The Premier came to Grey County for a ceremonial ribbon cutting, but no matter where Doug Ford goes, he can't escape criticism.
Protesters lined the street in front of Markdale's new community hospital on Thursday, ten days before its official opening.
Some demonstrators were there to call out Ford for his role in the Greenbelt scandal, like Jeanette Walter, an activist and substitute teacher.
"You know a lot of people think 'Oh, well it's the Greenbelt, the land that's been taken out is way further south from us.' But it does affect us all, because once it starts happening in one place, that precedent is set." she said. "Doug Ford has also got the conservation authorities trying to mark out their lands that can be up for housing. And the saddest part is, none of it is really affordable and that's what the common people need."
Others were there to criticize the lack of support for local hospitals, as several in the region face unprecedented emergency room closures.
Inside, Ford made a quick prepared statement, touting his government's investments in healthcare while thanking former MPP Bill Walker for his efforts in bringing the new hospital to town. He also thanked current MPPs Rick Byers and Alex Ruff, the latter of whom was not present. Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones didn't take any questions from media.
Erica Ferguson, a physician with the new healthcare facility, wore a "Hands off the Greenbelt" shirt while Ford made his remarks, saying she wanted to get a message across.
"There's broader changes happening in terms of land-use planning and hospital and healthcare planning that are affecting everybody and I don't think that this government is putting people ahead of profits," she said.
The demonstration out front was a "silent protest" which wrapped up as the ribbon ceremony began. Organizers said they didn't want to take away from the moment for all the people who worked so hard to make this new hospital a reality.
"The hospital should really be opened by the people who worked 20 years to do the fundraising and the organizing for it," said Brenda Scott of the Grey Bruce Health Coalition. "This hospital was approved by a previous government. I think (Ford and Jones) are just here for the photo-op."
Ford's approval rating has hit a historic low recently, according to the latest polling by Angus Reid.
As for the new $70-million facility in Markdale, members of the public that want to see the new hospital can check it out on Friday. Brightshores Health Systems will hold a "Come and Go" between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for our organization, the Markdale Community, and all Grey-Bruce residents,” said President and CEO Gary Sims. “With the opening of this new state of the art facility, with updated equipment and the space to grow to meet the needs of this growing community, the future is very bright for local healthcare.”