FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2004

MPPs Press Health Minister for Answers On Peterborough’s New Hospital

QUEEN’S PARK – Opposition MPPs Laurie Scott and John O’Toole today urged the McGuinty government to take action on approving the new Peterborough hospital once the tender is received.

Laurie Scott (Haliburton-Victoria-Brock) pointed out in Question Period that the provincial government has $400 million to spend on a casino in Windsor and money to waste on partisan brochures, but that there is still no money for Peterborough’s hospital. “Premier, instead of hustling taxpayers in a game of Texas hold’em, maybe you should fold your hand and solve the real issue facing patients in Peterborough,” she said.

The Haliburton-Victoria-Brock MPP called on the McGuinty government to keep its promises and respond to the tender for construction of a new hospital in Peterborough within 30 days of March 1.

Durham MPP John O’Toole referred to Premier McGuinty’s plans to visit Peterborough Friday, February 18, but pointed out that that an article in the Peterborough Examiner indicated the Premier’s visit would steer clear of the hospital. “Why is he skipping the hospital when this is the front page story?” Mr. O’Toole asked.

“Healthcare is a province-wide priority,” Mr. O’Toole added after Question Period. “If Premier McGuinty comes to Peterborough without addressing the hospital issue, he’s only using the city as a convenient photo opportunity.”

The Durham and Haliburton-Victoria-Brock MPPs have ridings that adjoin the Peterborough Riding and their constituents are served by the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

In response to questioning from MPPs O’Toole and Scott, Minister of Health George Smitherman, said the new Peterborough hospital would go forward this fiscal year, the second time in fourteen months this promise has been made but has yet to be kept.

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