Federal/Provincial Health Care Agreement Talking Points
For the Attention of
Hospital CEOs, OHA Board of Directors and
CACN Members
Steve Orsini
Vice President - Policy and Public Affairs
Ontario hospitals welcome the new federal/provincial funding agreement because it provides approximately $7 billion in new funding over six years to the Province of Ontario, over and above the additional funding provided under the 2003 Health Accord.
This means that the Ontario Government will receive approximately $800 million in additional healthcare funding from Ottawa this year alone.
On page page 16 of the 2004 Ontario Budget Papers, the province made an important commitment saying that "when additional funds are available from the federal government, further investments will be made to continue the transformation of the sector and to support key health priorities." We believe that hospital services are key priority for patients.
Ontario hospitals are facing a $600 million funding shortfall for this year alone as the Ontario government has chosen not to pay for the full cost of providing patient care. Patient care is at risk because despite this massive funding shortfall, the government is requiring hospitals to balance their budgets. Waiting times may go up, not down as hospitals cut services to implement the government's directives.
With significant new additional funding from Ottawa, the Ontario Government has the resources it needs to immediately prevent massive cuts in patient care. Hospitals are today calling on Queen's Park to use the new federal funding to protect patient care in hospitals.
By preventing cuts in patient care, the government can help ensure the transformation of the health care system and achieve the goal of shorter waiting times – a goal everyone in the health care system shares.
It is essential that the government act quickly. Hospitals are required to submit their recovery plans and details regarding cuts in services to the Ministry in October. The Ontario government can avert these cuts if it acts now.
Details on the First Ministers' agreement can be accessed at http://www.scics.gc.ca/cinfo04/800042005_e.pdf
Please do not hesitate to contact me or Anthony Dale, Director of Public Affairs at 416-205-1348 if you have any questions or comments.