Hospital cuts protested outside Windsor pre-budget consultations

CTV Windsor: Pre-budget protest Dozens of groups are getting the ear of the government before it drafts the 2016 budget. Rich Garton reports.

The Ontario Federation of Labour and the Ontario Common Front have joined the Ontario Health Coalition in Windsor to protest cuts to Ontario hospitals and social programs.

The groups gathered outside pre-budget consultations in Windsor.

"Here in Windsor, we are seeing the effects of austerity in every community, “said OFL president Chris Buckley. “Hospital cuts, hydro privatization, mounting student debt, precarious jobs and Canada's lowest social program funding are taking their toll in every neighbourhood.

He says it’s time for the provincial government to lay out a plan for restoring public services, growing our economy, expanding Ontario's revenue base and lifting standards for everyone.

Buckley says the next Ontario budget shouldn't be constrained by government cuts, it should create an Ontario in which everyone prospers.

"Nine consecutive years of real-dollar cuts have plunged Ontario into last place in hospital funding.” said Ontario Health Coalition executive director Natalie Mehra. “Patients are being left on stretchers in hallways, surgeries are being cancelled and vital health services are being privatized, subject to user fees, or moved out of town."

Last week, CEO David Musyj of Windsor Regional Hospital said they plan to replace 80 Registered Nurses with 80 Registered Practical Nurses.

The net impact then is 86 job reductions overall due to a funding shortfall.

Consultations of the Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs are taking place at Caesars Windsor on Tuesday.