Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison says they brought up some of their struggles, in a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
“Every municipality that, I would say attended, indicated to the provincial government that we can’t continue to do what’s expected of us with only property tax revenue. Especially when it comes to health care.”
He says every community is trying their best to attract doctors and have a strong healthcare system but they face so many demands that it makes it difficult to fund other areas like infrastructure.
“That’s what we’re talking to the them about is, ok, we’ll do the best we can but we need you to step up to the plate and take on more healthcare issues when it comes to hospitals, when it comes to the building of new hospitals, when it comes to renovations or improvements, and even to equipment.”
Health Minister Sylvia Jones did announce yesterday that funding will be offered to public health units that want to merge as the province works to restructure the health system.
One is that they provide an accommodation for people rather than say, you know, you’ve got to find someplace else to live. And we also asked that maybe, you know, possible for them to discuss a bottom line, like what are you going to do and how long should it take to do it?”
