LENNOX: Municipal "hunger games" for doctors is a result of Ford and Jones' failure

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Shadow Minister with responsibility for Primary Care Dr. Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre) is calling the Ford government’s bluff, following comments from the Minister of Health about municipal incentive programs to attract primary care doctors:

“This is a symptom of Doug Ford’s failure on health care,” said Lennox. “Municipalities shouldn’t have to spend tax dollars just to secure basic access to health care. When towns are cutting cheques to recruit doctors, it’s clear that the province has left them with no other option.”

Dr. Lennox said simply telling municipalities what not to do does nothing to solve the underlying crisis.

“A serious Minister of Health wouldn’t just say ‘don’t do it,’” said Dr. Lennox. “She would come forward with a comprehensive provincial recruitment and retention strategy that ensures primary care providers are going to the regions with the highest need.”

Dr. Lennox said the situation underscores the need for legislative action to bring coordination and accountability back to Ontario’s primary care system.

“Health care planning cannot be left to a patchwork of municipal workarounds. Municipal leaders across the province have been working tirelessly to fill this gap, but they shouldn't have to. It’s clear that the Ford government has abandoned them. Ontario needs a province-led strategy that puts patients first and ends the chaos communities are being forced to manage on their own.”