March 1, 2007

KITCHENER – The McGuinty government wants to hear from local residents as it develops a 10-year strategic plan for the province’s health care system, John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, announced today on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“Listening to Ontarians is essential to the development of a long-term plan for the province’s health system,” said Milloy. “Our government has made significant progress in increasing access to health care and bringing down wait times. We want to make sure that this progress continues as we work together to build a strong health system that responds to the needs of all Ontarians.”

A public regional consultation will be held on Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at :

Delta Kitchener
Grand Ballroom
105 King Street East
Kitchener ON N2G 2K8

The meeting in Kitchener is being hosted by Milloy, and speakers will include Katherine Durst, Chair of the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

The consultations will allow local residents an opportunity to have their say about the future of health care in Ontario, as well as front-line health care providers and organized health care groups. Members of the public who wish to attend or participate in the consultations can obtain more information by calling 1-866-968-9582 or visiting www.register-ourplanforhealth.ca.

The 2.5-hour session will highlight the government’s progress in building a stronger health care system in Ontario, health and social trends in the province, future system challenges and opportunities, and an overview of what the government and LHINs have already heard from the public.

Participants at the session will then be engaged in a dialogue about the important values and priorities that will shape Ontario’s future health care system.

The regional consultation is just one of many ways that the government has been obtaining feedback from Ontarians on their health care priorities and concerns. Opinions have been collected through other meetings with health care stakeholders, telephone surveys, e-mails to a dedicated website (www.ourplanforhealth.ca) and through a toll-free phone line: 1-866-532-3161.

The consultations will be part of the development of a strategic plan, which is a commitment legislated under the Local Health System Integration Act. The plan will set out a vision, priorities and strategic directions for our health care system over the next 10 years.

“Developing a plan is a huge challenge and responsibility,” said Smitherman. “And we can’t do it without listening to the thoughts, concerns and ideas from the people of Ontario.”

Today’s initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan for innovation in public healthcare and building a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public :
1-866-532-3161

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