

(April 18th, 2023) By: CTV News Windsor A citizen-led protest against privatizing healthcare services was set up outside Windsor Regional Hospital Tuesday morning. Health coalitions across Ontario are launching a major fight back to stop the privatization of public hospitals. The Ontario Health Coalition is trying to stop the move of some health services to […]

Health-care coalition stages protest against privatization in Windsor

(April 18th, 2023) By: Dale Molnar, CBC News Health-care workers, union representatives, nurses and PSWs joined organizers with the local representatives of the Ontario Health Coalition in a noontime protest Monday against privatization within health care. “Our message is that we want to raise the alarm that Doug Ford is attempting to privatize our health-care […]

Health-care advocacy group to hold vote in response to Ford’s move to allow private clinic procedures

(April 18th, 2023) By: CBC News As the province looks to deliver more health-care services through private providers, the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) is launching a community-led vote on what it sees as the privatization of health-care. The unofficial referendum will be held across Ontario with over 1,000 polling stations on May 26 and 27, […]

‘Only better care for those that can afford it’: Health Coalition holds rally to protest healthcare privatization

(April 18th, 2023) By: Brent Lale, CTV News London The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) fears the province is headed for an American-style, two-tier healthcare system. “We can’t staff hospitals as it is right now,” said Peter Bergmanis, co-chair of the London chapter of the OHC. “If you’ve got another tier of care, where the lifestyle […]

Ontario Health Coalition to stage citizen-led referendum on Bill 60

(April 18th, 2023) By: Alex Last, CHCH Coalitions across Ontario are seeking Ontarian’s opinions about the Ford government’s proposed changes to Ontario’s health system. The Ontario Health Coalition announced that it will stage a citizen-led referendum on Bill 60, hoping a heap of ballots will force the province to reverse its course on healthcare. “Do […]

Citizens’ referendum planned on future of hospital services in Niagara and province-wide

(April 18th, 2023) By: Allan Benner, The Standard Niagara Health Coalition members are giving residents a chance to share their thoughts about the future of hospitals across the region and province. Coalition members gathered in front of the St. Catharines hospital Tuesday morning to launch its community-run referendum, focusing on provincial plans to increase medical […]

‘Incomprehensible’: Health coalition rallies against privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Nikki Cole, Barrie Today The Simcoe County Health Coalition (SCHC) brought its call to action to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie this afternoon. Members of the SCHC, which is a local grassroots organization whose goal is to protect and improve Ontario’s health-care system, were joined by current and […]

‘People’s Referendum’ targets health care privatization for profit

(April 18, 2023) By: Michelle Dorey Forestell, The Kingstonist “Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics?” This is the ballot question posed by the Kingston Health Coalition (KHC) in what they are calling a “People’s Referendum” on the expansion of for-profit health care. They hope citizens will […]

Ontario Health Coalition holds rally against privatizing healthcare services

‘People’s Referendum’ targets health care privatization for profit

‘Incomprehensible’: Health coalition rallies against privatization

‘Everything doesn’t have to be monetized’: Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting referendum on privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Chris Simon, The Barrie Advance Marilyn Corbett has a deep and personal connection to Ontario’s health-care system. The Utopia resident’s husband was treated for cancer at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) before he died in 2015. And there are several nurses in her family. That reliance on public health […]

Ontario Health Coalition launches province-wide referendum against healthcare privatization

(April 18, 2023) By: Sam Houpt, Global News The Ford government’s Bill 60, or the ‘Your Health Act’ is expected to be passed into legislation later this month. The Ontario Health Coalition has launched a referendum in response – citizen-run voting booths open in May, allowing the public to give input into ongoing healthcare […]

Citizens’ referendum planned on future of hospital services in Niagara and province-wide

(April 18th, 2023) By Allan Benner, The Standard Niagara Health Coalition members are giving residents a chance to share their thoughts about the future of hospitals across the region and province. Coalition members gathered in front of the St. Catharines hospital Tuesday morning to launch its community-run referendum, focusing on provincial plans to increase […]

Ontario Health Coalition to stage citizen-led referendum on Bill 60

‘Only better care for those that can afford it’: Health Coalition holds rally to protest healthcare privatization

Health coalition rallies against privatization of public hospital services

(April 18th, 2023) By: Hayley Cheng, London News Today The Ontario Health Coalition has launched a citizen-run referendum, calling on the public to stand up against the privatization of health care in the province. The coalition held launch events in several cities Tuesday, including London, Windsor, Petrolia, and Chatham. According to the coalition, the Ford […]

EVENT: Ontario referendum to stop Ford government’s privatization of our hospitals announced

(April 18, 2023) Ontario Health Coalition Province-Wide Community Referendum to Stop Ford Government’s Privatization of Our Public Hospitals Health Coalitions across Ontario launched a major fightback to stop the privatization of our public hospitals today. The Coalition is mounting a community-run referendum. Health Coalitions are organizing voting stations outside grocery stores, local corner stores, coffee shops, […]

Groups say Ontario long-term care law violates Charter rights

(April 13, 2023) By: Jeff Gray, Globe and Mail Advocacy groups for seniors and public health care have filed a court challenge of Ontario legislation that allows crowded hospitals to force some elderly patients to accept places at nursing homes without their consent – or face $400-a-day fines. In a notice of application filed with […]

New Ontario nursing home law violates Charter, advocates allege in lawsuit | CBC News

(April 13, 2023) By: Liam Casey, The Canadian Press A new Ontario law that allows hospitals to fine discharged patients $400 a day if they do not move into a nursing home not of their choosing violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, advocates allege in a lawsuit filed Wednesday. The Ontario Health Coalition and […]

RELEASE: Major step forward for elderly patients whose Charter rights are violated by Ford government’s law coercing elderly patients into long-term care homes against their will: Patient advocates file court challenge

(April 13, 2023) Toronto – The Ontario Health Coalition and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly have made a major step forward in their Charter Challenge to Bill 7, passed by the Ford government last summer. On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the patient advocates filed a Notice of Application with the Ontario Superior Court of […]

LEGAL CHALLENGE: Charter Challenge to Bill 7 “More Beds, Better Care Act”

(April 13, 2023) The Ontario Health Coalition and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly have launched a Charter Challenge to the Ford government’s new law, Bill 7 the “More Beds, Better Care Act”. Despite its title, the law neither provides more beds in hospitals or long-term care homes, nor does it improve care. Instead, the […]

LETTER: Man waits 2.5 years for surgery

(May 4th, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, The Chatham Voice Editor: I want to share with the public my family’s experience regarding a private clinic. My husband has an inguinal hernia for a few years and it was worsening. He wished to access the Shouldice Clinic as we have had friends and family […]

Referendum on Ontario Bill 60 coming to Cornwall-SDG

(March 20, 2023) By: Greg Peerenboom, Special to the Standard-Freeholder Elaine MacDonald speaks with Brian Lynch during the local organizing meeting for a referendum in opposition to the provincial government’s Bill 60 at the Benson Centre on Sunday March 19, 2023 in Cornwall, Ont. Greg Peerenboom/Special to the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network PHOTO BY GREG PEERENBOOM /Greg Peerenboom/Special […]

Opponents speak out against Bill 60 at public hearings

(March 21, 2023) By: Randy Thoms, DrydenNow Opponents of Bill 60 are getting their chance to voice concerns directly to the government. A legislative committee began three days of hearings on Monday on the proposal to expand the role of private health care clinics. The Ford government sees them helping to reduce the surgical backlog. […]

North Simcoe residents join fight against health care privatization

(March 19, 2023) By: Andrew Mendler, Midland Mirror Penetanguishene resident Don Copping is concerned about the state of health care in Ontario. Copping is among the more than 250 north Simcoe residents who have joined the Ontario Health Coalition’s (OHC) opposition of the Conservative government’s plan to move thousands of surgeries and diagnostic procedures out of public […]

Gov’t accused of deregulating health care professionals

(March 13, 2023) By: Staff Monday, KenoraOnline Concerns are being raised about a section of Bill 60 that proposes to give private clinics expanded powers. The opposition says the section also allows anyone not properly trained to become a health care worker. NDP critic Frances Gelinas shutters at what it means for patients. “Well, it […]

The Private Deals Remaking Long-Term Care

(March 13, 2023) By: Inori Roy Photo by Christopher Katsarov Luna In a province with the highest percentage of for-profit LTC homes in the country, new deals are further consolidating the industry into the hands of a few companies with some of the worst COVID death rates in the country. Three years after the first […]

Philanthropist aims to open huge surgical centre in Richmond Hill

(March 15, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, NewMarketToday Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a new Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park. A Canadian philanthropist is pouring a fortune into building a massive independent surgical centre in the Toronto area. Walter Schroeder’s goal, he has said, is […]

‘Devil is in the details’: Province unveils health-care remedy

(March 10, 2023) By: Jessica Smith Cross, BradfordToday Local nurses are describing the province’s proposed contract as “a slap in the face.”File Photo Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on The Trillium, a new Village Media website devoted exclusively to covering provincial politics at Queen’s Park. The Ontario government is planning to allow health-care professionals to […]

CRIME IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE, A NEW YA NOVEL FOR BOYS, PRIVATE CLINICS AND MORE …

(March 9, 2023) By: Marie Gagne, Barrie 360 There are concerns about the province moving to private clinics to provide certain health services. Some are worried there will be additional charges. Others are concerned about upselling. Barrie 360 talked to the newly formed Simcoe County Health Coalition, which doesn’t think private clinics are truly needed. […]

Ontario considers expanding duties for nurses, pharmacists, and more

(Mar 9, 2023) By: The Canadian Press Ontario is considering expanding the scope of what certain health professionals, such as nurses, can do in periods of “high patient volumes.” A spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement that the government has already recently expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, allowing them […]

Ontario considers expanding scope of practice for nurses, pharmacists, and more

(March 9, 2023) By: Allison Jones and Liam Casey, The Canadian Press Ontario is considering expanding the scope of what certain health professionals, such as nurses, can do in periods of “high patient volumes.” A spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement that the government has already recently expanded the scope of practice for pharmacists, allowing […]

Coalition looks to ‘shake’ government over private health care

(March 9, 2023) By: Jessica Owen, BradfordToday Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition Natalie Mehra spoke as part of a town hall event on the privatization of health care on March 8, 2023.Screenshot/Zoom The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) has just started a Simcoe County chapter, and their first order of business will be to […]

ANALYSIS: Ontario Health Coalition Analysis of Bill 60, Your Health Act

(March 10, 2023) This legislation is ostensibly to facilitate the Ford government’s plan to expand private clinics. It replaces the Independent Health Facilities Act. Since the government already had the power to do what it announced publicly (privatize day surgeries and diagnostics from our public hospitals) under existing legislation, this part of our analysis of […]

Ontario can stop privatization of universal health care

(March 2, 2023) By: Doreen Nicoll, Small Change “In 1986 medical specialists in Ontario began illegal extra billing. They made general per visit charges as well extra charges for procedures and for miscellaneous items such as storing charts. Everyone was pissed off!” Elka Enola told Small Change. Enola, a retired teacher went on to say, “Every member of the […]

OHC continues campaign against privatization

(March 02, 2023) By: Staff Thursday, KenoraOnline The Ontario Health Coalition is bringing to light the impact of private health care in the province. The Coalition recently wrapped up a series of town halls in a campaign against the Ford government’s plan to expand the role of private healthcare clinics. Executive Director Natalie Mehra says they […]

New Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting virtual town hall

(March 4, 2023) By: CollingwoodToday Staff Stock photo | Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for Pexels NEWS RELEASE SIMCOE COUNTY HEALTH COALITION ************************* The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) and the new grassroots Simcoe County Health Coalition are hosting a virtual town hall next week to discuss the threat of health-care privatization, and what that could mean […]

Espanola family wants answers after dementia patient badly burned

(March 03, 2023) By: Mary Katherine Keown, The Sudbury Star Extendicare Corp. has apologized after a patient with dementia suffered severe burns at Extendicare York in Sudbury. PHOTO BY JOHN LAPPA/THE SUDBURY STAR Please be aware, the photo of Frank Bruhmuller’s injuries is quite graphic. After a scary early-morning incident that resulted in third-degree burns, Diane […]

No mandate

(March 2, 2023) By: Elaine Macdonald, Cornwall Standard-Freeholder With a long and storied history, the Cornwall Community Hospital is civic treasure, a most valuable public asset owned by the 110,000 people in its catchment area. In 2014, the community of Cornwall, SDG, and Akwesasne wrapped up a $12-million fundraising drive to redevelop the Cornwall Community […]

Ontario public health units press province for more stable funding

(March 1, 2023) By: Allison Jones, The Canadian Press Ontario’s public health units are calling on the government to stop using one-time funding to bridge a gap it created four years ago, and to provide them with a predictable source of money as they address a backlog of services built up over the COVID-19 pandemic. […]

LETTER: Private health care ‘out of reach’ for many

(March 1, 2023) By: Letter to the Editor, OrilliaMatters.com Stock photo/Pixabay via Pexels OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at dave@orilliamatters.com. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a letter from Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop regarding health care, published Feb. 21. In […]

New Simcoe County Health Coalition hosting virtual town hall

(March 1, 2023) By: BarrieToday Staff, BarrieToday.com Stock photo/Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for Pexels The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) and the new grassroots Simcoe County Health Coalition are hosting a virtual town hall next week to discuss the threat of health-care privatization, and what that could mean for Simcoe County residents and hospitals. As the […]

Ford could solve the public health care crisis by enforcing the law

(February 28, 2023) By: Doreen Nicoll, Small Change In 2022, Tom was referred to a private surgery hospital in Toronto for a hernia repair. He was told was told that he would be in hospital for three or four days and that he would have to pay $295 per night for a semi-private room. Without […]

Will Ontario’s use of for-profit clinics solve its crisis?

(February 27, 2023) By: CBC News The Ontario Health Coalition voiced its concerns regarding Bill 60 which seeks to expand the role of private, for-profit clinics in health care. Robert Bell, former Ontario deputy health minister and John Yip, president and CEO of SE Health, weigh in on whether privatization of health care will solve […]

Privatisation en santé : une patiente paie 2000 $ une lentille intraoculaire

(February 28, 2023) By: Myriam Eddahia, Radio Canada Le projet de loi du gouvernement Ford n’a pas encore été adopté, mais des patients se plaignent déjà de devoir payer des centaines de dollars pour obtenir des services qui devraient être couverts. La Coalition ontarienne de la santé met en garde contre les coûts de la […]

Patients say ‘upselling’ already happening at private clinics

(February 27, 2023) By: CityNewsEverywhere Red flags are being raised over Ontario’s plan to help clear the massive surgical backlog by allowing private clinics to conduct OHIP-covered surgeries. The Ontario Health Coalition says patients are already being exploited. Shauna Hunt reports. Click here for original video

Trudeau, Ford in GTA today to make healthcare announcement

(February 27, 2023) By: Michael Ranger, CityNews Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford are in Peel Region on Monday where they are expected to make a significant healthcare announcement. Trudeau’s office says he and Ford will be joined by federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos and federal Minister of Senior Kamal Khera. The […]

Trudeau, Ford to make healthcare announcement

(February 27, 2023) By: Michael Ranger, CityNewsEverywhere / Getty Images Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford are in Peel Region on Monday where they are expected to make a significant healthcare announcement. Trudeau’s office says he and Ford will be joined by federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos and federal Minister of Senior […]

Ontario health coalition raising concerns about health care bill

(February 27, 2023) By: CP24 The Ontario Health Coalition is voicing concerns about the Ford government’s health care bill that invests in private clinics. Click here for original video coverage

Ontario health advocates warn of ‘manipulative upselling’ at private clinics

(February 27, 2023) By: Katherine DeClerq, CTV News Toronto Ontario health advocates say they will fight to stop the Doug Ford government from allowing more private clinics to conduct OHIP-covered surgeries, alleging the bill will result in further “manipulative upselling” of medically unnecessary services. “The decision of the Ford government to privatize our public hospital […]

RELEASE & BRIEFING NOTE: Patients Who Have Been Extra-Billed Thousands of Dollars in Ontario Private Clinics Join Advocates to Call Out Ford Government’s False Claims

(February 27, 2023) Toronto – Leda Raptis from Kingston was charged $2,000 for an MRI at a private clinic. She needed the MRI for open heart surgery. When she looked at the bill, the clinic said the charge was for “contrast”. Either way, the two thousand dollar charge is illegal in Ontario and in Canada. […]

Manifestation contre le programme « antidémocratique » du gouvernement Ford

(25 février 2023) By: Radio-Canada Des centaines de militants se sont rassemblés samedi devant l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario, à Toronto, pour dénoncer le programme « antidémocratique » du gouvernement Ford. PHOTO : RADIO-CANADA / ROBERT KRBAVAC Alors que les travaux à l’Assemblée législative de l’Ontario ont repris cette semaine, plusieurs organisations opposées aux politiques du gouvernement Ford […]

‘Welcome Back Doug Ford Party’ draws hundreds to Queen’s Park

(February 25, 2023) By: Leah Johansen and John Marchesan, CityNewsEverywhere Hundreds gathered at Queen’s Park on Saturday to take part in the “Wecome Back Doug Ford Party” organized by CUPE. | CITYNEWS/Leah Johansen Hundreds have gathered at Queen’s Park to protest the Ford government following the return of the legislature this past week. The “Welcome […]

What is happening to democracy in Ontario

(February 24, 2023) By: Judy Rebick, Rabble.ca Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Credit: Premier of Ontario Photography / Flickr What is happening to democracy in Ontario? Last June we had an election where a Conservative government won a decisive majority of seats with 41 per cent of the popular vote and only 43.5 per cent of people even […]

Health coalition to hold vote on privatization of health care

(February 24, 2023) By: Blake Ellis, The Independent The Ontario Health Care Coalition wants to hold a province-wide plebiscite on the privatization of Ontario’s health care system. It is planned for May 26 and 27. Shirley Roebuck, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Care Coalition hosted a news conference Saturday. She said the vote would be […]

‘Again, it’s for profit’: Ontario’s ‘Your Health Act’ will only make people sicker, says Sault Ste. Marie public health advocate

(February 23, 2023) By: Jeffrey Ougler, The Sault Star Marie DellaVedova, Sault Ste. Marie’s Ontario Health Coalition representative, pooh-poohs Health Minister Sylvia Jones’s assertion that the goal of “Your Health Act” is to reduce wait times for surgeries, diagnostic imaging and procedures. PHOTO BY ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES Shareholders – not those in serious need of surgery – […]

Plebisicite to highlight disapproval with health care privatization

(February 23, 2023) By: Blake Ellis, The Independent The Ontario Health Care Coalition wants to hold a province-wide plebiscite on the privatization of Ontario’s health care system. It is planned for May 26 and 27. Shirley Roebuck, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Health Care Coalition hosted a news conference Saturday. She said the vote would be […]

Code Grey: Workers, advocates paint a grim picture of health care in Niagara

(February 22, 2023) By: Evan Loree, Niagara Now “Code Grey” is one in a series of stories in The Lake Report about health care in Niagara Region. In hospital parlance, “Code Grey” means loss of essential service. Niagara’s health workers are sounding the alarm over what some are calling a “crisis” in medical care. Their […]

Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, gives Moore In The Morning the latest on an investigative report showing the number of times hospital ERs across Ontario were forced to close.

(February 22, 2023) By: Moore In the Morning, iHeartRADIO Click here for original podcast

Health coalition renews calls to stop privatization through virtual town halls

(February 13, 2023) By: Natalia Vega, Blackburn News The co-chair of the local health coalition says members will “do what it takes” to get their message across to the Ontario government to stop the privatization of public health care. Town halls are being held across the province. Locally, virtual meetings will be held on February […]

Integration key to partnerships with private medical clinics, says Kingston hospital CEO

(February 13, 2023) By: Meghan Balough, The Recorder The president and CEO of Kingston Health Sciences Centre says the Ontario government’s plan to expand partnerships with private medical clinics to address surgical waitlists is one immediate way to add capacity to a system that is overloaded. Dr. David Pichora said the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated […]

Health care the topic of discussion

(February 13, 2023) By: Chatham Voice Local residents concerned about the state of health care in the province can tune in to Ontario Health Coalition online town hall meetings this week. A meeting for Chatham-Kent residents will be held Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be made at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwodeiprTksHdLOVMuIOV5yZF2x7Wy6c8lO. A recently […]

Sudburians protest against health-care privatization

(February 12, 2023) By: Tyler Clarke, Sudbury.com A small group of protesters gathered outside of Sudbury NDP MPP Jamie West’s office on Saturday to join the politician in protesting against the province’s privatization of health-care services Several people gathered on Saturday for the latest in a series of protests against what they fear as being […]

We asked about your challenges getting a doctor. Here’s what you told us

(February 12, 2023) By: Clara Pasieka, CBC News Some Ontarians who spoke to CBC Toronto say they have a family doctor but have to drive for hours to get to appointments. (Shutterstock) More than two million Ontarians, according to a recent report, do not have a family doctor and some tell CBC Toronto they are going to drastic […]

Health coalition town halls planned for Sarnia-Lambton, Chatham-Kent

(February 9, 2023) By: Tyler Kula, The Sarnia Observer Local Ontario Health Coalition virtual town halls are planned this month, urging people to call for an end to further health-care system privatization. Local Ontario Health Coalition virtual town halls are planned this month to urge people to call for an end to further health-care system […]

COVID outbreaks with more than 100 infections persist at Hamilton seniors’ homes

(February 9, 2023) By: Joanna Frketich, Hamilton Spectator Premier Doug Ford has promised to put an “iron ring of protection” around seniors since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those in long-term care and retirement homes. But nearly three years after Hamilton had its first case of COVID in March 2020, the virus still spreads rapidly through local […]

Public Meeting In CK To Address Healthcare Privatization

(February 9, 2023) By: CKXS A provincial group fighting against health care privatization is holding a virtual town hall meeting in Chatham-Kent to protest the Ford government’s plan to utilize private, for-profit clinics to ease surgical backlogs in Ontario. The Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) will hold the virtual meeting for Chatham-Kent on February 15 at […]

Local healthcare leaders and critics react to slight influx of federal funding

(February 8, 2023) By: Rich Garton, CTV News Windsor As Canada’s premiers rush to absorb the impact of this funding, healthcare leadership in Windsor-Essex is also curious how it will impact the many systemic issues that plague our system. From surgical backlogs to crowded emergency rooms and burned out staff, there are many things to […]

Ontario Health Coalition Halton Town Hall

(February 8, 2023) By: Oakville News The Ontario Government is moving ahead with private for-profit delivery of a number of surgeries in our publicly funded hospitals. These private for-profit surgeries are financed with public monies diverted into private pockets instead of funding publicly provided health care. Privatization will give private for-profit providers considerable influence over […]

RELEASE: Left unchallenged, “create a crisis and privatize” provincial schemes will destroy public health care: Health Coalition called on Trudeau to step up and show real leadership

(February 7, 2023) Toronto – For decades the Ontario Health Coalition has been on the front line of the fight to safeguard public health care against privatization and to protect patients from extra-billing. Few have followed the behaviour of the private clinics in Canada more closely. Today, the Coalition warned that the unprecedented health care […]

Ontario expanding private clinics while hospital ORs sit idle, health care advocates say

(February 6, 2023) By: Jeff Gray, The Globe and Mail Health care advocates and the Opposition NDP say the pivot to private clinics makes little sense when Ontario hospitals have ORs that are underused because of funding or staffing shortages. CHRIS YOUNG/THE CANADIAN PRESS Ontario’s existing public hospitals are not all running their operating rooms […]

Support for the Charter challenge; Letters to the editor

(February 4, 2023) By: Marie Dellavedova, Sault Star The Seniors’Health Advisory Committee, Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District (SHAC) identifies and addresses current health issues that impact the well-being of seniors in the Algoma District. We advocate for improvements in how older adults live and thrive. SHAC is concerned about the ramifications of Ontario’s Bill […]

COLUMN: Long term care standards actually decades behind

(February 4, 2023) By: Michael Mantha, Elliot Lake Today Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha / Image supplied Algoma-Manitoulin MPP, Michael Mantha writes a regular column about provincial initiatives and issues impacting our community. This column was originally released by Mantha’s office. For those who are still fortunate enough to have aging parents, grandparents, or loved ones around, we owe it […]

Would you pay $300 a year for quick access to a nurse? Dealing with demand, Ontario doctors get creative

(February 2, 2023) By: Megan Delaire, CTV News There came a point during the pandemic, about nine months ago, when the staff at a pediatric clinic in Toronto was turning away at least 100 callers per day who were looking for a primary care provider. At the same time, Kindercare Pediatric’s rostered patients were waiting […]

Stopping privatization the focus of Health Coalition session

(February 2, 2023) By: Richard Coffin, My North Bay Now (Photo by MyNorthBayNow.com staff) The North Bay and District Health Coalition is holding an emergency meeting to discuss a plan to stop the privatization of surgeries and diagnostics in Ontario. The session is being held Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6pm at the OPSEU Hall (150 […]