MPP Gates stands up for local health care access in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie

QUEEN’S PARK - Today, Ontario NDP MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) questioned the Ford Conservatives record on local health care access in Niagara. MPP Gates raised the issue of getting nurse practitioner services for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and spoke out against the recent reduction of service hours at Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre.

“In my community, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, people are facing a challenge, accessing front-line health care services,” said MPP Gates. “More than one in every three residents – many of whom are seniors – don’t have a family doctor. Returning a nurse practitioner in the Town would help fill this service gap. The Town has contacted the Minister of Health, who confirmed they would get the needed nurse practitioner services. But the Town hasn’t heard back in the year – why is this government refusing to assist the Town?”

As of 2021, more than 30 percent of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s population was older than 65, almost double the provincial average. Nearly 40 percent of residents are not registered with the Niagara North Family Health Team. MPP Gates recently wrote a joint letter with Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa on the issue, noting that the provincial government confirmed in July 2022 that the nurse practitioner was supported and funding was available, but there has been no follow-up since.

While progress has been made on local health care access in Niagara Falls with the groundbreaking at the new South Niagara hospital – which Gates has been fighting for since 2014 – Gates remains committed to ensuring all communities in Niagara get the health care they need.

“Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t the only community suffering due to this government’s mishandling of health care,” said Gates. “In Fort Erie, the community is dealing with a reduction in hours at Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre. Residents who show up late at night needing help are being turned away.”

Douglas Memorial was recently closed overnight by Niagara Health from 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., who cited staffing issues as the reason for the reduction in services. MPP Gates, alongside the Town of Fort Erie, has been vocal in opposing the change.

“We know this government’s actions – Bill 124, Bill 60, and underfunding public health care by billions have worsened the staffing crisis in our hospitals,” said Gates. “When will this government address the staffing crisis, stop fighting nurses in court, and ensure Fort Erie gets the 24/7/365 services they deserve?”