PC candidate Jones discusses health funding gap

Tory candidate Sylvia Jones recently attended a community meeting to discuss the funding gap for health services in Dufferin- Caledon. Three different reports, generated by three different organizations, highlighted the incredible range of money distributed throughout the province.

"The three reports clearly show how far behind our community ranks because of our rising population," said Jones. "Steps must be taken to bring health and social funding in Dufferin and Caledon up to the provincial average."

The first report from the Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), shows funding for Dufferin and Caledon consistently places 13 or 14 out of 14 regions across Ontario. Funding from the provincial government needs to increase to ensure quality services are being provided to area residents.

A second report from the GTA/905 Health Care Alliance shows the pressure health and social agencies within the fast-growing belt around Toronto are under because there has been a "so what" attitude from the McGuinty Liberals.

Finally, the Nesbitt Burns financial report reviewing the GTA/905 Health Care Alliance report reinforced the diverging levels of service available depending upon where in Ontario you live.

"This is completely unacceptable," said Jones. "We all pay the same Liberal health tax, so we expect to receive an equivalent level of service, no matter what part of Ontario we live.

"The McGuinty Liberals need to include population growth in their formula when dividing up the health dollars across the province. The great service from staff in our hospital and other health agencies should not be used as a reason to ignore the growing need in our community for additional dollars such as mental health, respite and home care."

It is also important for the province to come up with a real plan to address the doctor shortage in this and many other under serviced areas of the province.

"The premier and his minister of health have taken a 'so what?' attitude to the concerns raised by our local health care providers. If elected Oct. 10, I will fight to get Dufferin-Caledon's fair share of health care dollars."