Ontario Health Coalition referendum results are in
A small but passionate group gathered at Sunnidale Park in Barrie Tuesday morning to call out the province’s plan to privatize public health services.
Over the past several weeks, the Simcoe County Health Coalition took part in a province-wide referendum asking people if they want public hospital services privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people who voted in this referendum in Simcoe County rejected the government’s plans to privatize our hospital services,” said Anisa Carrascal with Simcoe County Health Coalition.
More than 15,380 votes were cast in the county. Province-wide, just over 382,000 votes were cast both in person and online.
A total of 98 per cent of ballots cast in the province were opposed to the province’s plan.
“Funding our public hospitals is a better answer than selling services in public hospitals basically, the premise is fix it, don’t sell it,” said Carrascal.
“The government relies on our votes, and they are meant to work to make the betterment of society, so when they are working against the betterment of society and society stands up to say you better cut it out, it can work,” said Elizabeth Watts President of Local 346 Opseu.
“The mandate for this government was clear. Doug Ford campaigned saying he was not going to privatize any health care services, and two months after the election, he announced the privatization of surgeries and diagnosis. So, we’re telling him this is not what we voted for,” said Carrascal.
The group is heading to Queen's Park on Wednesday to pass on the results of its referendum to the government.
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.