By Rosalind Russell – Despite heavy rain last Friday, the “Trojan Horse” made its way to Espanola to highlight union concerns about the privatization of health care in Ontario.
Ontario Council of Hospital Unions First Vice President Kevin Cook says the giant wooden horse is a metaphor for the government’s privatization policy, which he says is presented as a gift, but could be the downfall of health care in the province.
He says the Ford government says private clinics will reduce wait-times, but he believes it has created a two-tier system where people with money can get immediate care and the waiting lists continue.
Cook is also concerned the private operations are pulling away staff that is needed in public hospitals worsening the staffing crisis that is occurring.
He adds the union will be continuing its tour throughout the northeast to share information and highlight the importance of the issue to the wider public.
David Tremblay, the CUPE Vice President for Northeastern Ontario, who is employed at Health Sciences North, concurs with Cook adding the private, for-profit clinics are unaffordable.
He adds the strategy of privatizing health care is a dangerous precedent and the unions will continue to fight to prevent it from becoming the new normal in Ontario.
Photo: Despite the heavy rain last Friday morning, Ontario Council of Hospital Union and CUPE union bosses were at the Espanola Regional Hospital & Health Centre to highlight their concerns about the privatization of health care services in Ontario. Photos by Rosalind Russell
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