Ontario government questioned on Stevenson Memorial Hospital nurse layoffs
The stresses facing Stevenson Memorial Hospital were at the forefront of debate at Queen's Park Tuesday as the official opposition questioned the government's decision to allow the layoffs of over a dozen nurses.
Union leaders say health care workers are burnt out amid consistent shortages throughout the Alliston hospital, but still, 13 registered and practical nurses are set to lose their jobs at the end of the month, drawing the attention of provincial politicians.
NDP leader Marit Styles and interim Liberal leader John Fraser both criticized the move, with Styles questioning the province's decision to let go of nurses when "highway health care is at an all-time high" and Fraser stating that cutting nursing positions "doesn't make sense" given the current nursing shortage in the province.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones defended the move, arguing the hospital officials know best.
"For the member opposite to suggest that she knows better what is happening at Stevenson Memorial more so than the management team, the president and CEO speaks volumes about what she understands about the public health system," Jones added.
Last week, nurses were informed of the layoffs after the Ministry of Health said it was pulling back funding that the hospital used to open up eight beds in January 2021.
The government said the funding was only temporary to help with pandemic pressures.
Premier Doug Ford said they would look into the issue.
"We don't hire nurses. The province doesn't. It's the hospitals that actually hire the nurses, but that seems like quite a bit. We're bringing more nurses on board, and I'll make a phone call and find out where's the justification," he stated.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson said he spoke with the hospital's CEO and backs his decisions. He stressed the funding was a temporary measure, adding the move was not a cut but an expiration.
OPSEU, which represents the laid-off nurses, said the hospital is short-staffed in every department.
The layoffs are set to take effect on March 31, but the nurses will continue to be paid for the next four months because of the collective agreement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.