CORNWALL – Home care services for vulnerable residents served by 9 Community Care Access Centres across Ontario are being withdrawn because of an ongoing labour dispute.

“Health care professionals are now on strike because the Liberal government has been unwilling to reach a deal with them since last March,” said MPP Jim McDonell. “The Liberals have mismanaged provincial finances and have no idea how to balance the budget except by hurting health care providers and cutting personal care.”

Although the Champlain CCAC is not affected by today’s strike action, many local residents have seen their services cut or withdrawn altogether due to lack of funding. The Champlain CCAC’s list of executives earning more than $100,000 per year has grown from 10 to 23 entries since 2010.

“Community Care Access Centres across the province have already been cutting back home care services and completely eliminating care for some patients,” MPP McDonell added. “Now thousands of vulnerable Ontarians are having home care services suspended and hospitals may see bigger backlogs as patients who should be going home remain in hospital beds. The Liberal government spent $2 billion for E-Health, $1.1 billion to cancel two gas plants but won’t negotiate a contract with frontline health workers who help Ontarians stay independent in their home.”

“Frontline healthcare staff are our partners in keeping Ontarians healthy. The Liberal government must return to the negotiating table and own up to their mismanagement”.