Ontario NDP’s ‘firm commitment’ to healthcare includes restoring Fort Erie urgent care
October 9, 2024 at 9:24 PM
Wayne Gates has been a vocal proponent of maintaining services at Fort Erie’s urgent care centre for many years, a push also being publicly reiterated by the NDP party as a whole.
On Monday, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles was in Welland to announce a “firm commitment to deliver better health care for the region with a new Welland Hospital and restored services to Niagara’s urgent care centres in Port Colborne and Fort Erie,” says a news release from the party.
Marit Stiles. Credit: Ontario NDPGates, the NDP MPP for the Niagara Falls riding, which includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake, said it’s incredibly important that the people of Fort Erie have 24/7 healthcare service available in the community.
In an interview with Fort Erie Radio on Wednesday, Gates said 45 per cent of the local population is currently 55 years of age and older.
“That number is going to grow to 50 per cent by 2041,” he said, adding that seniors have more complex healthcare needs and that the Douglas Memorial site needs to be there for aging residents.
The municipal government in Fort Erie is also fighting for the facility, which is slated to close when a new hospital in Niagara Falls opens in 2028.
Fort Erie’s continuing role in the fight is important in the NDP’s plans, said Gates.
“We have the full support of not only the party and our leader, but the full support of the council,” said Gates.
Late last month at a council meeting, Mayor Wayne Redekop brought forward a notice of motion that will request provincial funding provided for the operation of the town’s urgent care centre, and possibly for palliative care services to “remain available to Fort Erie for its primary care initiative should Niagara Health close or downgrade the urgent care centre at any time in the future.”
The town also requested to be part of an upcoming Niagara Health board meeting after Niagara Health made the decision to leave the town’s community health care services committee.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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