FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We Are Oshawa wishes to express solidarity with the Canadian Health Coalition and the Ontario Health Coalition in their fight to pressure the Harper Government to renew Canada’s National Health Accord.  At a recent general meeting, members of We Are Oshawa voted unanimously to issue a statement of support for the campaign to renew the National Health Accord.

The 10-year health accord is set to expire and the Harper Government has clearly signalled their intent to retreat from a federal role in maintaining a single-tier public health care system.  The Harper Government has already cancelled the Health Council of Canada, a council created to track progress and quality in health care; announced plans to cut $36 billion in transfers to the provinces for health care, and cut funding for refugees and veterans.  

We Are Oshawa condemns these cuts in the strongest possible terms.  We Are Oshawa also urges the Harper Government to commit to renewing the National Health Accord immediately and demands an end to any cuts to health care funding to the provinces.  Residents of Oshawa depend on our single-tier public health care system and our organization supports a strong role for the federal government in upholding national standards, improving coverage for drugs, investments in home and community care, and ensuring stable and adequate funding for health care.

We Are Oshawa encourages all members of our organization and supporters to join the Ontario Health Coalition on August 23^rd at 10AM at Steelworkers Hall (115 Albert St) for a workshop and door-to-door canvassing.