4. Improvement of the Capacity and Resources of our Public Health Care System to Deal with Such Issues as Staff Levels, Workloads and Wait Times

With full labour involvement multi-stakeholder studies determine appropriate minimum staff levels (such as 3.5 hours per resident in nursing homes and homes for the aged). Staff levels should reflect not only the numbers of staff but appropriate classifications and qualifications of staff to ensure that patients receive the care that is appropriate to their needs.
With full labour involvement the government develop strategies to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of needed workers in every sector of health care.

The McGuinty government must commit itself to establishing required minimum staff levels by the end of the year for all health care sectors. They must also commit to providing the necessary resources to attain and retain these agreed upon staff levels.

Based on the situation in long term care facilities, there must be mandatory reporting and monitoring of staff levels rather than a “voluntary compliance” model to ensure the proper use of government monies.  We also need public accountability by institutions to their residents/patients and to the wider community.  Also missing and needed are effective whistle blower rights and protections for workers seeking to challenge inappropriate actions by their employer. 

5. To Recognize and Positively Address the Broad Determinates of Health

Our public health care system must be seen as a valuable social asset that is an integral part of our society. The links must be made between the importance of broad determinants of health such as safe and secure employment, a decent income, good housing and a social safety net as preventive measures whose presence has a positive impact on our individual health now and in the future. Our public health care system must have both the ability and the sensitivity to work with Ontarians with particular needs.

6. To Improve the Capacity to Evolve Our Public Health Care System To Address Issues Not Currently Part of the System Such as Home Care, Pharmacare, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Dental And Vision Care Programs

The McGuinty government shows political leadership on the national scene to protect and enhance the Canada Health Act.

The McGuinty government acknowledges the true drivers of health care costs such as the cost of drugs and become a strong advocate for effective pharmacare programs at the federal and provincial levels.

Abandon the competitive bidding model in home care and establish a public home care system based on the model found in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Enact a Retirement Homes Act to serve and protect Ontarians who use these institutions.

Build a health care system firmly rooted in democratic principles where the decision-making process is open and transparent and fully involves and addresses the needs of communities, patients/residents and health care workers.

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