NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO NDP
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On Thursday, MPP Wayne Gates is inviting the provincial government to work with experts and act on addressing the primary care crisis affecting families and seniors in Niagara and across the province.
“We have over 2.2 million Ontarians without a family doctor – and this crisis has been created under six years of this government,” said Gates. “In the Niagara Region, we are short 106 family doctors – and in Niagara Falls, we are short 36. Niagara Falls is even now considering paying doctors $100,000 to recruit them – meaning local taxpayers are now on the hook for this government’s mistakes.”
Gates has tabled a motion calling on the Ontario government to address the shortage of physicians practicing family medicine in Ontario by increasing primary care funding, including for allied health professionals; ending the practice of negation; and reducing the administrative burden on doctors.
“We have around a 40 per c ent population of seniors in our community who can’t wait years for a solution - they need a doctor today. We have local health care ready with real solutions, right now– but they need a government willing to take action.
“Will the Premier commit to take action now, or does he believe seniors and families don’t deserve a family doctor today?”
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