QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP MPP Lisa Gretzky (Windsor West) has tabled Bill 117, The ACCESS (Assistance for Care, Commuting and Essential Specialized Services) Act, which will be debated in the legislature later this evening.
“No one should have to choose between paying their bills or getting to a medical appointment,” said Gretzky. “Ontarians are already exhausted, stressed, and worried about their health. The last thing they should be worrying about is whether they can afford the trip to get that care.”
ADDITIONAL QUOTES:
“The cost of travelling for required healthcare should never be a barrier to getting the care you need. No one should have to worry about how they’ll afford gas, accommodations, or other travel expenses when they’re already dealing with a health issue. Every Ontarian deserves access to the care they need, regardless of where they live or what they earn.”
Catherine McKenney, NDP MPP for Ottawa Centre
"One of the most import responsibilities of the Minister of Health is to make sure every Ontarian has equitable access to health care services. The cost of travel is a huge barrier to overcome for many people. Bill 117 would help make health care services more accessible."
France Gélinas, NDP MPP for Nickel Belt
"Your postal code shouldn’t change your ability to access healthcare. Too many Ontarians are having to reach into their own pockets just to pay for the travel expenses to get the specialist care they need. The ACCESS Act is a step towards closing that gap and ensuring that every Ontarian has access to the care that they need.”
Robin Lennox, NDP MPP for Hamilton Centre
Background:
- This Bill aims to help those who are forced to travel long distances just to get the specialist medical care they need that is not available in their local communities.
- MPP Gretzky's bill would push the government to establish a program that helps cover healthcare related travel costs for Ontarians who have no choice but to leave their community to access specialist appointments, treatments, or procedures not available locally.