MPPs Elliott, Arnott met with local health care leaders in Wellington

The Government of Ontario needs to do a much better job planning for the future of local health care services, according to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

“We need the [Dalton] McGuinty government to respond to the pressures facing our health care system - pressures that will only grow over time,” he said. “Our hospitals in Georgetown and Fergus need to know they’re on this government’s radar.”

Last week, Arnott welcomed MPP Christine Elliott to his riding so they would hear directly from local health care leaders.  Elliott, the MPP for Whitby-Oshawa, serves as deputy-leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative  Party and critic to the Minister of Health.

“The McGuinty Liberals have not adequately addressed the health care needs of the people of Wellington-Halton Hills,” said Elliott.  “Communities need and deserve answers from the Minister of Health on the status of their hospital projects.”

On Feb. 14, the MPPs toured Georgetown Hospital, meeting with hospital staff, administration officials and, later, with other local community leaders.

That same day, they also toured Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus and met with Groves administration. They also joined Dr. Nicola Mercer, Chief Medical Officer of Health, to discuss the state of public health in Ontario.

Their final meeting was with Fred Wagner, Executive Director of Trellis Mental Health Developmental Services. Mental health services are important to Elliott, who spearheaded the Ontario Legislature’s all-party select committee on mental health and addictions.

“When it comes to health care and so many other issues, Christine Elliott is an informed and respected voice in the Ontario Legislature,” said Arnott.

The MPPs agreed health care must be at the top of the list of provincial priorities.

“I will never stop advocating for the crucial health care services our communities need and deserve,” Arnott said.