NDP leader Howard Hampton is reminding Ontarians to take Dalton McGuinty’s wait times numbers with a grain of salt after the Liberals issued press releases touting apparent reductions in wait times.
The facts on wait times:
•Advertising Standards Canada, an independent watchdog agency, ruled the McGuinty government’s wait times advertising violated advertising standards by making “inaccurate claims” and omitting relevant information.
•Ontario’s Auditor General called the McGuinty Liberals’ wait times website “misleading,” and advised Ontarians to take the government’s claims of reduced wait times “with a grain of salt.”
•A Canadian Medical Association survey of doctors revealed Ontario’s focus on just five specific medical procedures is creating a “have not” group of patients needing treatments in other areas.
•The Canadian Institute for Health Information says one in 10 emergency room visits in Ontario lasted 7.4 hours or more—but the McGuinty government refuses to implement a strategy to reduce ER wait times.
“It’s time for the McGuinty Liberals be honest with Ontarians and start tackling the health care problems hardworking families are facing,” said Hampton.
“Unfortunately, people waiting for Dalton McGuinty to keep a promise are waiting the longest of all,” he added.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
