RESIDENTS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST HEALTH CARE PRIVATIZATION

Penetanguishene resident Don Copping is standing up for health care in Ontario.

Copping is among the more than 250 north Simcoe residents who have joined the Ontario Health Coalition's opposition of the Conservative government's plan to move thousands of surgeries and diagnostic procedures out of public hospitals and into privately operated independent surgical centres.

"We are not alone. It is not just one or two organizers who are trying to spread gospel," he said.

According to Copping, close to 650 residents across Simcoe County have joined the OHC movement in recent weeks and support is continuing to grow.

"Anti-privatization must take place, or our children are not going to have the medical care we have had as seniors," he said.

In early February, the government revealed a plan to utilize community surgical and diagnostic centres for cataract surgeries, MRIs and CT scans, ophthalmic surgeries, minimally invasive gynecological surgeries and plastic surgeries in order to eliminate surgical backlogs and reduce wait times. The plan would see hip and knee replacements also be offered at these community clinics starting next year.

"When it comes to your health and the health of all Ontarians, the status quo isn't working," said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. "As we put our bold plan into action, you will be connected

to care when you need it most and where it's most convenient, whether that's closer to home in your community or even at home."

This controversial plan has drawn criticism from opposition parties, health

organizations including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and groups like the OHC.

Copping shares their concerns. He is worried about the province's ability to control fees and surcharges and the impact these clinics will have on public hospitals.

"Where are the staff going to come from for these private clinics?

“They are going to be poached from public hospitals," said Copping, whose concerns are compounded by the fact the health care industry is struggling to cope with an aging workforce.

"They would be incentivized to go (to these private clinics) by salaries, because doctors' salaries and fees are dictated by the province. They would not be dictated by a personal contract at a private clinic."

The OHC is organizing a mass citizen-led referendum for May 26 with the goal of collecting a million votes across the province and presenting the results at Queen's Park.

Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition, is leading this citizen pushback.

"If they turn over a significant portion of our public hospitals' surgeries to for-profits, we will not be able to protect patients against extra charges of thousands of dollars for needed care and from manipulative extra upselling," said Mehra.

"The fact is no one has been able to control the private for-profit clinics where they have sprung up in Canada, and Ontario has done a particularly terrible job of controlling for-profit health care companies in long-term care and other sectors."

The OHC has organized a series of meetings across the province in order to gain more support. For more information visit ontariohealthcoalition.ca.