Wayne Gates wants more cooperation between the province and local health care experts to improve the system
Niagara Falls NDP MPP is challenging the Ontario government to work with health care experts in Niagara on health care solutions.
Wayne Gates wants increased primary care funding, and reduction of administrative work for doctors.
He noted Niagara Falls recently voted to work at increasing doctor incentives to $100,000 per doctor next year. "I don't believe Niagara Falls should be at an auction, offering $75,000, or I'll give you $100,000, or I'll give you $104,000, or $150,000.... to get a family doctor. It makes no sense to me."
He says local taxpayers will be on the hook for the provincial government's mistakes, while the region is short 106 doctors.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones repeated investments made province wide on hospitals, including in Niagara, and said Gates knows of 600 new beds being prepared for Niagara.
"And I have to say, when I look at the Port Colborne mayor, working directly with Niagara Health, to make sure, as facilities become available, they are thinking about innovative, creative ways to continue to serve."
She says the government is investing in Niagara just as it is across the province.
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