Earlier in April, Jim Chirico, the Medical Officer of Health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, said the effort to merge Ontario’s 35 health units into 10, would need consultation from all stakeholders in the talking and decision-making stages.
A complaint from the labour unions with the Ford government is the claim the Progressive Conservatives don’t include labour when consultations are underway.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli was asked about this point following his address to the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce.
In response, Fedeli said labour is fully aware that the province has added lots of money to the health budget.
As examples, he cited $1.75 billion into long term care that wasn’t there in addition to an additional $1.9 billion in the mental health and addictions field.
“Whether it’s the health sector, the education sector or business community, we’re continuing to consult and ensuring we provide the best possible service for the people of Ontario,” Fedeli said.
Fedeli points out the health minister was in North Bay only a few weeks ago consulting with the mental health community.
“I’d say she’s doing a pretty remarkable job of consulting right across Ontario.”
