Gélinas: Calling Captain Canada! Protect Northern Labs

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Shadow Minister for Health MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) updated the legislature on LifeLabs’ closure of its Sudbury testing facility.

“Today, LifeLabs in Sudbury ends local testing. Over the last few weeks, more samples have already been transported to Toronto labs for processing,” said Gélinas. “Patients are now facing delays in getting results, delayed treatment plans, and unnecessary follow-up appointments because services are no longer being processed locally.”

“LifeLabs profits will rise, leaving behind a trail of late treatments, wasted medical appointments and job losses for my constituents. Ontario can do better.

“Small northern rural hospitals are desperate for new investment. They already have the infrastructure, people and skills to deliver these valuable services instead of padding profits for the American company that owns LifeLabs. These dollars can be used to retain and develop northern lab professionals, sustain local health infrastructure, support community health, attract and retain professionals, prevent ‘Brain Drain’ and of course emergency preparedness for the next health emergency.

“If Northeastern Ontario isn’t profitable enough for LifeLabs then let’s give the contract to the people and organizations that keep us healthy and help us when we’re sick, our northern community hospitals. They should be allowed to be paid for community lab services. Where is Captain Canada when we need him?"

Last fall a whistleblower came to MPP Gélinas to tell her that LifeLabs had made the decision to close its Sudbury laboratory in spring 2026.