The Co-chair of the Grey Bruce chapter of the Ontario Health Coalition joined what she called countless thousands who rallied for health care at Queen's Park Thursday.
Brenda Scott said unions, seniors groups, church groups and community groups, all shared concerns about privatization, and the erosion of small rural hospitals.
"I think people get it. You know, we've been talking about this for so long. I talked, in general first about small rural hospitals throughout the province," she shared. "But then I also talked about Chesley because I'm from Chesley, and Chesley is sort of a lynchpin for some of these problems. We're coming up to almost four years now with our time ER, and a lot of anxiety about potential closure of our hospitals. So that's the big issue."
Scott added that politicians from the opposition parties also spoke to the crowd.
"All of them said something similar, which is, you know, that they're gonna fight the Ford government on this issue of privatization," she explained. "And a couple of them mentioned the closure of so many small rural hospitals. Either the closure of the hospitals in full, or reduction services in rural communities."
Scott said she'd love to see rumours of an early election come to fruition.
"It may be the ultimate solution to the problem with the small rural hospitals and to other issues like privatization and private clinics that are overcharging, and you know, clinics that are selling memberships to people so you have to have a membership before you can see a doctor," she revealed. "A lot of these issues, probably will be settled in the long run with an election."
The health coalition plans to hold hearings in 17 rural communities to hear from people impacted by health care issues. Scott said a panel will include politicians from all parties, health care workers, and the coalition members, who will put together a report for the fall sitting of the legislature.