Flipping through the online version of the Halton Compass, I came across an article in the November 11th edition about Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh asking the Health Minister Deb Matthews and anyone else involved about answers to Milton’s questions … when are we getting the hospital?
He wasn’t too impressed with the ministers answers during a committee meeting. The video below the article is of the exchange (courtesy of Ted Chudleighs website)
Chudleigh Says Liberals evasive on Milton Hospital
According to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh, Minister of Health Deborah Matthews has more moves than a prize-fighting boxer when it comes to dealing with the expansion of Milton District Hospital.
“She bobbed and weaved so much in answering a question (about the hospital) today that she again provided no concrete answer to a legitimate question.” fumed Chudleigh on November 2.
Chudleigh asked why the Ministry has been spending millions on consultants but has been pleading poor when it comes to providing the funds necessary to expand Milton’s small hospital.
“Minister Matthews dodged, went off topic and dodged again.” said Chudleigh. “Her refusal to answer a legitimate question in the Legislature should anger Miltonians and all Ontarioians.”
Chudleigh explained that Milton’s hospital was built with a population of 30,000 in mind. The town now boasts more than 90.000 residents and the population keeps rising, and is expected to grow more than 180,000 in another decade.
According to Chudleigh, the people of Milton have waited three years for action to be taken on the expansion of Milton’s hospital. The money frittered away on consultants, as detailed in the Ontario Auditor’s Report, would have easily paid for the complete and necessary expansion of the Milton facility, he said.
“It’s pretty clear,” Chudleigh said. “that the health care of Miltonians is less important to a Liberal government than transferring taxpayer’s money into the hands of their friends.”
Ted has spoken out many times over the last few years at the provincial level about the needs of Milton’s healthcare needs. Here is an example of Ted in action.
During the last municipal campaign, the hospital was obviously one of the big issues. I had stated, along with pretty much everyone who’s name was on a ballot, that the new Milton Town Council would do what they could to raise this issue with the provincial government. I used the words “get off their duff” (believe me I wanted to use stronger words than that) when it comes to the expansion of our hospital. Give us an answer either way so we can start planning at the local level when it comes to funding ideas for our portion. This inaction isn’t helping Miltonians at all.
We need to put some more pressure on the provincial government. Sending copies of reports and statements by council to anyone with an “@ontario.ca” email address isnt cutting it. The provincial government spends its days telling municipalities like Milton and other surrounding communities that we have to grow by “X” amount in the next 10 years…but provides no financial assistance to get it done. Just do it we’re told.
As this new council gets ready to go, we need to put together a plan that will help raise awareness of this inside the provincial government. Many thanks to Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh for raising the issue in the provincial legislature on a regular basis. Mr Chudleighs been known for time to time for ruffling a few feathers in the provincial government and I’m sure this isn’t the last time he’ll speak out about it.
Something has to be done. A long time ago. Its starts with a loud voice…then it turns into more.