Arnott questions Premier on local hospital projects

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2010

Arnott questions Premier on local hospital projects
(Queen’s Park) – Hospital projects were again the subject of discussion today in the Ontario
Legislature. In a question to Premier Dalton McGuinty, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott
asked when the government would release its long-promised 10-year plan for hospital capital
projects.

“Hospitals need to know where they are on the list so that they can plan their projects,” said Mr.
Arnott in the Legislature. He again informed MPPs that the Groves Hospital needs permission from
the Minister of Health to move forward to the next stage of planning for its new hospital, and that the
Georgetown Hospital requires a small capital grant.

Today’s debate came after the Minister of Health, Deb Matthews, yesterday repeated her view that
MPPs are hospitals’ best lobbyists. In reply to Mr. Arnott’s constructive questioning—his second
consecutive day posing questions on the issue—the Premier responded favourably.

“If [Mr. Arnott] has any specific advice with respect to his community, obviously, that’s the kind of
thing that we want to consider,” said the Premier.

When Question Period concluded, Mr. Arnott followed up by speaking personally with the Premier.

“Our conversation was very cordial,” reported Mr. Arnott. “It was a helpful opportunity to reiterate
the importance of these projects to the people of our communities. I indicated that I would give him
further information documenting our need.”

Last week, the Legislature debated Mr. Arnott’s resolution on the issue. It called on the Minister of
Health to immediately approve the planning grant requested by the Groves Memorial Community
Hospital, and to seek approval for a small project capital grant for the Georgetown Hospital, allowing
it to proceed with its needed emergency room addition and diagnostic imaging renovation project.

In spite of the Liberal majority voting to defeat Mr. Arnott’s resolution, he has no intention of giving
up.

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org