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Healthcare Staffing Nightmare
Pénurie de Personnel dans les Soins de Santé

May 14, 2024

Gélinas calls for Action After FOI Exposes Healthcare Staffing Nightmare

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Health Critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) raised concerns today regarding the projected staffing shortfall in Ontario’s healthcare sector.

” According to Ministry data, Ontario is presently short over 13,000 nurses; by 2032, this number will rise to 33,200,” said Gélinas. “The number one reason for this shortage is the workload nurses face on every shift. Why isn’t this government using its own data and taking action to improve the workload of our nurses?”

Through a Freedom of Information request, The Canadian Press obtained information from the Minister of Long-Term Care’s briefing book, revealing abysmal staffing shortages in Ontario’s health sector for the next ten years.

“It gets worse. Ministry data tells us we are short 38,000 PSWs; by 2027, this number will be 50,000. No matter how many PSW we train, 1 in 4 PSWs leave their profession each year,” continued Gélinas. “This government’s utter disrespect for the working conditions of healthcare workers is driving them away. What is the government doing to improve working conditions for PSWs?”

Quick Facts:

• By 2024, Ontario will face a shortage of 13,200 nurses.
• The projected shortage of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) is even more dire, with a shortfall of 37,700 by 2024.
• Attrition rates are alarmingly high, with 25% of PSWs leaving the profession annually.
• Briefing documents obtained through FOI requests indicate workload, working conditions, and low wages as key issues driving staffing         shortages.

Nurse Practitioners are ready, where is the Ministry of Health?
Les infirmières praticiennes sont prêtes, mais où est le Ministère de la santé ?

May 13, 2024

Nurse Practitioners are ready, where is the Ministry of Health?

QUEEN’S PARK – During Question Period this morning, NDP Health Critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) implored the Minister of Health to fully engage the provinces Nurse Practitioners in the Primary Care Crisis.

“Members of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario came to Queen’s Park today. They came to share solutions with the Minister for the 2.3 million Ontarians without access to primary care. They are ready, willing and able to care for thousands of orphan patients. Unfortunately, although all 25 Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics are willing to help, they represent only 4 of the 78 teams announced by the Minister. Will the Minister listen to the solutions brought forward by the Nurse Practitioners Association, open positions for Nurse Practitioners and give Ontarians access to primary care.“

It has been reported widely that under employed Nurse Practitioners are opening private clinics to deliver care to Ontario residents without access to primary care.

“Nurse Practitioner scope of practice has finally increase so they can order diagnostic imaging and provide more treatments, they have taken on this extra work, these new responsibilities very successfully. Yet Nurse Practitioners working in primary care, in Long Term Care, in our correctional system have not seen a salary increase since this government took power. When will the Minister start showing respect for hard working Nurse Practitioners and at a minimum close the salary gap between hospitals and other health settings?”

Nurse practitioners have more training than registered nurses and can deliver high standard of primary care, including diagnosing and treating common conditions, referring to specialists and prescribing medication.

Nurse to Patient Ratios
Les ratios des patients par infirmière

May 7, 2024

Will you implement mandatory nurse to patient ratios in Ontario?

QUEEN’S PARK —NDP Health critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) questioned the Minister of Health about her commitment to ending health care staff burn out and improving the quality of care in Ontario’s hospitals.

“Our healthcare system is in disarray, with no relief in sight. Patients, from sick babies to people needing palliative care face long waits in emergency rooms and overcrowded hospital. Minister, this doesn’t have to be the new normal in Ontario. British Columbia is implementing mandatory nurse to patient ratios in that province.

Will the Minister commit to improve patient and nurse outcomes and bring nurse to patient ratios in Ontario? “

France Gélinas and representatives from the province’s nurses gathered in the Queen’s Park media studio this morning to discuss her bill, the Patient-to-Nurse Ratios for Hospitals Act, 2024.

“The state of California implemented Nurse to patient ratios 25 years ago and the numbers speak for themselves. Better patient outcomes and less nurses burnout. Two challenges that this Minister of Health and Premier continue to ignore as they rush towards corporate for-profit delivery of our health services.

If this government really wants to improve Ontario’s health services, there is an easy first step: get started on Nurse to Patient ratios. Will the Minister do it?”

Don Morin Will be Missed
Don Morin nous manquera

April 24, 2024

We’ve lost Don Morin

QUEEN’S PARK – France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt rose in the legislature to make a statement recognizing the passing of Don Morin.

“Last Friday, my riding, my team and I lost a good friend, Mr. Don Morin. Don advocated for worker’s rights before and after his retirement from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He strongly believed in the NDP as the best choice for the working people of Ontario.

Don was the president of the NDP Nickel Belt riding association in 2007, when I was first elected, and he continued as my president until 2015. We called him “Best Prez Ever,” due to this constant involvement. Whether it was putting up signs, bringing t-shirts, hats, snacks, tools, whatever was needed, Don was always happy to help. He also helped support my predecessor, Ms. Shelley Martel, while she was in office.

During the last election, he was still very active with my team, pointing out all of the sign locations where NDPs had put up signs, he knew the size and locations where people wanted their sign… He would grab the sledgehammer and start nailing the sign just like he had done for the last five decades. But that was against his wife’s instruction; there was supposed to be no sledgehammer for Don, because he was 81 years old at the time.

Don leaves behind his smiling wife Diane, two sons and three grandkids. He was extremely proud of his family and what they have achieved. Thank you for sharing Don with us. We’ve learned so much from him, and I can assure you his life lessons will not be forgotten.

“I will miss you, Don”

Donald Albert Morin born January 23, 1941, died peacefully at his home in Garson surrounded by family on Friday, April 19, 2024.

End Gouging at the Pump
Mettre fin à l’escroquerie à la pompe

April 23, 2024

We can stop price gouging at the pump

QUEEN’S PARK – France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt appealed to Premier Ford to stop gouging at the pump in a statement in the legislature.

“We all know that gas prices jumped an average of 14 cents per litre across the GTA last week. Premier Ford immediately raised the concern of disgusting price gouging by Ontario gas stations. I applaud the Premier’s statement and rise to offer him a solution.

Residents of Nickel Belt and Northern Ontario have been dealing with price gouging at the pump for years. Fuel companies set the price per litre according to what the market can bear. Apparently, in the North, we can bear a lot.

Thousands of people have signed my petition to regulate the price of gas. We regulate the price of energy when it comes to natural gas, when it comes to electricity; what is stopping us from regulating the price of a litre of gas? Five provinces and many US states already have gas price regulation, and it works.

I ask that the Premier finally considers regulating the price of gas here in Ontario so that none of us have to be gouged when we go and fill up. This is a moment when this Premier can actually get it done. You have recognized that Ontarians are being gouged by fuel retailers across the province. Let’s end price gouging at the pump now. We can do this.”

France Gélinas and the NDP have been advocating for energy board oversight of retail gasoline prices since 2014.

Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic
La violence entre partenaires intimes: Une épidémie

10 Avril, 2024

La députée France Gélinas veut que l’Ontario déclare la violence entre partenaires intimes une épidémie

QUEEN’S PARK – Aujourd’hui pendant la période des questions, Madame France Gélinas, la députée provinciale de Nickel Belt a demandé au gouvernement Ford s’il était au courant que la violence commise par des partenaires intimes est très présente dans le Nord de l’Ontario.

« Nous savons depuis trop longtemps que la violence entre partenaires intimes est un problème trop fréquent, surtout dans le Nord de l’Ontario. Ce gouvernement a fermé la station de Police Provinciale de l’Ontario à Gogama et celle à Foleyet. Les longs délais lors des appels à l’aide mettent les survivantes en grand danger.

Je suis contente que le gouvernement va accepter le projet de loi du NPD et déclarer la violence entre des partenaires intimes, une épidémie. Est-ce que le gouvernement peut nous assurer que des solutions seront mises en œuvre dans les plus brefs délais pour les communautés francophones et les communautés du Nord ? »

Les députés néo-démocrates de l’opposition officielle se sont joints à un grand nombre de survivantes et de familles qui sont venues à Queen’s Park aujourd’hui, pour déclarer que la violence entre partenaires intimes (VPI) est une épidémie.

« Pendant des années, les conservateurs de Ford ont délibérément refusé de déclarer qu’il s’agissait d’une épidémie. Des vies ont été perdues, pendant qu’ils faisaient de la politique.

La violence entre partenaires intimes ne fait pas de discrimination; elle touche tout le monde, peu importe la langue ou la région. Il est temps d’arrêter de parler et de commencer à agir. Non seulement nous devons déclarer qu’il s’agit d’une épidémie, mais nous devons également mettre en œuvre des mesures pour sauver des vies, le plus rapidement possible.

La sensibilisation sans action n’aboutira à rien. Les conservateurs doivent au minimum rétablir le financement du fonds d’indemnisation des victimes et veiller à ce que nos tribunaux soient dotés d’un personnel adéquat pour que les victimes puissent obtenir justice. »

What is the Health Ministry hiding?
Que cache le ministère de la santé ?

April 9, 2024

What is the Health Ministry hiding?

QUEEN’S PARK —NDP Health critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) questioned the Minister of Health regarding reports her Ministry refuses to share health system staffing data.

“The health care staffing shortage has reached crisis level. The government has the data that shows this, but they are actively hiding that information from the public. The government was elected six years ago, and what have they done, Speaker? They have been disrespectful and harmful to our health care workers. Is the minister so ashamed of her work on health care that she is hiding the workforce numbers?.“

Global News reported a freedom of information request to the Ministry of Health regarding nursing, personal support worker and physician shortages was rejected as it could be considered economically damaging.

“The government can brag about how many nurses and health care workers have registered. They can continue to spend millions of taxpayers’ dollars to pay for advertising across social media, during the hockey game and on the radio bragging about the numbers of health care workers, but they are refusing to show us the numbers because they know that it is much worse under their watch.

So can the minister explain to the people of Ontario why the government is pulling the wool over our eyes?.”

Ford’s Policies Destroying Rural Ontario’s Healthcare
Les politiques de Ford détruisent les soins de santé dans les régions rurales de l’Ontario

April 9, 2024

From Right to Luxury: Ford’s Policies Destroying Rural Ontario’s Healthcare

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Health critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) released the following statement highlighting the horrendous state of healthcare in rural and Northern Ontario under the leadership of Premier Ford:

“After six years, Premier Ford’s neglect has plunged Northern Ontario’s healthcare into a crisis state with no signs of improvement. In Sault Ste. Marie, 10,000 people will lose access to healthcare next month. With 280 emergency room closures and 1200 hospital service shutdowns, rural and northern Ontario are bearing the brunt of Ford’s underfunding and neglect.

“In Elmvale, Springwater, the community was on the brink of gaining access to much-needed healthcare, with a doctor ready to open a shop. However, the health minister denied their proposal, dashing their hopes and leaving elderly seniors without timely access to care.

“Access to care, once considered a fundamental right, has become a luxury. It’s a shameful legacy for this government, which has done so little to address this crisis, setting our healthcare system back decades.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. The NDP and Ontarians know we have solutions. It’s time for Ford’s Conservatives to step up today and fulfill their duty to the people of rural and Northern Ontario by investing in our healthcare system.”

April is “Be A Donor” Month
Avril est le mois « Soyez un donneur »

April 8, 2024

April is “Be A Donor” Month

QUEEN’S PARK – France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt rose in the legislature to make a statement recognizing the arrival of April as ‘’BeADonor’’ month.

“April is “BeADonor” month a month dedicated to raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. The Trillium Gift of Life Network states 90% of Ontarians want to be a donor but only 35% have registered. Right now, about 1,400 Ontarians are waiting for a life-saving organ and sadly every 3 days someone dies waiting for an organ.

Three years ago, Nova Scotia implemented an organ donation system where all Nova Scotians are considered donors, unless they opt out. The first year saw an increase of 40% in tissue donations and numbers continue to increase. Ontario is ready for this speaker. I have tabled the ‘’Savings Organs to Save Lives bill’’ in memory of Peter Kormos, 6 times. There is no opposition to it, let’s get it done!

But until it happens, I want to thank every Ontarian who has registered to be a donor and saved lives. I want to thank my constituent Richard St-Amour, his work helped Nickel Belt achieve 57% registration to Be A Donor.

Yesterday, April 7th, was green shirt day. Logan Boulet’s organs donation inspired 100,000 Canadians to register as donors. Logan died in the tragic Humboldt Brocos junior hockey team bus crash, in Saskatchewan. We wear green to recognize Logan and all the donors who have given and saved lives.

Last year in Ontario 365 deceased donors gave the gift of life, leading to 1,152 organ transplants. The lives of thousands were improved thanks to 1,853 tissue donors.”

Recognizing Family Caregivers
Reconnaîssance des aidants.es naturels

March 27, 2024

MPP France Gélinas wants to recognize Caregivers

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP Health critic and MPP for Nickel Belt France Gélinas re-introduced an Act proclaiming Family Caregiver Day. This is the fourth time MPP Gélinas has introduced this piece of legislation. This bill would proclaim the first Tuesday of every April as Family Caregiver Day.

“Family caregiver” is the term used for a family member, friend or person of choice who gives care to someone who has care needs due to a disability, a physical, neurological, or mental condition, a chronic illness, frailty or age” the bill’s pre-amble states. “Recognition and awareness of these caregivers should be increased, and their valuable social and economic contribution to society should be acknowledged and supported.”

According to the Ontario Caregiver Coalition (OCC) 3.3 million or 29% of Ontarians are unpaid family caregivers. This includes 500,000 young carers between the ages of 15 – 24 years of age providing on average 14-27 hours of care per week. These caregivers devote countless hours of unpaid care to those who are most in need and their efforts, often go unrecognized. They form the backbone of our health care system. This task is no easy feat. It is therefore of the utmost importance that their valuable contributions to society be acknowledged and supported.

Lauren Bates, Chair of the Ontario Caregiver Coalition stated “Ontario’s unpaid family caregivers are essential to the wellbeing of their loved ones, and the backbone of Ontario’s healthcare system, often at significant cost to their own health, wellbeing and finances. Recognizing the essential work of caregivers is an important step towards supporting everything they do.”

Fourteen years ago, the Parliament of Canada unanimously adopted a motion declaring the first Tuesday in April as “The Invisible Work Day.” This day was designated to recognize the importance of the “invisible” unpaid work carried out by parents and caregivers on behalf of their children and aging family members, as well as the volunteer work done in the community.

The OCC brings together unpaid caregivers and organizations that support them, including the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Parkinson Canada, MS Canada, Ontario Community Support Association, Home Care Ontario and many more.

 

Le 27 mars, 2024

La députée provinciale France Gélinas veut reconnaître les aidantes et aidants naturels

QUEEN’S PARK – La porte-parole du NPD de l’Ontario en matière de santé et députée provinciale de Nickel Belt, France Gélinas, a déposé à nouveau un projet de loi proclamant le Jour des aidants naturels. C’est la quatrième fois que la députée Gélinas présente ce projet de loi. Ce projet de loi proclamerait le premier mardi de chaque mois d’avril le Jour des aidants naturels.

L’expression ” aidant naturel ” désigne un membre de la famille, un-e ami-e ou une personne de son choix qui s’occupe d’une personne ayant besoin de soins en raison d’un handicap, d’un problème physique, neurologique ou mentale, d’une maladie chronique, d’une faiblesse ou de son âge “, peut-on lire dans le préambule du projet de loi. “Les aidant.es naturels méritent d’être mieux connus du public et leurs utilité sociale et économique pour la société devrait être reconnue et valorisée”.

Selon la Coalition des aidantes et aidants naturels de l’Ontario (CANO), 3,3 millions d’Ontariens, soit 29 % de la population, sont des aidants naturels non rémunérés. Parmi eux, 500 000 jeunes aidants âgés de 15 à 24 ans fournissent en moyenne 14 à 27 heures de soins par semaine. Ces personnes consacrent d’innombrables heures de soins non rémunérés aux personnes qui en ont le plus besoin et leurs efforts sont souvent méconnus. Ils forment l’épine dorsale de notre système de soins de santé. Cette tâche n’est pas facile. Il est donc de la plus haute importance que leur précieuse contribution à la société soit reconnue et soutenue.

Lauren Bates, présidente de la Coalition des aidantes et aidants naturels de l’Ontario, a déclaré : ” Les aidant.es naturels non rémunérés de l’Ontario sont essentiels au bien-être de leurs proches et constituent l’épine dorsale du système de soins de santé de l’Ontario, souvent au détriment de leur propre santé, de leur bien-être et de leurs finances. Reconnaître le travail essentiel des aidant.es naturel est un pas important vers le soutien de tout ce qu’ils et qu’elles font”.

Il y a quatorze ans, le Parlement du Canada a adopté à l’unanimité une motion déclarant le premier mardi d’avril “Journée du travail invisible”. Cette journée a été désignée pour reconnaître l’importance du travail non rémunéré “invisible” effectué par les parents et les aidants naturels au nom de leurs enfants et des membres vieillissants de la famille, ainsi que le travail bénévole effectué dans la communauté.

La CANO rassemble les aidantes et aidants non rémunérés et les organisations qui les soutiennent, notamment la Société Alzheimer de l’Ontario, Parkinson Canada, Sclérose en Plaques Canada, l’Association ontarienne de soutien communautaire, Soins à domicile Ontario et beaucoup d’autres.