Queen's Park's priorities are out of alignment says Nickel Belt MPP

Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas rose during a rare Saturday sitting of the legislature, to compare the priorities of her constituents in Sudbury and Nickel Belt to the current focus of Ontario’s legislature.

“I want to bring forward to the House something that is happening in Sudbury right now. Our hospital, Health Sciences North, is facing an $11-million deficit. They were really encouraged when they heard the Premier say that there would not be any layoffs of nurses, that he would make sure, moving forward, that hospitals would be staffed with the right amount of personnel to look after us. Well, this is not at all what is happening," said Gélinas.

"In Sudbury right now, we have already lost 70 nurses. Just this week, Health Sciences North announced that it is closing parts of the breast screening clinic, which helps women who are diagnosed with breast cancer access services in a timely fashion."

Approximately 100 nurses, service staff and supporters called for adequate funding for the Health Sciences North (HSN) at a rally to protest cuts at the hospital, on Sept. 14.

Attending were Ontario Nurses Association (ONA) Local 13, members of CUPE and ONA paramedical locals.

"Here we are, sitting on the weekend. This is extremely important to the people I represent, but we’re not going to be talking about health care; we’re not going to be talking about the needs of these women who go for their mammograms, are diagnosed, and then are put on endless wait-lists before they are helped," said Gélinas.

Dr. Rachelle Paradis says HSN’s plan to close the Breast Screening Assessment Clinic is not only a step backwards, it’s going to increase wait times and result in poorer health outcomes for women.

"We’re going to be talking about the “notwithstanding” clause that the Premier wants to bring forward," said Gélinas.

"There are some real needs out there. There are promises that have been made to people who count on this government to be there for them. Those are the people I represent, and those are the priorities that this chamber should be occupied with.”