TORONTO - Four unions representing
200,000 health care and community social service workers have
reacted with shock and outrage as the Ontario government is
poised for evening introduction for third and final reading of
its Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) plan.
The unions have learned that Bill 36
would be introduced for third reading at 6:45 pm tonight –
less than a week after workplace protests took place in about
40 cities across Ontario – apparently with the objective of
avoiding media and public attention.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE),
the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Ontario
Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the Ontario Nurses'
Association (ONA) condemned the Liberal government for moving
Bill 36 ahead without significant amendments suggested by
defenders of public health care, thereby demonstrating
contempt for the public consultation process.
The unions, along with many community
organizations and public health care advocates, say the LHINs
scheme opens the door to the privatization of health services,
threatens Ontarians with more travel to access treatment, and
reduces local control of health services.
The coalition also started a massive
advertising campaign this week. The unions are urging the
McGuinty Liberals to postpone third reading of the
legislation, avoid turmoil for patients and health workers,
and engage in genuine consultation with Ontarians and
front-line caregivers in this province.
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For further information: please
contact:
Sheree Bond, ONA, (416) 964-8833,
Ext. 2430;
Stella Yeadon, OCHU/CUPE, (416) 578-8774, 1-800-268-7378;
John Van Beek, SEIU, (905) 660-1800, x 319;
David Cox, OPSEU, (416) 788-9197
