Tony raises hospital closure issue in question period

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Martin cites Sault health-care crisis in question period

"Government must be accountable for universal health care commitment"

OTTAWA, ON – With yet another 400-plus people at a Desbarats meeting Monday demanding answers to the local healthcare crisis, Sault MP Tony Martin in question period here Monday pressed the government to be accountable for Canada`s universal health care commitment.

"What responsibility does the federal government have for the implementation and enforcement of the Canada Health Act," Martin asked Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. `"In my constituency, health care is in crisis. The hospital is running a $13 million deficit and it is running its operations on a $32 million line of credit. One of the outcomes may be the closing of a very important district hospital." ` “What responsibility does the federal government have ... to ensure that every Canadian has access to health care when they need it?" Aglukkaq said the federal government will transfer $22.6 billion in a health transfer including a six percent increase to Ontario. "That money needs to show up in the Sault and district so universal healthcare is not an empty promise,” Martin said later. "Delivery of healthcare is a provincial responsibility but the federal government also cannot just hand over money without some responsibility that Canadians have access to universal healthcare." "For many district community leaders and all those people showing up to speak up, the bottom line here is their community and healthcare." The consultant recommendation to close Matthews Memorial Hospital in Richards Landing has been the latest sign of the local healthcare crisis.

Residents at the Desbarats meeting cited the hospital directly saved three lives (resuscitation), handled over 250 urgent cases and there had been 2,700 hospital visits.

The closing of the district hospital would compound the crisis adding to wait times elsewhere, without solving the deficit problem of Sault hospital.

New Democrats continue to campaign for a national homecare and pharmacare strategy that would help alleviated problems at hospitals.

Martin will raise the Matthews Hospital and local healthcare crisis issues at Wednesday’s meeting in Ottawa between the Northern Ontario big city mayors and the seven Northern Ontario New Democrat MPs.

Martin will also raise the issue Thursday when he attends the East Algoma Chiefs, Mayors and Reeves District Meeting.

Here is Martin's question and the health minister’s answer in the House of Commons Monday:

************************* Mr. Tony Martin (Sault Ste. Marie, NDP) Mr. Speaker, what responsibility does the federal government have for the implementation and enforcement of the Canada Health Act?

In my constituency, health care is in crisis.

The hospital is running a $13 million deficit and it is running its operations on a $32 million line of credit.

One of the outcomes may be the closing of a very important district hospital. What responsibility does the federal government have to ensure, under the Canada Health Act, that every Canadian has access to health care when they need it? Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, CPC)

Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to the principles of the Canada Health Act.

In fact, our government has committed to funding provinces.

This year, up to $22.6 billion is being transferred to the provinces, with a six percent escalator for the next few years.

The responsibility of health care delivery rests with the provinces and territories.

This government is committed to funding the provinces. *************************