Better Health Care

NDP Backgrounder 2011

Eric Burton

Today’s families want quality health care for everyone

Not just for those who can afford to buy it. That’s why the NDP’s Tommy Douglas created public medicare, and that’s why New Democrats are working to secure and strengthen this vital program.

Health is a real issue in the riding of Renfrew Nipissing Pembroke. We have some of the worst rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes in all of Canada. For example, men in Renfrew County live almost two years less than other Ontarians and women live nearly one year less.

We are also one of the poorest ridings in Ontario and research has shown that poverty and poor health go hand-in-hand.

Many areas in the riding are desperately short of doctors, therapists and other health care providers. Both liberal and conservative governments have done little to tackle the problems. Local communities are collecting millions of dollars in donations to attract doctors to our area and that’s not right.

The New Democrats: Leadership you can trust

The NDP are committed to strengthening health care, and reducing wait times for you and your family by:

• Training 1,200 new doctors and 6,000 additional nurses each year
• Recognizing the credentials of foreign-trained health professionals
• Reducing soaring prescription drug prices—including national bulk-buying and a program to get cheaper generics on the shelves sooner
• Consistently pressing for more long-term care spaces and expanded home care coverage—to offer seniors dignity in their later years and take pressure off scarce hospital beds
• Launching a national suicide prevention strategy.

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