Kawartha Lakes calls on the province, federal government to aid in adding physicians

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes is calling on the provincial and federal governments, to help decrease a physician shortage.

At a meeting, on Tuesday, August 27th, councillors approved a motion from, Ward 2 Councillor, Pat Warren, to “urge the Federal Government and the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in the City of Kawartha Lakes and Ontario, [and] to fund health care appropriately and ensure every Ontarian has access to primary care.”

The motion was brought up during discussions on correspondence, from Kimberly Moran, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Medical Association, and Colin Best, the President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

“Communities across Ontario have been facing critical healthcare challenges, including: long waitlists for primary care, shortages of doctors and other healthcare workers; and emergency room closures. These cracks in Ontario’s health care system are impacting economic development, health, and well-being at the local level. In response, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) are working collaboratively, to advocate for a better healthcare system for Ontario’s residents and communities,” the letter councillors received stated.

Ward 8 Councillor, Tracy Richardson seconded the motion, calling it “good direction from council.”

She also asked if the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus are sending a letter as well, noting the importance of “strength in numbers.”

CAO Ron Taylor said, the caucus did pass a similar resolution, as did a delegation at the AMO conference.

“Certainly, a local resolution is in alignment with that messaging,” Mr. Taylor added.