A free ride is available for local residents who want to join a protest against privatization of Ontario’s health-care system when MPPs return to Queen’s Park later this month.
The provincial government is providing funding extensions and money for privatized long-term care operators to build new facilities, said Bill Zilio, chair of the Unifor Local 127 retired chapter, after more deaths occurred in private long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic than in any other province.
He also cited medical centers being privatized and some emergency rooms in Ontario hospitals being closed due to staff shortages.
“We want our health-care to stay public,” Zilio said. “We don’t need the American-style health-care system in Canada.”
Many people may have good medical benefits, he said, “but what about their children and grandchildren?”
The protest against ER closings and privatization of hospital services, organized by the Ontario Health Coalition, is set for noon Sept. 25, the opening day of the Ontario legislature’s fall sitting.
The goal is to have as many people possible attend the protest., Zilio said..
A bus will leave from the Esso gas bar 22216 Bloomfield Rd., near the Highway 401 onramp, on Sept. 25 at 7 am
Anyone who wants to take part should call 519-436-1973, so organizers know how many people are going, Zilio said.