Petition to the Ontario Government: Prioritize Public Healthcare Over Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass

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EXPLAINER

While we are grateful for the Ontario Government’s August 1, 2024 announcement of

healthcare expansion, including 300 new hospital beds and facility redevelopments in

Durham Region, we remain deeply concerned about Ontario's healthcare spending

overall.

While this is a critical step for our growing community, two major challenges threaten its

success: underfunded healthcare and a severe nurse shortage.

Key Healthcare Issues

1. Low Healthcare Spending: Ontario spends 15.2% less per capita on healthcare

than the national average, raising concerns about whether the new facilities will

be adequately funded.

2. Nurse Shortage: The province is short 26,000 registered nurses, which puts the

quality of care at risk and makes it difficult to fully staff these new hospital beds.

Highways Over Healthcare

Despite Ontario’s pressing healthcare needs, the

government is spending $9-14 billion on Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. These

projects will benefit land developers and lead to increased pollution, without significantly

reducing traffic congestion. The highways will also cause environmental harm and

contribute to rising long-term healthcare costs.

A Better Use of Resources

Instead of funding highways that offer limited benefits, we

urge the government to redirect these billions toward addressing the healthcare crisis:

- Fix the Nurse Shortage: Allocate funds to hire and retain nurses.

- Expand Hospital Capacity: Ensure the new facilities are fully supported, staffed,

and equipped.

Conclusion

Cancelling Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass and investing in

healthcare is crucial for the well-being of Ontario’s residents. We call on the Ontario

Government to prioritize healthcare to create a stronger, healthier province.

Sources:

https://thenarwhal.ca/highway-413-bradford-bypass-explainer/

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/03/investigations/developers-ties-ford-

government-benefit-highway-413

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/financial-accountability-office-ontario-report-

1.7170171

https://rnao.ca/news/media-releases/cihi-data-reveals-critical-nursing-shortage-in-

ontario