Protecting Northern Ontario Healthcare
Sudbury East/Est-Manitoulin-Nickel Belt
Authorized by the Official Agent of Marc G. Serré./Autorisé par l’agent officiel de Marc G. Serré.
ELECT/RÉÉLISEZ
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2025
Protecting Northern Ontario Health and Health Care is Critical for Voters in Upcoming Federal Election
Over my nearly 10 years as a federal Member of Parliament representing a rural riding, I've learned that northerners are fiercely dedicated to protecting their health and accessing healthcare services. Health-related issues affect each of us in one way or another; none of us are immune. I will continue to stress the critical need for improved healthcare services throughout Northern Ontario. It is essential that residents can access healthcare, without financial burdens or shortages of medical professionals.
The upcoming federal election is crucial. Voters will have to choose between candidates who advocate for privatization and reduced healthcare services and those who have a proven track record of supporting accessible healthcare and, ensuring individuals do not face out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s important to acknowledge that there is a lot at stake. Although healthcare delivery falls under provincial jurisdiction, federal decisions can significantly impact our publicly funded healthcare system, potentially resulting in life-altering consequences.
During my time as Member of Parliament, we have launched new and innovative programs that benefit Canadians. These programs include the Oral Health Access Fund for dental care, the Improving Affordable Access to Prescription Drugs program for medication, the Climate Change and Health Capacity Building Program to address climate issues, and the Youth Mental Health Fund aimed at supporting mental health for young people.
The governments of Canada and Ontario have signed a bilateral agreement worth over $3.1 billion. This agreement marks a crucial step in a 10-year plan aimed at improving access to healthcare and health outcomes. The funding will help expand family health services, particularly in rural and remote areas; support healthcare workers and reduce backlogs; enhance mental health and substance use services; and modernize healthcare systems by utilizing health data and digital tools.
Through this bilateral agreement, Ontario has a three-year action plan that outlines targets and explains how funds will be spent and how progress will be measured to demonstrate to Ontarians how improvements will happen in their health care system.
Our government is finalizing a historic pharmacare agreement with provinces and territories to provide universal access to contraceptives and diabetes medications. Under this agreement, Canadian residents will receive public coverage for a wide range of contraceptives and diabetes treatments at little to no cost. The funding will also expand access to essential diabetes devices and supplies. This means more Canadians of reproductive age will have free access to contraception—including birth control pills, IUDs, implants, and emergency contraception—while those living with diabetes will benefit from
improved access to vital medications. These measures will help reduce health complications, promote equity, and improve overall well-being for millions of Canadians.
I am proud to advocate for initiatives that enhance and protect healthcare in Northern Ontario. This includes securing over $530,000 in funding for NOSM (Northern Ontario School of Medicine) to help train and retain doctors in our region. I have also collaborated closely with Indigenous partners to expand access to culturally appropriate mental health and addiction services. Additionally, I have supported funding for bilingual health services to ensure that francophone communities can receive care in their preferred language.
We recently announced $14 million in federal funding to help internationally trained doctors and nurses have their credentials recognized more quickly and efficiently within our healthcare system. This funding is crucial for addressing workforce shortages and help alleviate pressures on the many skilled professionals working hard for residence requiring medical attention, especially in underserved areas such as Northern Ontario.
Poilievre’s actions signal a shift toward increased privatization in healthcare. Under his leadership, it is likely that private clinics offering services such as diagnostic imaging and specialist consultations would expand. As public wait times persist, more Canadians may feel compelled to pay out-of-pocket for quicker access to care through private providers. This would increase personal healthcare costs and deepen inequities between those who can afford to pay and those who cannot.
Furthermore, Pierre Poilievre has opposed key healthcare initiatives, including pledging to dismantle the national pharmacare program. He has also voted against federal funding aimed at reducing wait times for surgeries and emergency room care.
Given Poilievre’s opposition to national pharmacare and other key healthcare investments, coupled with the potential expansion of private healthcare services, the Conservative candidate in Sudbury East-Manitoulin–Nickel Belt must clearly explain his leader’s stance on the privatization of healthcare in Canada.
Health care must continue to be publicly funded and should be accessible to residents of Northern Ontario whenever and wherever they need it, without any out-of-pocket expenses. I have heard this concern repeatedly from my constituents, who are worried about their future and the futures of their loved ones. I want you to know that I hear you. I am dedicated to advocating for you and delivering meaningful results for Northern Ontario residents.
Sincerely,
Marc G. Serré, Federal Liberal Candidate
Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt