Debate over future of South Niagara Hospital

The future of the South Niagara Hospital was the focus of debate at Queens Park Monday morning.

Ontario PC Health Critic Christine Elliot asked the Premier if she would commit to build a new hospital in south Niagara. Elliot noted it was one of many recommendations put forward by the government’s own consultant on the matter. Elliot said Monday, “the existing hospitals in Niagara Falls, Welland, Port Colborne and Fort Erie are all in need of major renovations in order to provide care. A new hospital would actually save taxpayers money in terms of operations. Premier will you stand here today and commit to building a new hospital in South Niagara as recommended by your expert doctors…”

In response to Elliot’s question, Premier Wynne said, “it is a bit rich coming from a member of this party, talking to us about closing hospitals… Because that is the party that closed hospitals, and the point that I want to make Mr. Speaker is that we are the party that has built and opened hospitals and maintained hospitals.”

While the Premier would not commit to funding a new hospital in South Niagara, she did point out that her government has built many new hospitals in communities across the province.