Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

More than 400 health-sector workers being laid off in Ontario

First Published:

More than 400 administrative health-sector workers are being laid off as the Ontario government moves to consolidate 20 agencies into one super-agency.

According to a spokesperson for Health Minister Christine Elliott, 416 people in “back-office positions” will lose their jobs and another 406 vacant positions will be eliminated.

The Progressive Conservative government announced late last year 14 local health integration networks, Cancer Care Ontario, eHealth Ontario, and others would merge into one agency called Ontario Health.

“We understand that our plan will impact individuals’ lives,” said Elliott in a news release. “That’s why we have asked agencies to responsibly avoid filling vacant positions and accept early retirements to minimize the impact of the reorganization into Ontario Health. We are eliminating duplicative administration, and redirecting those savings to direct patient care. We can all agree that funding frontline services instead of duplicated administration will do more good for Ontarians and is a far better use of health care dollars.”

The government projects the cuts will save roughly $250 million this year.

Premier Doug Ford repeatedly promised during last year’s election there would be no job loses under his government.

More Top News

1 person in critical condition after house fire in Hamilton’s east end

One person has been hospitalized in critical condition after they were found without vital signs in a burning home in Hamilton’s east end Thursday...

Bullet casings confirm shooting occurred on Hamilton Mountain

The discovery of spent bullet casings has confirmed that a shooting took place on Hamilton Mountain late Tuesday, police say. Shortly after 8 p.m., officers...

Federal offender known to frequent Hamilton at large, again

The OPP are searching for a federal offender they say is known to frequent the Hamilton area. 31-year-old Daniel Hale is described as an Indigenous...

Four Ontario school boards sue Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok

Four of Ontario's largest school boards are suing the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok alleging the social media platforms are disrupting...

No injuries after fire at Niagara’s Best Inn hotel

A fire at Niagara's Best Inn hotel broke out late Wednesday. Emergency crews were called out to the structure fire on Ferry Street around 10:30...

Man crashes car in Stoney Creek after fleeing traffic stop

A Hamilton man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to flee a traffic stop and then crashed his vehicle in the city's east...