Hospital cuts protest sparks fears of 1,000 job losses across Ontario

MPP Clark released a statement immediately following the rally

A rally was held earlier today outside the constituency office of Ontario MPP Steve Clark to protest planned hospital funding cuts.

The demonstration was organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The union says the province’s fall economic statement outlines a 10 per cent real cut to hospital funding over three years by 2027-28. It warns more than 1,000 nursing and personal support worker jobs could be lost across Ontario if funding is not increased.

Michael Hurley, president of OCHU-CUPE, said the proposed cuts would worsen an already strained health-care system.

Douglas Currier, president of CUPE-SCFP 4540, said Canada’s public health-care system is one of the country’s greatest strengths.

OCHU-CUPE Eastern Ontario vice-president John Jackson explained what the union is looking for from MPP Clark.

Hurley outlined what the union is asking of the provincial government.

Currier said members will continue their campaign until the government understands that “healthcare matters.”

The union says it will continue pressing the province to boost hospital funding as the fall economic plan moves forward.

MPP Clark issued the following statement in response:

“CUPE is welcome to raise concerns, but the facts matter. There have been no cuts to hospital funding. In fact, our government’s record investments since 2018 helped Brockville General Hospital eliminate its structural deficit.

This year alone, base funding for the hospital increased by 3.4% or $3,059,100. The hospital’s stabilized fiscal situation has helped strengthen and enhance the services patients rely on. I’m also pleased that CUPE was able to negotiate the wage increases and benefit enhancements their hard-working members deserve in its most recent contract with BGH.

Contrary to rhetoric from union leadership, hospital officials have assured me they have no plans to reduce beds or lay off staff and that they continue to actively recruit.”

Story by: Evan Gibb