Ontario's Premier Doug Ford acknowledged in Tuesday's throne speech that more can be done to ease pressure on the health care system. state.
Lieutenant Elizabeth Dowswell delivered Ford's speech from the throne to mark the start of a new legislative session, in which the Progressive Conservative Government identified ideas for working with stakeholders to address the issue.
Ford, who has been prime minister since 2018, said in a speech that he would add thousands of hospital beds and nurses, invest in home and community health care, and increase the number of health professionals. touting what he has already done in the health sector, such as introducing subsidies to attract health workers to rural areas. and remote areas, and he plans to build 30,000 new long-term care beds.
"These historic investments have helped sustain the provincial health care system through some of the most challenging times in modern history, but, like health care systems across Canada, There is no doubt that we continue to face enormous pressures, such as the depletion of resources and labor shortages, and the emergency department is becoming increasingly stressed,” said Dowdeswell.
“More can be done. Your government is actively engaging with health system partners to identify urgent and viable solutions, and the We will implement whatever measures are necessary to alleviate the immediate pressure while ensuring that we are ready to continue.”
This summer, Ontario's emergency departments will be operating for hours or days. Closed. Officials and advocates say the shortage of nurses is to blame. Advocates urged Ford to repeal the public sector wage control law it introduced in 2019, saying it was undermining efforts to recruit and retain nurses. begins by discussing the global “rising uncertainty” amidst COVID-19, high inflation and the war in Ukraine, especially the impact on supply chains.
"Unprecedented spending during the pandemic is creating new fiscal challenges here in Ontario and across Canada that will require careful economic management in the months and years ahead. ' said the speech.
"These pressing financial and economic challenges cannot be underestimated or ignored. They must be faced head-on. And there are no easy solutions."
Ford's speech noted that interest rates were rising in response to high inflation, and Ontario, like other regions, prepared for a possible short-term economic slowdown. I am warning you that it is necessary.
The speech highlighted key pieces of Ford's agenda, including building highways and other infrastructure, attracting investment in electric vehicle manufacturing, and a skilled trade strategy to address labor shortages. emphasized.
Also, as pledged during the election, the government will raise his disability assistance payments by 5%, tying future increases to inflation, and he will also pay $225 million directly. presents a new pledge to add to His parents "to help their children catch up."
This Canadian Press report was first published on August 9, 2022.
