OHA Pre-Budget Advocacy Campaign
For the Attention of Hospital CEOs, Board Chairs, OHA Board of Directors and CACN Members
From Hilary Short, President & CEO
Speaking Tour
Earlier this morning, the OHA kicked off its advocacy campaign in the lead up to the Spring 2005 Ontario Budget, widely expected to take place in April or May.
In a speech to the Economic Club of Toronto, I emphasized our support for the government’s transformation agenda, but explained in great detail the serious funding challenges facing hospitals as we move through this time of change and transition. I also bluntly highlighted the fact that the status quo way of doing things is no longer acceptable to hospitals and the patients we serve, and that it is time for a new way of thinking when it comes to funding issues. I was pleased to be supported by Sheila Jarvis, OHA Board Chair and Tony Dagnone, Past OHA Board Chair, as well as friends from across the healthcare system as I delivered these remarks. This speech is available on our OHA website.
These remarks are the first of several in a series as part of our pre-Budget advocacy efforts. Our over-riding objective is to increase public and government awareness of the challenges that hospitals face in the coming fiscal year. In the time ahead, I will be delivering a similar message in other communities across Ontario. We’ll be in touch directly with hospitals in each community as we proceed to make any needed arrangements.
New "FundingFacts.Com" Advocacy Website
A key element of our pre-Budget campaign is our new advocacy website, www.fundingfacts.com.
Located on the OHA homepage and accessible as a link under both Media Resources and as a stand-alone click-on button, the goal of this site is to help the news media and other interested people better understand the accomplishments of Ontario’s hospitals when it comes to leading the nation in efficiency; what hospitals continue to do to save taxpayers’ money; the facts behind the underlying funding challenges facing Ontario hospitals; and break down myths that exist about hospitals when it comes to funding issues.
This advocacy site features up-to-date, easy-to-understand facts and figures about Ontario’s hospitals, the latest news from the hospital sector, and a section dedicated to patient-care e-advocacy. We will update www.fundingfacts.com on a regular basis and will issue Bulletins to draw Members’ attention to major updates or changes.
We hope this site is also helpful to you as a one-stop shop for facts and information about the hospital sector that you may need on hospital funding issues as well.
Government Relations
The third element of our pre-Budget Advocacy Plan is a stepped up government relations contact program with key Ministers, MPPs, senior officials and political staff about the fiscal challenges facing hospitals in the lead up to the Spring Budget.
Already, OHA staff have met with senior officials and staff from the Offices of the Minister of Finance, and Health, as well as staff in the Premier’s Office. Senior representatives of the OHA are meeting with Premier McGuinty and Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman on March 10, 2005. Other meetings are also already scheduled in the days and weeks ahead.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. Alternatively, you may also contact Steve Orsini, Vice President of Policy and Public Affairs at 416-205-1339, or sorsini@oha.com, or Anthony Dale, Director of Public Affairs at 416-205-1348, or adale@oha.com.