Opposition parties urge that Ontario’s doctor shortage be a key issue in the upcoming election, despite Ford’s focus on Trump.
Walkerton: The doctor shortage in Ontario is becoming a hot topic as the provincial election approaches. Opposition parties are pushing for this issue to be front and center, especially with Premier Doug Ford trying to shift the focus to U.S. President Trump and his tariffs.
Last week, hundreds of people in Walkerton braved the cold, hoping to secure a family doctor. It was a tough scene, with only 500 spots available for over a thousand people waiting in line. Many shared stories of long waits at emergency rooms just to get basic care.
As the election nears, Ford is reportedly planning to call a vote on January 29, with Ontarians heading to the polls on February 27. But critics, like Liberal health critic Dr. Adil Shamji, argue that the focus should be on healthcare, not just Trump’s tariffs.
Shamji pointed out that Ford is avoiding the real issues, like healthcare and the rising cost of living. He believes voters deserve to know that the doctor shortage is a pressing concern that can’t be ignored.
In Walkerton, the situation is dire. People are struggling to find family doctors, and the Ontario Medical Association warns that the number of residents without a family doctor could rise to over 4.4 million by 2026.
NDP Leader Marit Stiles emphasized that the desperate need for doctors is clear. While Trump’s tariffs are a concern, the government’s failure to address the doctor shortage is even more pressing.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner echoed these sentiments, stating that Ontario’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. He believes that hiring more doctors and nurses is essential to fixing the system.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones has defended the government’s actions, claiming they’ve increased funding for primary care and are working to connect more people with doctors. However, many are skeptical about whether these efforts will be enough.
Dr. Dominik Nowak, president of the Ontario Medical Association, hopes the doctor shortage will be a key issue in the election. He likened the situation to a scene from “The Hunger Games,” highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Overall, it’s clear that the doctor shortage is a significant issue for many Ontarians, and as the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the political arena.
