NDP: $10.7 billion gap exposes Ford’s dangerous plan for Ontario’s health care

QUEEN’S PARK – Dr. Robin Lennox, Shadow Minister for Primary Care, and France Gélinas, Shadow Minister for Health, say today’s Financial Accountability Office report confirms what the province is already seeing, that the Ford government’s health care plan is actively damaging Ontario’s health system and putting patients at risk across the province.

The FAO projects a $10.7 billion health sector funding shortfall by 2027-28 under the government’s current spending plan.

“This is a devastatingly massive gap here. This is a plan that will move Ontario backwards,” said Gélinas. “This government is choosing to underfund the health system at a time when our population is growing and aging. That is reckless and it is dangerous for patients.”

The FAO also projects the government’s plan would result in fewer funded hospital beds, fewer nurses, and fewer PSWs across Ontario by 2027-28, even as demand for care continues to rise.

“You cannot rip capacity out of the system while more people need care and act surprised when hospitals are overwhelmed,” said Dr. Lennox. “This is exactly how you end up with patients in hallways and staff pushed past the breaking point. Buildings do not fix that. Funding staff and operations does.”

“People in this province need care now,” said Gélinas. “Not next election cycle. Not after another announcement. They need staffed beds, nurses, and PSWs today. Until this government actually funds care properly, patients are the ones paying for these choices.”