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Citizen-Led Referendum on Healthcare Privatization Sends Strong Message of Opposition
Elaine McDonald Announces Results of Cornwall’s Stand Against Privatization
In a resounding display of civic engagement, citizens of Cornwall and its surrounding regions have made their voices heard through a citizen-led referendum on healthcare privatization. The results, announced by Elaine McDonald, signify a decisive rejection of the proposal to privatize public hospital services in favor of for-profit hospitals and clinics. With a significant voter turnout and thousands of dedicated volunteers, this referendum stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving accessible and equitable healthcare for all.
Unveiling the Results:
On the grounds of Cornwall Community Hospital, Elaine McDonald, the spokesperson and co-chair of the Cornwall Health Coalition, revealed the preliminary results of the referendum, which was conducted both in-person and online. In SD&G, A total of 4,665 individuals cast their votes in person, while 7,261 citizens expressed their stance through the online platform. These numbers reflect a significant level of public engagement and highlight the importance of the issue at hand.
Adele Constantineau on why she worked the polls
Province-Wide Participation:
While we focus of the referendum here in Cornwall and its surrounding regions, it is important to reiterate that the voting took place across the entire province. An astounding total of 382,647 votes were tallied. This level of participation demonstrates the shared concern regarding healthcare privatization, with individuals from all corners of the province uniting to protect the integrity of public healthcare services.
The Verdict:
The referendum ballot posed a direct question to voters: “Do you want our public hospital services to be privatized to for-profit hospitals and clinics?” The verdict was clear and unequivocal. Out of the total votes cast, 6,083 individuals supported the privatization of healthcare services, while a staggering majority of 376,223 individuals voted against it. This overwhelming opposition to healthcare privatization resonates with the sentiment that the public values equitable access to healthcare and safeguards the principles of universal coverage.
| Cornwall and Region In person votes | Yes | No | Spoiled | Total |
| 70 | 4595 | 4625+40 |
| Online votes | Yes | No | Spoiled | Total |
| Cornwall | 16 | 1708 | 1724 | |
| Lunenburg | – | 36 | 36 | |
| St. Andrews West | 1 | 45 | 46 | |
| North Lancaster | – | 16 | 16 | |
| Bainsville | – | 22 | 22 | |
| Green Valley | – | 22 | 22 | |
| Alexandria | 1 | 104 | 105 | |
| Dunevegan | – | 4 | 4 | |
| Maxville | – | 39 | 39 | |
| Moose Creek | – | 33 | 33 | |
| Apple Hill | – | 24 | 24 | |
| Martintown | – | 42 | 42 | |
| St. Eugene | – | 7 | 7 | |
| Hawkesbury | 1 | 61 | 62 | |
| L’Orignal | 1 | 18 | 19 | |
| Vankleek Hill | – | 27 | 27 | |
| Dalkeith | – | 10 | 10 | |
| Alfred | – | 10 | 10 | |
| Plantagenet | – | 19 | 19 | |
| Ingleside | 4 | 132 | 136 | |
| Chesterville | 1 | 76 | 77 | |
| Newington | – | 21 | 21 | |
| Morrisburg | 4 | 43 | 44 | |
| Winchester | 4 | 87 | 914 |
Community Mobilization:
Executing a referendum of this magnitude required an extraordinary level of commitment and cooperation from the community. Thousands of volunteers dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the voting process. Their unwavering dedication and tireless service embody the strength of community mobilization and civic engagement.
Implications and Next Steps:
The results of this citizen-led referendum hold tremendous significance for the future of healthcare in Cornwall and the province as a whole. The resolute message conveyed by the voters will be delivered directly to the government on May 31st as representatives from the Ontario Coalition, standing in for every region, will assemble in front of Queen’s Park to present the unequivocal demand for the protection and enhancement of public healthcare services. Policymakers must attentively listen to the collective voice of the people and take decisive action that aligns with the expressed desires.
“This is the end of the referendum, but it’s not the end of our efforts to protect our public healthcare,” concluded MacDonald.
As the results are analyzed and debated, the referendum stands as a testament to the power of community mobilization and the enduring spirit of democratic participation.
