For Immediate Release:
Thursday, February 6, 2003

GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance hospitals congratulate Ontario Premier Ernie Eves for his efforts in reaching a new federal health deal

The GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance commends Ontario Premier Ernie Eves for advocating on behalf of the province and working with the first ministers to create a new federal health deal. GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance Chair Jane Watson congratulated Premier Eves for “his determination in obtaining additional federal funding to help stabilize the health care system for residents in Ontario.”

According to Alliance Executive Director, Joe Pilon, “federal funding will help the Ernie Eves government address growth funding pressures in the province. In the regions of Durham, Halton, Peel and York where populations continue to grow at two to three times greater than the provincial average, these additional federal resources will help to sustain and stabilize the provision of health care services for the over 2.5 million constituents in the area.”

“Premier Eves has indicated in today’s news reports that he is committed to continuing the bargaining process with the federal government on behalf of all Ontarians and we congratulate him on his commitment and diligence,” says Jane Watson. “His continuing efforts with the federal government will go a long way to repair Ontario’s health care system overall and enable hospitals in the GTA/905 to meet the ever-increasing demands created by staggering population growth.”

Executive Director, Joe Pilon further commends Premier Eves for his public recognition of the pressures faced by Ontario hospitals. “Premier Eves continues to demonstrate his understanding of the fiscal havoc created by growth in the regions of Halton, Peel, York and Durham, where hospitals continue to stretch existing resources to meet health care demands. He has shown his willingness to go to bat for our four regions and the rest of the province and we thank him for his efforts.”

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The GTA/905 Healthcare Alliance is a group of eleven hospital corporations from the regions of Durham, Halton, Peel, York and surrounding areas. Alliance hospitals include: Halton Healthcare Services, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Lakeridge Health Corporation, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Rouge Valley Health System, Southlake Regional Health Centre, The Credit Valley Hospital, Trillium Health Centre, Whitby Mental Health Centre, William Osler Health Centre, and York Central Hospital.