Current Focus

Save Our Public Hospitals

Public hospitals have experienced funding cuts, leading to deficits and service closures. Private clinics obtain funding increases of over 300%.

Private clinics receive higher funding per procedure than public hospitals; for example, cataract surgeries are funded at a rate of $605 in private clinics versus $500 in public ones. This diversion of funds is viewed as inefficient and a waste of public resources.

Private clinics attract staff from public hospitals, worsening the existing staffing crisis in the public system. Public hospitals also face high costs from relying on private staffing agencies, which charge up to three times more than the cost of hiring staff directly.

Many public hospital operating rooms remain underused or closed for extended periods due to a lack of funding and staff, despite available capacity. This situation can lead to longer wait times in the public system and create a two-tier system where wealthier patients have better access to care.

Privatization goes against the principle of universal healthcare. In Canada medical care is based on need, not the ability to pay. Reports have documented cases where patients were illegally extra-billed for medically necessary services in private clinics.

RELEASE: Health Care Advocates Slam Ford Government for Privatizing Surgeries While Pushing Public Hospitals into Deficit