National

NDP want emergency debate on private health care

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Jan, 2023 10:54 AM

OTTAWA - Federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh says he will call on the House of Commons to hold an emergency debate on the privatization of health care.

It’s a top priority for the leader as members of Parliament return to the House Monday following a holiday break.

Singh spent some of that time away holding round table discussions on health care in British Columbia to discuss emergency room overcrowding and worker shortages.

Singh says health care is already understaffed and he believes for-profit facilities will poach doctors and nurses away from hospitals.

Today I am calling for an Emergency Debate in Parliament.

Conservatives govts are planning US-style privatization.

Justin Trudeau is on board with them.

I want to strengthen, protect and expand our public health care system.

I'm fighting back - for you and your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/YzcBoVpVLv
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 30, 2023

When you rush into an ER, health care workers should be ready. There should be enough of them.

Conservatives want to hand health care to American-style for-profit corporations, taking nurses and doctors out of hospitals.

Justin Trudeau is siding with them.

I won't.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 30, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government announced earlier this month that it’s moving some procedures to publicly funded, private facilities to address a growing surgery waitlist, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan have already made similar moves.

“Health care is already dramatically understaffed, and for-profit facilities will poach doctors and nurses — cannibalizing hospitals, forcing people to wait longer in pain and wracked with anxiety,” Singh said in a statement to The Canadian Press.

The NDP say they're also concerned that private facilities will upsell patients for brands and services not covered by the province, and tack on extra fees and services.

On Saturday Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said his Liberal government will ensure people don’t use their credit cards for health-care services and health care will remain universally public.

If Singh’s request for an emergency debate is granted it could go ahead as early as Monday evening.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Abbotsford Police investigating after man assaulted with a hammer

A statement from Abbotsford Police says "An unidentified man exited the rear of the female’s car and demanded belongings from the victim. During this time, the victim was attacked by the man, who struck the victim with a hammer."

Abbotsford Police investigating after man assaulted with a hammer

Crown can't prove former B.C. mayor lied: defence

In the videotaped statement shown in court, McCallum says he recognized Debi Johnstone as a campaigner for a group wanting to keep the RCMP in Surrey while he was planning to replace it with a municipal police force.

Crown can't prove former B.C. mayor lied: defence

Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating missing woman, Traci Johal.

Traci Johal is described as a South Asian woman, 5’6”, 125 lbs., with shoulder-length dyed dark blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a white blouse, black or grey leggings, a black sweater and black running shoes. Her family and police are concerned about her well-being.

Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating missing woman, Traci Johal.

Two bodies found in home in Chilliwack, B.C.

A statement from RCMP in the Fraser Valley city says police were called to the home in a rural area of Chilliwack on Tuesday afternoon. Officers determined the deaths appeared suspicious and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is now leading the case.

Two bodies found in home in Chilliwack, B.C.

Jury weighs in after man shot 9 times by B.C. cops

The coroners inquest probed the November 2016 death of Daniel Rintoul, who attacked and stabbed a staff member, tried to steal a gun from a gun case and took a hostage at an east Vancouver Canadian Tire. The 38-year-old, nearly six-foot, 350-pound man was shot nine times after repeatedly stabbing one of the officers who was trying to arrest him.

Jury weighs in after man shot 9 times by B.C. cops

Health fund talks end without deal as feds balk

British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix, who called it a "disappointing" end to the meetings, had previously said provincial and territorial ministers were united behind a request for federal funding to be increased to 35 per cent, up from 22 per cent.