At a rally opposing changes to the health care system, followed by another gathering protesting the Ontario PC budget tabled by Finance Minister and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, North Bay Labour leader Henri Giroux told the gathered crowd this about Fedeli: “When he was the opposition, health care was important to him. Now, what is he doing? He wants to cut health care.”
In response to the planned events outside the constituency office today, Fedeli issued a statement:
“As can be seen in our thoughtful budget, the fearmongering was all for not. We will balance the budget in five years, while protecting what matters most – health care, education and our core public services.
“The health care budget increases by $1.3 billion this year, with $384 million more for hospitals and $267 million added to home care. In addition, we are investing $90 million in a new low-income seniors dental plan.
“The education budget increases by $700 million this year. And we are investing $13 billion over 10 years in capital improvements; $1.4 billion this year alone. As well we are investing $1 billion to build 30,000 child care spaces in our schools. We have taken great care to build a sustainable education plan where no teacher is being fired, despite what our opponents often claim.
“By making smart, long-term decisions, reinventing the way government delivers services, and focusing our resources on the individuals and families in greatest need, the province is restoring trust, transparency and accountability – and balancing the budget in a responsible manner.”
