Stiles’ NDP welcomes federal announcement to expand access to primary care

NIAGARA REGION – Following the announcement that the Canada Health Act will now allow provinces to cover primary care by nurse practitioners, Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP has issued the following statement:

“This is great news for improving access to primary care in Ontario,” said Stiles. “Including Nurse Practitioners, who are ready to provide care to communities, under the Act, is long overdue. But at a time when more than 2 million Ontarians are without access to primary care, we need a government that we can trust to get this done."

“Under Doug Ford’s Conservatives, are left waiting for primary care, emergency rooms have been shuttered, and for-profit health care has exploded. While I am happy to see long-overdue changes in our health care, improving access will take political leadership that has so far been absent in our province.”

“Addictions affect people from all walks of life, including many working in the trades with high paying jobs. It’s time for a government that leads with evidence and empathy instead of stigma. It’s time for a government that recognizes the work that Path 525 does, listen to local community members and experts including those with lived experiences and keep it open.”